What should I expect in MPG while towing my RV

turkeybird56 · May 13, 2023

THERE U go OP, receiving great information from knowledgeable folks that set up their hitches and tow, way BEYOND my basic knowledge.

ADDED: Not to sound facetious, OP, but glad U were smart enuf to come in for some good information, instead of relying on salesman, just a saying.

WHITE KNUCKLE driving Sucks !!!!!

OldManEdge · May 14, 2023

Yes indeed! I just wished that I had a larger gas tank than the 23 gallons. If I average 9 MPG, I'll need to stop for gas refill every 2 1/2 hours.

quickster2 · May 14, 2023

mtnrider said:
It's not just the weight, it's the wind resistance that is going to get you. Not sure how big this camper is but I'd plan on sub ~10mpg for sure. Realistically probably about ~8 but there are variables...

.

Frontal area is worse on mileage than weight in many cases. I have a 21' enclosed double axle trailer that is relatively low profile. I get 12 to 13 MPG loaded. I just sold a single axle enclosed that was a foot taller and 6" wider. Driving the same 1000 mile round trip route only get 8.5 to 9.5 MPG. That single axle really affected the Durango GT Plus even worse than the Ram. Luckily, the market is good I sold it for $750 more than I paid for it 2.5 years ago. Some vehicles like the Durango have a frontal load rating as part of the tow specs.

turkeybird56 · May 14, 2023

OldManEdge said:
Yes indeed! I just wished that I had a larger gas tank than the 23 gallons. If I average 9 MPG, I'll need to stop for gas refill every 2 1/2 hours.

U got that famed E torque stuff, LOL. I had a 23 gallon, but on my 19, which was one of the first built Gen 5's, built in April 2018, I got the Optional 26 gallon tank installed, wish I had the 33.

Straight VVT here, no friggin 48V system, not fer dis BOIRD yet, until I get to the point no choice. BUT I will run this HEMI till the wheels fall off, and glue them back on with Gorilla Glue, if I have to and run it some more.

turkeybird56 · May 14, 2023

OP: Honestly, U got a Big Hemi truck, maybe 3:21 rear, truck not known for great towing mpg, just not built for it,. TQ HP on the high side of the power band. If U want towing pizazz MPG, U gonna have to go up to a 2500 Diesel to get good mileage. Staying gasser if U only tow occasionally be easier, but all on your needs.

David James · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Depends on wind direction, drag of your rig in the truck, gearing, terrain and how gentle you are on the gas. Take your usual unladen and divide by “2”. That’s a reasonably general expectation.

Snow Wanderer · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

I have a 2019 RAM Limited 1500 and tow a 1972, 25' vintage Airstream Trade Wind Land Yacht. I average 12 to 13 miles per gallon and very rarely ever go above 60 mph. It tows so well, it does feel as if anything is back there... but towing any travel or utility trailer above 60 mph can become problematic with little, if any, warning.

jimmyfjk · May 15, 2023

if you are 4x4 depending on your gear ratio and rv design (meaning wind resistance) expect maybe 6-8 mpg max. if not a 4x4 7-9.

gbech · May 15, 2023

I have a 33' Cougar Ultralight (6930ish lbs Loaded) - Typically at 60 I get 12-14, 65-70 I Get 10-12. Took a 280 mile trip to the mountains and averages 8.4

Lainey · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

I have a 2007 1500 5.7 hemi 4x4 Laramie. I tow a 34 ft travel trailer with a GVWR of 8600 lbs and dry weight of 6485 lbs. Generally overall traveling at 60-62mph I get between 8.9 to 9.5 mpg. Always use your tow button and set your trailer brakes which should be on your dashboard. Unless you are boondocking with your trailer, you really don't have to fill up your fresh water tank (I don't). Do not overload your trailer beyond GVWR. Check your trailer tires for year and what brand they are. So called "china bombs" will blow out.

wwest · May 15, 2023

2019 Tradesmen 1500 gas with 6000# 26' Airstream I was getting 12-13mpg, and
2022 Longhorn 2500 diesel with 9,000# 30' Airstream I get 14-15mpg. Never go over the speed limit nor do I poke along ...just stay in right lane except to pass. I have to keep reminding myself it is back there.

Jane S · May 15, 2023

I just drove Phoenix to Buena Vista, co 700 miles towing a 31ft TT with Ram 2500 4.10 gears

$332 Total - full tank to full tank

4.50 avg mid grade gas - guess

74 gallons

9.4 mpg

I didn't go above 65 mph because the route is hilly in most places and I'm not in a rush.

Temps ranged in the 90 to 70s.

MPG is greately affected by air temp - hot better - and wind.

Use 9mpg for estimating your costs.

CaptOchs · May 15, 2023

I'd guess somewhere between 9-12 depending on how you tow and other factors. My new camper has a more rounded front profile which helps. Obviously speed too. My dad dropped to 55 mph when we towed out west last year when gas prices were through the roof. Even little things like tire pressure help. I like to use cruise control too.

kollie01 · May 15, 2023

I have 1 2022 2500 long bed 6.4L and get 9-10 when towing a 36' fifth wheel. That's why I got the 50 gallon tank.

Jeff Strader · May 15, 2023

Mileage while towing?.....hahahahahahahaha!!!!

boblonben · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Keep it under 70mph and you will get 13, go over it will drop fast yo 9 or so. Use tow/haul setting.

ICHILLU · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Funny how so many people have an opinion about this question, and without asking enough information about your truck...
First...
Trailer weighs 5,200 lbs. - What kind of RV Trailer?
5th Wheel? Travel Trailer? How Big / Length?
Engine is a 5.7L - and assuming an 8 speed transmission...
What size Rims & Tires?
What rear end gear ratio? (3.55 or 3.92)

I have pulled a 27 ft 9,000 lb 5th wheel for 6 years with a 1500 / 5.7L / 8 speed/ 3.92 gear for both short and long trips... I typically average 12 - 14 miles / gal depending on road speed and amount of hills to climb...

OldManEdge · May 15, 2023

ICHILLU said:
Funny how so many people have an opinion about this question, and without asking enough information about your truck...
First...
Trailer weighs 5,200 lbs. - What kind of RV Trailer?
5th Wheel? Travel Trailer? How Big / Length?
Engine is a 5.7L - and assuming an 8 speed transmission...
What size Rims & Tires?
What rear end gear ratio? (3.55 or 3.92)

I have pulled a 27 ft 9,000 lb 5th wheel for 6 years with a 1500 / 5.7L / 8 speed/ 3.92 gear for both short and long trips... I typically average 12 - 14 miles / gal depending on road speed and amount of hills to climb...

It's a camper trailer, 28ft long. 3.21 Rear axle ratio. 18inch rims, 275/65R18 BSW AS LRR Tires...? 8 Speed Auto 8HP75 TRANS. GVW Rating 7,100#.

thipp · May 15, 2023

I recently towed a 28' 5,500 lb Travel trailer to Canada and back to Arizona. On the way there I was keeping up with the speed limits and got 5-8mpg. I checked with a performance shop in Canada to see if there was anything I could do to improve my mileage and the guy told me to stop driving with the speedometer and use the Tach instead. Apparently 5.7L Hemi's run optimally between 1500 and 2000 rpm. I drove using the Tach back to AZ. and got 9-13 mpg. Sometimes I was just maintaining the minimum speed limit, but the mpg difference was a fair payoff. My next step is to install and air diffuser to kick the airflow up and over the trailer to see if this adds 2-3 mpg. Stay tuned!

Rodney Belair · May 15, 2023

OldManEdge said:
I have a 2021 RAM 1500 5.7 V-8 HEMI. I recently purchase a RV Camper to tow with my RAM. I was wondering what sort of gas mileage would I expect to get while towing? The camper dry weight is 5,200lbs. Any ideas and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

I have a 2017 with 3.21 gears, I got 7 hauling a 30-footer with 2 slides. 3 adults and 2 big dogs!

What should I expect in MPG while towing my RV

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