Daily driver insight

[wrench78]

So, I'm just thinking ahead. I don't know anything about diesel engines. I'm curious how the diesel engines are as a daily driver. I have a 30mile round trip daily drive to work. I tow a 6900 camper about once a month. What is an average MPG on diesel?

 

[nlambert182]

That's a loaded question, but physically they work fine as a daily driver. Been daily driving one for almost 2 decades.

Fuel mpg is reasonable. I average about 18-18.5 mpg empty but where the diesel shines is mpg when towing. It's quite a bit better than gas. However, for your intended use a diesel isn't remotely necessary and I wouldn't recommend it. The emissions systems are finicky on these truck and they don't like a lot of empty trips. Honestly, 6,900 lbs is nothing behind a diesel and probably isn't towing heavy enough often enough to properly work the system. They need a load behind them to allow a proper regen to clear out the DPF. Emissions failures can be expensive.

If you just want a bit bigger truck I would recommend a 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi.

 

[crash68]

I have a 30mile round trip daily drive to work. I tow a 6900 camper about once a month. What is an average MPG on diesel?

Depends on which platform. As mentioned above a 6900 camper behind a Cummins, it won't know it's behind it and that a lot of engine to warm up for a short drive to/from work daily. There's also the rougher ride while unloaded and the trucks are nose heavy which makes even normal driving on soft dirt/mud require 4X4
Behind a 1500 with an EcoDiesel wouldn't have any problems pulling the trailer and depending on how you drive the fuel economy towing will be close to what the average Hemi does just driving (not towing).
I typically see 26-28mpg in the summer with my EcoD (4X4 w/6.4 bed 3.92), drops to 23-24mpg in the winter and depending on the trailer 14-15mpg with the 8K lbs 28' trailer to 20-22mpg with the 3300 lbs 18' boat.

 

[wrench78]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I was doing some research last night and found similar talk about the emissions causing problems on a short heat soak. Thank you all for the extra knowledge.

 

[06 Dodge]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I was doing some research last night and found similar talk about the emissions causing problems on a short heat soak. Thank you all for the extra knowledge.

My 22 sees about that kinds of miles when I drive it and it has survived very well now that I make sure to give it a longer 25 mile one way drive every 10 days or so...

 

[nlambert182]

But how many miles are on it? A lot of them (like mine) do tend to hold out ok but that 100k-120k mark seems to be where they start showing out.

 

[huntergreen]

Cmm

But how many miles are on it? A lot of them (like mine) do tend to hold out ok but that 100k-120k mark seems to be where they start showing ou

Which engine ?

 

[nlambert182]

6.7 Cummins.

I've never avoided the emissions issues. My normal commute is ~24 miles one way twice per day 5 days per week. Mostly interstate at 70-80 mph. Then twice a month towing campers to campsites ranging from 40-400 miles away.

I've towed travel trailers, 11k lb fifth wheels, up to 16.5k lb fifth wheels from Kentucky to Florida and everywhere inbetween and still end up with the same issue eventually. It's just part of owning a newer diesel. For my particular driving style, the mileage I mentioned is when I see the problems. I plan for a resolution in advance.

Your mileage may vary. There's really no set mileage for them to fail. What I will say though.... in cooler temps (70F<) my Cummins is just reaching full operating temps when I get to work.

 

[ppine]

I am a hyper miler and pay attention to fuel economy. I get around 21 mpg driving around the valley, 13.8 towing a 29 foot trailer and around 23 on the open road with cruise control.

 

[miketx]

MPG is extremely variable. I get about 19 mpg on the hwy @ 75 mph (can go over 20 with the right conditions), and 17 in the city, and about 11 when towing my 24ft 7k camper at 68 mph. This is VERY typical mileage for a diesel....especially one that has offroad tires like my Rebel Cummins. Towing is highly variable depending upon the height/width of the trailer. My camper is 11ft tall, so it presents a big wind block. Shorter campers will do better on mpg, even if they weigh more.
My old camper was 9 ft tall and only 3500 lbs, but then I put a lift on the axle (just 2") and I lost 1-2 mpg due to wind resistance...this was with my old Ram 1500 5.7. You can't beat the laws of physics.