15 MPG Pulling a FC 25!

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

The best shot at getting 15 mpg will be with a BMW, Mercedes or Jeep (its coming) diesel SUV that has been set up by CanAm (or somebody else with the capability) to tow the Airstream of your choice.

Dan

Does CanAm have a US "equivelent?"

Do they modify the suspensions of the TVs? (generally).

[crisen]

Ok here is another useless tidbit quoted from Bosch Automotive handbook.

"On an average production vehicle, 10% reductions in weight,aerodynamic drag and in rolling resistance result in fuel-economy improvements of roughly, 6%, 3% and 2%, respectively."

So bottom line it is a long way to major fuel economy improvements on a existing vehicle, other than slowing down.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Skater

I didn't read the entire topic, but another option would be to consider mods that increase the power of the engine. Even with those mods, if you still drive efficiently, you should get better mileage. Probably not 50% better than what you have now, of course. But a better intake or exhaust, depending on how restrictive your current setup is, could get you a couple extra MPGs. Much cheaper than a new vehicle, too.

The problem with a performance exhaust is many of them drone continuously when towing, which is a real headache so you need to be careful picking one without the drone.

[Goin camping]

My $42K 07 Ford F250 Diesel 4X4 towed our 25 Airstream at 14.7 mpg.

It was traded for an $9K 2002 Chevy Suburban 4X4 with the 8.1 engine and their check. I get 11 towing. I figure it will take many years to eat up the check they gave us at 3.7 mpg.

[Phoenix]

I specified dual exhaust when I ordered our 2008 Tundra from the factory. Toyota selected pipes that are very slightly louder, but don't drone; and we are very happy with the option. However, in the real world, the factory duals do absolutely nothing to measurably increase horsepower, low-end torque, fuel economy or anything else; and about all they're good for is looking cool. So, for most people, my recommendation when shopping for a new TV is to save your money and skip this option.

The same goes for the "cold air intake", which we did not buy, that apparently triggers the "check engine light".

As far as options to improve torque, horsepower and/or economy, including aftermarket add-ons, our TV is "strictly stock". I would guess that if there was a way to do this without affecting long-term reliability, manufacturers would have already incorporated it in their designs.

[Denis4x4]

In the sixties, I was handling several racing equipment accounts and racers were using ramp trucksequipped with tool boxes and sleeper cabs. These trucks were equipped with 454, 440 and 460 engines. We took one truck and equipped the 454 with tube headers, an Offy intake and a torquer cam. Also did a cold air package and tweeked the carb. The results were astounding. Gas mileage almost doubled and there was plenty of power.

The point here is that it's possible to go backwards in order to make progress. There is plethora of aftermarket drive train equipment and you can buy a 300 HP crate motor with a 24 month warrantee for less than $4000.

I suspect that you could get an early seventies 3/4 ton tow vehicle and put $10,000 -$15,000 into and have a better chance of getting 15 MPG with cheap registration and insurance.

[Phoenix]

Obviously, I overlooked adding an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold, supercharger, twin turbochargers, tuned exhaust headers, Cherry Bombs, etc. -- I stand corrected.

(As an aside, if all of this was added, it would require great restraint to achieve any increase in fuel economy. I, for one, would probably have to keep open accounts with Discount Tire and Flying J to keep my rig on the road; not to mention getting a second on our house to pay for all of this.)

============

Above comments made in jest. Please do not take offense. My previous post referenced minor modifications that do require a significant cash outlay.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by Denis4x4

I suspect that you could get an early seventies 3/4 ton tow vehicle and put $10,000 -$15,000 into and have a better chance of getting 15 MPG with cheap registration and insurance.

Denis

No Thanks. After all that, you might get 15 mpg, but you might get only 10, 11 or 12. Your truck will be louder than the new ones, won't ride as well, won't stop as well because no ABS, won't handle as safely because, no vehicle stability control, inferior A/C, probably only a single cab, no 6 speed tranny and not as reliable. Now after all this, you may get 1k of your 10k investment back because nobody really wants it (including you).

All

I don't know of a USA equivalent to CanAm. If I were really serious about this now, I would talk to Andy, find the best TV and take it to him to have it modified to tow the Airstream of your choice.

Dan

[Big C]

Ah yes the diesel vs gas question once again. Just back from our trip from Texas to Alberta Ca 4552 miles.
While in Banff NP we camped next to a very nice full time couple from California. They had a very nice typical white box and a new chevy 6.0 gas tv. Trailer weighed out at 4800 loaded. He said his mileage was 6-8 when traveling in hill country Much better in flatlands.
Ours, over 6 grand loaded with a 350 Ford Diesel averaged 19 the entire trip.
Passed many a gas tv struggling up the hills in Wyoming and Montana on I 25 and I 90.
Have to say that we felt more comfortable/safe in our truck. Did we feel overly compensated, yes
Mileage varies...

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

No Thanks. After all that, you might get 15 mpg, but you might get only 10, 11 or 12. Your truck will be louder than the new ones, won't ride as well, won't stop as well because no ABS, won't handle as safely because, no vehicle stability control, inferior A/C, probably only a single cab, no 6 speed tranny and not as reliable. Now after all this, you may get 1k of your 10k investment back because nobody really wants it (including you).

Dan

I got a good chuckle out of that. I love the way my Suburban drives, the quietness, the ride, the ESC, the DIC, the folding seats, the features, the whole package is completely awesome, and I couldn't imagine going back to an old truck. On the "cool scale" it's the best I have ever owned.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

All the new big pickup diesels are wonderful trucks but they are god awful expensive (at least 50K), twice what I paid for my 08 Tundra.
Dan

Thats because they are 3X the truck.

[ElCamino Man]

^^ I was thinkin that but didnt say it lol

[ElCamino Man]

Originally Posted by Big C

Ah yes the diesel vs gas question once again. Just back from our trip from Texas to Alberta Ca 4552 miles.
While in Banff NP we camped next to a very nice full time couple from California. They had a very nice typical white box and a new chevy 6.0 gas tv. Trailer weighed out at 4800 loaded. He said his mileage was 6-8 when traveling in hill country Much better in flatlands.
Ours, over 6 grand loaded with a 350 Ford Diesel averaged 19 the entire trip.
Passed many a gas tv struggling up the hills in Wyoming and Montana on I 25 and I 90.
Have to say that we felt more comfortable/safe in our truck. Did we feel overly compensated, yes
Mileage varies...

What year is your truck? Must notta been the 6.0 or 7.3 lol

[AtomicNo13]

Just wanted to post some numbers.
From my last fillip of 42 gallons of regular unleaded, I traveled 662 miles on mixed terrain, sunny day, 60 MPH.
My odometer and gps were within a mile. Quick math says that's close to 15 mpg. My AS is a 34, moderately loaded full of water, no waste..

Happy with this.

[Denis4x4]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

Denis

No Thanks. After all that, you might get 15 mpg, but you might get only 10, 11 or 12. Your truck will be louder than the new ones, won't ride as well, won't stop as well because no ABS, won't handle as safely because, no vehicle stability control, inferior A/C, probably only a single cab, no 6 speed tranny and not as reliable. Now after all this, you may get 1k of your 10k investment back because nobody really wants it (including you).
Dan

1. Loudness is determined by muffler choice
2. Firestone air ride available as are numerous shock/spring combos
3. Aftermarket 4 wheel disk brake kits with ABS about a grand
4. Just installed vintage air in my 60 T-Bird that is as good as my wife's factory air in a Chrysler T&C
5. Six speed transmissions can be ordered with specific gear ratios
6. Aftermarket EFI on an efficient manifold will help get the 15 MPG.

Throw in some European buckets with a killer sound system and you have a tow truck that will be cheap to insure and register.

Think outside the box

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

Just wanted to post some numbers.
From my last fillip of 42 gallons of regular unleaded, I traveled 662 miles on mixed terrain, sunny day, 60 MPH.
My odometer and gps were within a mile. Quick math says that's close to 15 mpg. My AS is a 34, moderately loaded full of water, no waste..

Happy with this.

What TV is that?

[AtomicNo13]

2001 Excursion xlt 4wd. Stock everything but a K&N air filter.
I also use all synthetic oils.... nothing fancy.

[ALANSD]

Originally Posted by ElCamino Man

^^^ Thats what I was about to say lol. V10s are notoriously gas hogs. Iv honestly never heard of a v10 getting 15 empty...

My 2000 V10 gets 12 or so pulling a 26' at 60 MPH average. I have seen as much as 18MPG not towing on highway speeds with 3 or 4 people inside.
It runs on regular too.

I pulled a 31 Excella for awhile and got almost the same mileage but the start off the line was a little slower.

If Ford put the V10 gasser in an F250 it would be a great tow vehicle.

[Garfield]

I get about 12MPG with my V6 Traverse when towing, and average 18/23 when solo. Nothing remarkable compared to a diesel, but then I only paid $26K for it (8-month old w/20k miles). Anything that gets better mileage wasn't worth the price considering how little we tow. When buying a vehicle the only thing I look at is (1) does it meet my needs and (2) the total cost of ownership. For me that immediately eliminates anything new or anything that has a turbo or diesel in it.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by Denis4x4

1. Loudness is determined by muffler choice
2. Firestone air ride available as are numerous shock/spring combos
3. Aftermarket 4 wheel disk brake kits with ABS about a grand
4. Just installed vintage air in my 60 T-Bird that is as good as my wife's factory air in a Chrysler T&C
5. Six speed transmissions can be ordered with specific gear ratios
6. Aftermarket EFI on an efficient manifold will help get the 15 MPG.

Throw in some European buckets with a killer sound system and you have a tow truck that will be cheap to insure and register.

Think outside the box

You have the fun and satisfaction of building that truck yourself, simple as an airstream trailer and you can fix it yourself.