Ford? Chev? Dodge?

imagine · 07-30-2005, 02:29 PM

Which truck in your oppinion gives the best mileage (diesel)? I have a 5.7 chev that gets 19 to 20 mpgs without the 16ft ccd bambi, but with it I get about 12mpg. I have a 2004 chev ext cab. Also thinking that if I get a new truck, would like to have a larger fuel tank. You can only get a 27 gal on the the chev ext cab, short bed. Would be nice to get better mileage, and not have to stop as often for gas.

sarmimi · 07-30-2005, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imagine

Which truck in your oppinion gives the best mileage (diesel)?

Here's a recent thread discussing diesels, mileage, pros & cons, etc.:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=17493

Pahaska · 07-30-2005, 02:49 PM

I have Airstream friends with recent Dodge and Ford diesels. My Duramax seems to give the best mileage by a small amount, but they are all very close and individual driving habits may come into play. The current Duramax and Cummins are so close in specs to be a wash. The Ford claims more hp, but has a lot less torque and that is what is important in towing.

I will say that I am completely sold on the Duramax/Allison combination and wouldn't trade for either of their trucks although I have the older Duramax and their trucks are newer..

Tarheel · 07-30-2005, 06:58 PM

Auto or stick, 4spd, 5spd or 6spd 4x4 or 2 wd 3.54 3.70 4.10 rear end. Go with the one you like the best its too little difference to make a difference. The Duramax/ Allison is the best in my book but I don't want it I want the Cummins 6spd.

imagine · 07-30-2005, 07:31 PM

If it is to close call, I do like the On/Star that I have on my 2004 half ton. I like the fact that if something were to happen out in the boon docks, they can send help to your exact location using GPS. Mine also has the XM radio,,, and I coulden't live without it!! (I do know that you can rig it up in all the trucks now.
Wife works for the BNSF railroad, and has for 29 years. We get a huge discount because it is a supplier. On my 2004, it was below invoice, less 500 rebate, and 0 percent interest rate. So I got into my 2004 right. I am just wondering with my 16ft bambi, if its worth the trade. I do know we travel over the mountains a lot here in Ca, and it does bog down, and I have heard the diesel handle it well. Do any of the 3 major trucks have a altitude adjustment? In other words gives less fuel when up high? I know my goldwing motorcycle does and it great. Never bogs down, and atcually gets better milage due to less fuel sent to carbs.

uwe · 07-30-2005, 07:44 PM

imagine,

I've crossed the Rockies twice towing a 6000lb loaded Tradewind with my 1997 5.7 Vortech Chevrolet Suburban, 3:73 rear axle. I believe the axle is key in your case. You have plenty of power and truck for a 16ft trailer. The Suburban performed with excellence!
All trucks bog down, more or less, when going over teh mountains.
I wished for more power only above 7000ft, where the air gets thin and the engine loses major horsepower and torque due to breathing issues, much like it's operator, me!
But then, how many times will you be towing this high, and for how long?
I'd say check your axle ratio.
Happy motoring!

Tarheel · 07-30-2005, 08:56 PM

My 92 Dodge Cummins had its handsfull pulling through the CO mnts but it made it pulling the 34' loaded. The combined rig weighs 17700 lbs. I've got a 3.54 rear end and oversize tires and would have loved to have had more horsepower, but I never went backwards and it never overheated. The big block chevys pulled away as did the new powerstrokes, but we all got to the campground at the same time.

genearnold · 07-30-2005, 10:55 PM

]I love my Dodge Cummins, but with the extra cost for the diesel engine option as well as the extra per gallon price of fuel I don’t think I’d go diesel to pull the light load you’re towing.

I pulled my ’69 International 31’ for sixteen years with a 6.2 liter Chevy diesel. I pulled mostly in the mid-west but took it over the Rockies several times. Didn’t go fast, but it got me over. I pulled my 34’ Limited for two seasons with a 5.7 Chevy ½ Ton. It also got me there when called upon, but the 8400# was really too much for it, hence the Cummins.

However, when its all said and done, some people love the ?romance? of the diesel. If that’s the case, go for it. I haven’t had any experience with either the Duramax or Power-stroke but I sure do like my Cummins.

Gene