sushidog
Abita Springs, LA
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Joined: 08/02/2007
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Mikeyxx wrote:I find that if I use the smallest vehicle I can get away with towing, I get the best mileage. I have a choice between a large Chevy 2500 or a smaller car to tow my 26ft trailer. If I'm not planning on hills I use the smaller vehicle. WAAAY better on gas.
When I need to purchase a new vehicle, I'll get a better tow vehicle (more powerful) but not overdo it.
I agree. The only thing I'll add is to reduce the size/frontal area of your trailer to match your smaller TV for best results. On last years vacation, I averaged 22.7 mpg towing a 1,700lb Aliner with a 4 cly Chevy Cobalt SS through the Arkansas mountains. It climbed steep grades with ease, handled and stopped great too. It was a very enjoyable trip, allowing us to stay within out tight budget. We drove over 1,500 miles and camped for 7 days at mostly state parks w/hookups and easily stayed within our $1,000 budget - eating steak, taking in the attractions, and living like a king and queen!
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Kajtek1
CA
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Joined: 12/04/2002
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My 340 HP Mercedes SUV got 11-12 mpg while towing 4000 lb Airstream trailer at 60 mph.
My 230 HP Ford Powerstroke flatbed gets about 9 mpg at this speed when empty.
Pessimist sees dark tunnel, optimist sees a light at the end, realist sees lights of coming train.Engineer sees 3 idiots on the tracks.
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lakedawgs
Beech Grove, IN
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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Good stuff, thanks for all the info. This is what I was looking for, a bunch of folks basically saying the same thing.
Although, as I type this there is a banner ad on this page "Double Any Vehicles MPG! Secret Technology THEY Want to Ban! Only $50"
How can I go wrong for $50? 
Thanks,
Lakedawgs
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab LB 4X4
2000 Skyline Nomad 248lt TT
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Btravelen
N. IL
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Joined: 04/22/2001
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Yea. Unbelievable...........
2000 Ford Excursion V10 (SOLD) 2005 Exc. 6.0L PSD, 2wd, 3.73LS, Air Lifts with Load Controller II, towing '00 31SKS Holiday Rambler Alumascape with a '01 Hensley.
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kckettridge
Northern California
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Joined: 02/16/2006
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Lakedawgs...don't fall for a $50 (or whatever) gimmick that claims it can double your mileage or give you (unrealistic) mileage. Most of those things are just a .25 cent Radio Shack resistor that fools the ECU into thinking it's running (colder/hotter/leaner) etc. and compensates for it. They don't work. Just ask anyone on those forums I linked you to or a good reputable mechanic. They will all tell you the same. The only "chips" that are work (but are expensive) are the SuperChips or the JetChip. I have the JetChip I bought off e-bay and what a difference it made in power and mileage. I get the mileage when I'm not towing and "hot dogging" it and the power when I'm towing. Although it did bump my towing mileage up by 1.2 MPG. I'm not going to complain about that. As you may know, Dodge was never known for their "economy" so every little bit helps.
Good Luck!
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JCR-1
Crystal River, Florida
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Joined: 09/30/2007
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Mikeyxx wrote:I find that if I use the smallest vehicle I can get away with towing, I get the best mileage. I have a choice between a large Chevy 2500 or a smaller car to tow my 26ft trailer. If I'm not planning on hills I use the smaller vehicle. WAAAY better on gas.
When I need to purchase a new vehicle, I'll get a better tow vehicle (more powerful) but not overdo it.
What kind of car tows a 26 footer??
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rlc323
Illinois
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Joined: 04/29/2006
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I added a cold air intake and a Gibson dual exhaust to the AV. Not much change in the mileage. Matter of fact the first week I got terrible mileage, every time leaving a stop sign I had to punch the accelerator to hear that new louder sound. DW said that I am 48 going on 18!
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z-71
2002 Trail Lite 8261
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johnthecamper
Grapevine, Texas
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Joined: 02/08/2008
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On a stock TV the main things you can do are drive slower, keep tires at correct pressure and change the air filter on schedule.
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The Logans
West Virginia
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Joined: 05/22/2005
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Well, as others have said... slow down. Pull at highway speeds using your Tach rather than your speedometer. If I go over 2,000 RPM, I lose about 2MPG. Never, EVER use fuel with ethenol in it. It lowers your mileage, and reduces available power. We get about 1.5 MPG less if the fuel has ethenol in it.
Proper tire inflation, and a clean air filter.
Me, My wonderful Wife, 2 Newfies (Molly and Shandie) & 2 Mixes (Max and Sam)
05 Jayco Jay Flight 25RKS
05 Ford F150 4 X 4 Super Crew - 5.4 and 3.73
Aux Oil and Transmission Coolers & Trailer Tow Package
Reese WD Hitch & Dual Cam SC - Prodigy Controller
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Btravelen
N. IL
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Joined: 04/22/2001
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Good luck finding ANY gasoline w/o ethanol in it. Since MTBE was outlawed, the only oxygenator (I believe) is 10% ethanol.
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