Chevy 2500HD MPG

[Bobo]

Looking at a used Chevy 2500HD PU for an upgrade as a TV. Since the main use of this truck is a commute vehicle, What can I expect for a MPG on a normal basis. The truck is 2WD, 6.0 motor, 4 speed auto with a 4.10 RA . I know the new models for 2007 have made improvements for better mileage but at $33,000 a pop, it's out of my league. Anyone out there having this set up, what do you get and any problems to look for?

Thanx

Bobo

[mbart5fan]

Bobo,

Mine is an '06 4x4, EC, 6.0, 4.10 and I get 14.5-15.5 mixed city/highway driving. Towing around the Adirondacks is 9-9.5. I'm very light on the throttle to get that mileage, clean air filter and synthetic oil also has helped. A heavier foot on the throttle will reduce mpg considerably. I tow a T-289SR with no problems at all. Steep long grades will cause it to drop to 2nd gear and increase fuel consumption, but it gets the job done nicely.

Mike

[JohnB]

Bobo

I do not have the Silverado, but do have the 6.0/4.10 in a 2003 K2500 Suburban.

The GCWR on that engine/rear axle is 16,000# regardless in the PU or SUV. The PU can pull more as the truck is lighter to start with.

My T2499 without water, loaded ready to go camping with the Suburban is 14,040# GCW. So I have another 1,960# in reserve for fresh water and a little more gear and not be at max pulling on the truck.

The engine /rear axle does well here on the east coast. If you are going out west at 8,000' a lot, well it will be pulling harder. That is the laws of physics (air injection actually)

Burning 87 octane, towing 60 MPH, 3rd gear, Tow haul on, Quadrasteer in tow haul:

I get 8.5 to 9.5 mph towing. The best I got was 10.0 on a wind pushing me. She purrs up and down the hills of Ohio barley ever shifting down to 2nd and then only to crest the hill.

Around town empty, I get 12 to 13 MPG. Combo city and highway to work. All highway I get 15 MPG.

Like mbart5fan said, do not get a heavy foot. If you stomp that 4.10 rear end, she will kick up her heals and go. And so will the gas gage…. Nurse it until she shifts out of 1st gear and then you will do better on gas MPG. Yes you have to learn how to sort of drive again. But after a few days it becomes natural. Running around on a 3.73 ratio you never noticed it until you get the 4.10’s. Then you have to notice it or pay dearly at the pump. For towing, hands down the 4.10 is the way to go over the 3.73. The 3.73 is good, but the 4.01 is truly better.

That truck will do your camper well and have some reserve. Don't know if you have the Crew cab/ Ext cab or regular cab. If you’re on the regular cab, your T2499 hooked to that 130" wheel base will look like my rig. See below. The std cab, 8 foot bed is 133" in the 2500HD

[kanyonkitty]

Here's a pic of the 2499 behind a shortbed crew cab. It's a F-350, but still looks similiar.

Good luck, Kitty

[img][/img]

[Bobo]

After considering your input and what I've dug up, I will probably go with a half ton, 5.3 motor and 3.73 RA. It's better than the 4.8 with 3.42 RA that I am currently using. I run a full synthetic motor oil and a K&N high flow air filter, so that helps a little. The T-2499 pulls with no problem on the flats but the tranny, even with the tow/haul on still drops down on grades and won't touch fourth gear until 60 MPH.

The thing that I worry about is that I feel a tugging sensation as I tow. Don't know if this could be the shocks starting to wear (OEM with 70,000 on them) or a strain on the drivetrain. Anyone out there got a suggestion or clue?

I'll just take it easy until I can afford to upgrade the TV. Have to alleve myself of a payment book first before I take on another.

Thanx everyone

Bobo

[Tweety]

Kitty, I am confused by the picture. Doesn't a 2499 have 2 doors? and the front window configuration looks different.

[Sunline Fan]

Pam, I think Kitty got the twin bed option up front, so she lost the front door.

Jon

[kanyonkitty]

Pam,

Jon is correct. I have the twin bed option, which deleted the door and also changed the type of window installed. Being single, I opted for the twins, that way "IF" I have a guest along, they will have their own bed, in place of the sofa. I have an unusual Sunline!! Aluminum roof, generator, etc.

Kitty

[Galaxiedriver]

Another fuel dollar saving tip. A few months ago I researched the use of ethanol and various octane fuels for an article for The Ford Galaxie Gazette. It was a great learning experience for me.

Use the octane recomended by your vehicle manufacturer and keep the vehicle tuned up. Higher octane fuel will not get you better fuel economy, it will not get you more power, it will not make your vehicle faster. All using higher than recomended octane will get you is a thinner wallet.....if your engine is properly tuned. Contrary to most advertisements, higher octane has but one function and that is to minimize knock and pinging. If you do not have a knock or pinging problem, using higher octane fuel will get you nothing so save your money for something fun.

Avoid the use of ethanol fuels unless your vehicle is designed for it. Here, some gas stations sell 87 and 89 octane for the same price, but the 89 has 10% ethanol. Ethanol gets approximately 20 to 30 % poorer fuel economy than gasoline, so spending the same money for the 89 plus corn liquor will result in less gas mileage and higher cost per mile than the 87.

Paul