subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

OK. I'll do that. I admit, I mainly want a taller tire for looks. These 2500s just seem like gorillas on tricycles to me.

I think I know what you guys are talking about. With the gear change I expect to lose some of that throw you back in the seat, pull a house sensation.

But, again my father in law has a Dodge 2500, w 3.54s, 31.6" tires (1" taller than my 245/75/16s), the same NV4500, and a Hemi. I'm assuming the 6.0 makes similar power (all be it maybe less low end). So I'm assuming it will drive similarly. I'm hoping it also gets 20 plus mpg empty on the highway like the Dodge. For that I'm willing to give up a little of that powerful feeling.

25006.0

I agree the hd's look funny with the 245's or I would put them back on mine.I would have to check the mpg's myself to believe that a hemi or a 6.0 or any gasser 3/4 ton got 20mpg's.The new 6.2 with 6l80e might get closer to it.I'm sure with your 5 speed you will get closer than I ever will though.

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

I think 20 mpg is possible. I got 16.5 one tank and 17.5 mpg on a tank bringing it back from Florida (were I purchased it via ebay). That was bone stock, at 70 mph. I think the 2wd and manual trans help out a lot here. I think the gears will help, but not sure the taller tires will as they are wider and heavier...

Slowing down helps big time as well. It was worth 2-3 mpg slowing from 75 to 70 w my old Dakota. Same proved true w this on the way home from FL. If I had the patience to drive 65 or even 55 I wonder what I could get. But I don't have that kind of patience. It's all I can do to slow from my old 75 cruise to 70.

A steady cruise speed also matters. The 1st tank coming through Florida where I had to stop at tolls (it seemed every mile or 2) I got 12.4 then 14.5 mpg. The good gas mileage came in flat states w I-pass tolls.

_zebra

iTrader: (5)

2wd definitely helps, but the manual trans don't do much for you on the highway. 5th gear is 0.73:1 while the 4L80 has a 0.75:1, so the gearing difference is almost negligible. bigger tires will decrease your mileage a bit in town as they are heavier & create more resistance due to the bigger contact patch - all requiring more power to get moving.

zrultima

well first of all if ur pulling a 6000 lbs trailer u shouldnt be going 70mph that retarded of course ur mileage will suffer

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

I'm talking about going 70 empty. I am looking to increase my empty (no trailer) mileage. I presume the mileage while towing the camper is not savable.

BTW, I just used my 1st full tank pulling the RV. I got 9 mpg. Is that normal for a gas 2500? I'm hoping that isn't too bad. I must admit I did not drive for mileage. It was pretty hilly and I was on the interstate for 2/3 of it (60-65 mph). I'm guessing if I stuck to 55 I would have done better.

And yes, I know, a diesel would do better...

25006.0

9 mpg is about average towing

ap2002

iTrader: (8)

i've only pulled my TT once it weighs 6800lb empty, im pretty sure it was closer to 8k once it was loaded up and stuff.... i got 8mpg going 65-70mph, on the way back i drove 58-60mph and got around 10mpg....? ill be going to again in 2more weeks, im going to cruise at 55mph and see what i get, it seems that 55mph is the sweet spot for these trucks while pulling (according from what ive read on-line)...

zrultima

well me pulling about 5500 to 6000 trailer i get around 12mpg on my truck but i drive around 50 mph

05HD1500

When i pull my 31' TT i do about 62-63 puts me right at 2000RPM with my 4l80 and 35" tires. I get about 10.5 mpg with it about 7500lbs... with the 30 car hauler i get about 12.5...it only weighs 4500 ish lbs though