ericp

We have a 2011 Silverado 1500 4WD Ext cab LT, the so-called "All Star Edition" with 5.3L V8, 6 spd auto, 3.42 rear end, with the trailering package including trailer brake controller and 10K-lb hitch and HD cooling package. According to the manual the maximum trailer weight rating is 9600 lbs.

We are looking at travel trailers in the 27-ft+ range. One in particular is 31 ft and has a gross weight (not empty weight) rating of 7800 lbs. We hope to keep it under 8000 lbs gross.

I'm hoping that there is some one on this forum reading this note that has a roughly similar setup and can tell me what I can expect for performance and especially fuel mileage. We currently have a 1991 Winnebago Warrior Class C motorhome on a V-6 Toyota chassis that we have had for 10-12 years and so we are accustomed to rigs that won't get out of their own way. I'm happy with having to hug the granny lane at under, say, 60 mph to keep things within reasonable temperature ranges (that's our personal speed limit with the Toyota and it seems to work OK most of the time). What I'm hoping is that we can achieve reasonable fuel mileage while doing it, otherwise we'll need to forget the whole thing and keep what we have.

So... can any of you give me some MPG figures with and without the trailer in tow?

Thanks...

Rick in NH

basilkies

I have a similar rig and my mileage goes down to 9 mpg when I tow a 2200 pound boat and trailer on two lane country 45mph roads.

tsduke

That's terrible. Something isn't right there. I got 18+ pulling my 8' popup the only time I pulled it on way to trade it in. I'd guess is was at least 1500#'s. Now I have a 24' hybrid camper and get around 10mpg. Give or take depending on wind.

What do you get for mpg with empty truck?

mrnoyb

I own a 2012 2WD model and tow a 31' travel trailer that I keep under 6000 lbs GW. After the trailer is hitched the truck weighs in at it's GVWR of 6800 lbs (2 passengers, full fuel, truck cap, dog & crate, tongue weight).

I've kept a mileage log since the purchase and have recorded 6200 miles.

Without the trailer I see 20mpg Hwy / 14mpg City. With the trailer in tow I average 10mpg at 60 mph.

ericnottelin

I have an 08 ltz crew with the 6.0L vortex max 4x4 w/ 3.73 gears (4 speed tranny). My camper is 25' toy hauler (wet weight approx 6500lbs - 7000lbs). Towing at 55 mph i'm at 9mpg, at 60 mph at 8.5mph and 65 mph high 7s. But it tows it great. No problems. I wanted the set up you have Ericp but this truck fell in my lap at an AWESOME price.

Just remember the majority of your fuel mileage goes to overcoming the wind resistance the (taller than your truck) camper adds. So a smaller pop-up camper will help your truck get much better mpgs than a taller camper. Realistically, you should probably be getting anywhere between 9-10 mpgs depending on how much wind your camper has to move and how fast you drive.

You know the old adage, you have to pay to play.

I hope this helps

Eric

Boucher187

Hey guys can I get some feedback from this thread? I am looking for a Crew and I am not going to be doing towing. It is mostly going to be a weekend getaway truck and a family vehicle for the room and bed for MULCH, ROCKS and all kinds of work that I do around my house. So that might be able to gauge you at what I am looking for. I live in Northeast PA and mostly back country hilly roads and highway. Most speeds are 35-45 in the country and slower… I would like to get the best Fuel Economy that I possibly can. Here are 4 TRUCKS I am looking at and their set ups. Let me know what you think is best for MPG's.

2008 Silverado Crew LT - 41,000 Miles ($23,499)
LC9 – ENGINE FLEXIBLE FUEL,(GAS/ALC),8 CYL,5.3L,SFI,ALUM CYL DEACT,GM 5.3-3 FLEX FUEL W/CYL DEACTVN/AFM(LC9)
M30 – TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC 4-SPD A/TRANS(M30)
GT4 – AXLE,REAR,3.73 RATIO 3.73R(GT4)


2008 Silverado Crew LT - 64,000 Miles ($21,499)
LH6 – ENGINE,5.3L(323CID) GAS V8 5.3-M ALUM W/CYL DEACTIVATION(LH6)
M30 – TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC 4-SPD A/TRANS(M30)
GT4 – AXLE,REAR,3.73 RATIO 3.73R(GT4)

2009 Sierra Crew SLE - 52,000 Miles ($23,999)
LC9 – ENGINE FLEXIBLE FUEL,(GAS/ALC),8 CYL,5.3L,SFI,ALUM CYL DEACT,GM 5.3-3 FLEX FUEL W/CYL DEACTVN/AFM(LC9)
MYC – TRANSMISSION AUTO 6 SPD, HMD, 6L-80 6-SPD A/TRANS(MYC)
GU6 – AXLE,REAR,3.42 RATIO 3.42R(GU6)

2007 Silverado Crew LT - 52,000 Miles ($20,999)
LY2 – ENGINE GAS, 8 CYL, 4.8L, SFI, IRON, CYLINDER DEACTIVATION GM 4.8C W/CYL DEACTVN(LY2)
M30 – TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC 4-SPD A/TRANS(M30)
GU6 – AXLE,REAR,3.42 RATIO 3.42R(GU6)


What ones above would get me the best MPG.

mrnoyb

I believe the 2009 GMC Sierra SLE 5.3L / 6 spd AT would deliver the best fuel economy.

Boucher187

Thank you. I am actually going to go buy one now! :-)