What to tow with.

[Sleek26]

I picked up a Sleekcraft 26 Ft. Daycruiser a couple years ago and should have it going this summer. Now I have to start thinking seriously about a tow rig. I can't seem to find out what the boat weighs. I have been told everything from 3500 Lbs. to 6500 Lbs. It is a single engine BBC with Berkley. Anyboby got one and knows for sure??? What are you towing 26 Ft Daycruisers with???

[Kilrtoy]

We tow our 26, that weighs in at 3800 unloaded.......with a 2005 Chevy 4X4 Duramax diesel...

[cruser]

My 23' Sleekcraft weighs 5500, on the trailer, ready for the lake. I pull it with an Eddie Bauer Expedition. Haven't had any problems and have pulled it all over the Northwest.

[Sleek-Jet]

You could tow it with most any pick-up/sport ute... even 1/2 tons. A 3/4 or 1 ton would probably work better for you since they almost always come with all the h/d stuff that helps out when you're towing (oil coolers, bigger trans coolers, larger engine options, ect...). But the biggest advantage with going to a larger truck is the brakes. 1/2 ton truck brakes suck. The heavier trucks come with larger brakes to handle the increase in towing capacity.

[nodigg]

We tow our 26, that weighs in at 3800 unloaded.......with a 2005 Chevy 4X4 Duramax diesel...
Hey Kilr, just bought one of them thar Isuzu diesels myself. How'd she do on your first tow up the Cajon pass? How much fuel did she drinK? I can't figure why such a small fule tank is put on these beasts. I'm kinda bummed about the fuel mileage in mine so far. Seems to be climbing however. :D

[Kilrtoy]

Hey Kilr, just bought one of them thar Isuzu diesels myself. How'd she do on your first tow up the Cajon pass? How much fuel did she drinK? I can't figure why such a small fule tank is put on these beasts. I'm kinda bummed about the fuel mileage in mine so far. Seems to be climbing however. :D
I was incorrect the boat is 3800 and the trailer is 1500 so that is a total of 5,300... As far as mileage , IT SUCKS.... All this talk on here about great mileage.... I cant even make it to havasu on 1 tank and that is babying it the whole way 70 on cruise control....Gas Mileage SUCKS...........
And yes that 26 gallon tank,,,,,what is that for a HONDA PASSPORT....
Best I ever got was 14 the whole way to havasu, 12 around town..... Im already looking for a new vehicle......I dont go up the Cajon pass. I go thru Mohave into barstow...

[nodigg]

Yeah, what he said! :D That's Miguel! LOL! Don't hold back just tell it like it is! I'm still waiting for the 16 mpg?????? I think I got a bad one maybe?? I got some BAD buyers remorse right now. Wishing I had done the Kodiak real badly right now.....maybe the 8.1 gas and at least then my hands and feet wouldn't stink of diesel all the time...But it sure is purdy, and the kid likes it way too much! :hammer2:

[manuel]

My Sleekcraft tips the truck scales at 5,250 Lbs. with gas & gear, I'm weird, I tow with this Chevy Astro with a 20+ 350, 3.73 posi rear, Gabriel hi-jackers, it's only 31" from axle center to hitch ball so it tows great,
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/950DCP01743.JPG

[Give Me Some Slack]

A chevrolet Tahoe will pull it, but it will get shitty gas mileage. I think a chevrolet duramax will tow it best. They have the best power and best transmission.

[riverroyal]

2002 excursion,,V10,limited,20inch weld EVOS,36000 miles,,,black,limited,every option,DVD blah blah

[Sleek26]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Iam surprised about the Astro Van. I wouldn't have thought the brakes would cut it. Do the surge brakes on these trailers work so well that you get away with stock brakes on the Astro or have you modified the brakes?

[manuel]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Iam surprised about the Astro Van. I wouldn't have thought the brakes would cut it. Do the surge brakes on these trailers work so well that you get away with stock brakes on the Astro or have you modified the brakes?
The Astro with the tow package is factory rated for 6,100 Lbs. (5,500 Lbs. without it) my trailer has surge disc brakes on one axle, I barely feel any difference in braking, and the Astro is so short and has a great turning radius, I pulled it with a Tahoe and hated it, with the back seats out I used to haul my Ducati Paso 750 in it too.

[Eliminator 4 Life]

I was incorrect the boat is 3800 and the trailer is 1500 so that is a total of 5,300... As far as mileage , IT SUCKS.... All this talk on here about great mileage.... I cant even make it to havasu on 1 tank and that is babying it the whole way 70 on cruise control....Gas Mileage SUCKS...........
And yes that 26 gallon tank,,,,,what is that for a HONDA PASSPORT....
Best I ever got was 14 the whole way to havasu, 12 around town..... Im already looking for a new vehicle......I dont go up the Cajon pass. I go thru Mohave into barstow...
Kilr you might want to take that thing to the dealership and have them look at the injcectors one might be out.How many miles do you got on the beast already? Do you blow any black smoke? I get 17 in mine doing 80 plusdrops to about 16 toeing the boat and my boat weights about 6000.

[nodigg]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Iam surprised about the Astro Van. I wouldn't have thought the brakes would cut it. Do the surge brakes on these trailers work so well that you get away with stock brakes on the Astro or have you modified the brakes?
I had a Safari van with the vortec v-6. With as light as it was compared to a pickup it really did a number on towing! :D

[djunkie]

I haven't towed my boat with my '05 Duramax yet but I drove it to Havi last week and got 16.5mpg going there and 18mpg coming home. I just broke 1k miles on it so the motor isn't even broke in yet. They say that it will get better after you get some miles on them.
Kilr I didn't think that 26 DCB would be that lite. My 23' Howard with a very narrow beam weighs as much as yours. Just over 3500lbs. and my trailer is 1300lbs. Hope I get better milage than that when towing.

[nodigg]

I haven't towed my boat with my '05 Duramax yet but I drove it to Havi last week and got 16.5mpg going there and 18mpg coming home. I just broke 1k miles on it so the motor isn't even broke in yet. They say that it will get better after you get some miles on them.
Kilr I didn't think that 26 DCB would be that lite. My 23' Howard with a very narrow beam weighs as much as yours. Just over 3500lbs. and my trailer is 1300lbs. Hope I get better milage than that when towing.
WTF! I got mine two weeks ago, have 1200 miles on it. Did a "no tow" trip to Havi last week and got 12.5 mpg! I say again WTF!? Is it the 6" lift? the 35" tires? the power chip? the driver?
Actually the first trip was snow boarding in the storm. Lot's of 4-wheel time on it. The mileage keeps climbing all the time. The average is now up to 12.9 overall. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Can you teach me how to drive poperly please!? I was cruise controling 80 to Havi and back. Still no luck.

[djunkie]

WTF! I got mine two weeks ago, have 1200 miles on it. Did a "no tow" trip to Havi last week and got 12.5 mpg! I say again WTF!? Is it the 6" lift? the 35" tires? the power chip? the driver?
Actually the first trip was snow boarding in the storm. Lot's of 4-wheel time on it. The mileage keeps climbing all the time. The average is now up to 12.9 overall. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Can you teach me how to drive poperly please!? I was cruise controling 80 to Havi and back. Still no luck.
My truck is still bone stock. Avg. about 75 mph and I even came up the the blythe erenberg way to avoid the rain the other day. I wasn't towing and only had one passenger in the truck. So with all that I figured it couldn't get much better than that. I'm gonna put exhaust and intake but I don't think I'm gonna do the computer for a while. No lift but I'm gonna crank the torsions up a little and put a little bigger tires to fill the gap but thats it. I bought this to tow and for the milage. Been there done that with the lifted truck. Ya right probably be lifted in a month. :D

[nodigg]

"Been there done that" Me too! LOL! Last time was a Suburban. 10mpg no matter what i was doing. I'll never learn!

[Eliminator 4 Life]

I just came home from Havasu avg speed 70 according to the computer leaving Barley Bros made it home 494 miles 16.9 whats really going on.. :cool:

[djunkie]

I just came home from Havasu avg speed 70 according to the computer leaving Barley Bros made it home 494 miles 16.9 whats really going on.. :cool:
Is yours stock or lifted? Once you get those 35" tires on any truck you are definately gonna kill the mileage.

[Eliminator 4 Life]

I got 18's no lift torsion bars cranked up

[djunkie]

I got 18's no lift torsion bars cranked up
Well you aren't too far from stock.

[jbtrailerjim]

I picked up a Sleekcraft 26 Ft. Daycruiser a couple years ago and should have it going this summer. Now I have to start thinking seriously about a tow rig. I can't seem to find out what the boat weighs. I have been told everything from 3500 Lbs. to 6500 Lbs. It is a single engine BBC with Berkley. Anyboby got one and knows for sure??? What are you towing 26 Ft Daycruisers with???
My dad has a 26ft. Sleekcraft and he tows it with a F-250 crew cab V-10. It tows it like a champ. You can hardly tell it is back there. He used to tow it with just an F-150. That also towed it fine but he is much happier with the power and towing capabilities of the F-250 V-10.

[CrazyHippy]

I tow a 19' Outboard (1250LBS w/ me in it) on a double axle trailer (1000LBS) w/ a F-350 Diesel. It's kinda nice, my Mileage goes up when i start towing. :D
I also slow down from 75-80 to 65-70 when towing.
Kinda nice having enogh truck to tow 5 of my boat :p Cant even tell it's back there.
BJH

[DogHouse]

WTF! I got mine two weeks ago, have 1200 miles on it. Did a "no tow" trip to Havi last week and got 12.5 mpg! I say again WTF!? Is it the 6" lift? the 35" tires? the power chip? the driver?
Actually the first trip was snow boarding in the storm. Lot's of 4-wheel time on it. The mileage keeps climbing all the time. The average is now up to 12.9 overall. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Can you teach me how to drive poperly please!? I was cruise controling 80 to Havi and back. Still no luck.
Rick, if you want good mileage, you gotta go easy on the loud pedal! A lifted 4x4 on big tires is not going to get good mileage at 80 mph! Unloaded, my highway mileage stacks up like this with the Cummins and 34" tires:
55 mph - 24 mpg
60 mph - 22 mpg
65 mph - 20 mpg
70 mph - 18 mpg
75 mph - 16 mpg
80 mph - ?? mpg
Starting to notice a trend here? Yeah me too! I normally tow to Havasu (mostly flat) at 65-70 mph and get about 13.5-14 mpg. Boat/trailer combo is around 6500 lbs with fuel and assorted junk in the boat. I normally average around 18 around town to work and back unless I'm impatient and on the gas too much.

[nodigg]

Hey Brian, good input. What are you.... an aeronautics engineer or something, j/k :wink: . I think I may have to just keep putting in too much fuel cause I don't think I can hang with 60-70 on my weekely comute, :cry: Oh well, it still looks cool! Now if I can just get those Pro-comps worn out and get some tires that don't sing so loudly......

[dossangers]

05 hd long bed crew 8.1 rcd 36 pj's 10mpg no smell no 6k$ for eng. 40 cents less a gallon and she sounds so SWEET with duel FLOWMASTERS :D :D

[Chris Winn]

i have a 05 sub with the 8.1, and i am getting 12.5-13.0 unloaded. with my 29ft magic (7000lbs on trailer0 i think i get about 10 or so from Havasu.
i like the cheaper gas and cushy ride, the power is just firn with an intake an tuner.

[spectras only]

I tow my 24.6 spectra [ 4300# ,trailer 1600# ] with 1998
Grand Cherokee .Factory tow package rating is 6500LBS .
I'm close to maxed out ,but with 60.000 miles on it I
never had a problem yet :p .I do a lot of mountain
towing to the Okanagan and don't have a breaking
problem.I do check my breaks religiously :) .I also tow
my 257 Mirage with twin engines ,but the hull weight is
much less on newer boats ,hence the equal weight of
both boats [ lucky me :rollside: ].If Sleek26 does mainly
flatland towing ,he should be ok with a 1/2 ton SUV or
truck with 3.73 gears .
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/24spectrahelm1%2520copy.jpg

[Kilrtoy]

Kilr you might want to take that thing to the dealership and have them look at the injcectors one might be out.How many miles do you got on the beast already? Do you blow any black smoke? I get 17 in mine doing 80 plusdrops to about 16 toeing the boat and my boat weights about 6000.
When I towed the Shockwave(4700 pounds combined) home 3 weeks ago, I barely made it to Barstow from havasu(165Miles) and took on 25 Gallons. That means I was getting 6 MPG... Then I barely made it from barstow home another 165Mph and it took 23 gallons...
WTF....
This truck mighty have a bad engine or something...Especially after hearing all this 18MPG...
I have 7500 miles....

[Eliminator 4 Life]

When I towed the Shockwave(4700 pounds combined) home 3 weeks ago, I barely made it to Barstow from havasu(165Miles) and took on 25 Gallons. That means I was getting 6 MPG... Then I barely made it from barstow home another 165Mph and it took 23 gallons...
WTF....
This truck mighty have a bad engine or something...Especially after hearing all this 18MPG...
I have 7500 miles....
Kilr I left Havasu and made it all the way to Bakersfield to get diesel I could have gone further but it was the cheapest. I would have those injectors look at if I was you..

[djunkie]

When I towed the Shockwave(4700 pounds combined) home 3 weeks ago, I barely made it to Barstow from havasu(165Miles) and took on 25 Gallons. That means I was getting 6 MPG... Then I barely made it from barstow home another 165Mph and it took 23 gallons...
WTF....
This truck mighty have a bad engine or something...Especially after hearing all this 18MPG...
I have 7500 miles....
Now that def. does not sound right. I would of had that back to the dealer yesterday if I were you. I know it will get better once it breaks in but that is not even close to being right.

[Kilrtoy]

Could the cluster or the brain , be affecting my gas mileage..
it is in the shop now as we speak....., but not for the gas mileage....

[djunkie]

Could the cluster or the brain , be affecting my gas mileage..
it is in the shop now as we speak....., but not for the gas mileage....
Anything is a possibility. I would guess that there is a problem with the injectors. Does it smoke at all when driving?

[Eliminator 4 Life]

Could the cluster or the brain , be affecting my gas mileage..
it is in the shop now as we speak....., but not for the gas mileage....
Well Kilr since its there call them and tell them you mpg sucks and to take a look at it. And remember once they fix the injector and you start saving money in diesel Ill expect a ride for my services :)

[Kilrtoy]

Well they just called and said its not fixed. They replaced the stuff and the problem is still ocurring. This is the third time in the shop for this. So they said a specialist is coming tommorrow to check it out. So I told them about the mileage and to check my injectors. They said once they solve the other problem they will.
You made it from Havasu to Bakersfield. That is like 300 plus miles..... DAMN, That is two tanks for me....

[Eliminator 4 Life]

Well they just called and said its not fixed. They replaced the stuff and the problem is still ocurring. This is the third time in the shop for this. So they said a specialist is coming tommorrow to check it out. So I told them about the mileage and to check my injectors. They said once they solve the other problem they will.
You made it from Havasu to Bakersfield. That is like 300 plus miles..... DAMN, That is two tanks for me....
And thats pulling the boat :eek:

[Kilrtoy]

And thats pulling the boat :eek:
Thanks for rubbing that in, i cant even go that far without the boat....

[djunkie]

Thanks for rubbing that in, i cant even go that far without the boat....
You will get better mileage if they fix whatever is wrong. I went over 350miles on my last tank full and the gauge still said I had quarter tank left. Those were highway miles on the way back from Havi.

[Kilrtoy]

Ok question,
I have a short bed with a 26 gallon tank,
Do you guys have those long beds with the 38 gallon tanks....
If not you guys are killing me....
Actually no that damn truck is killing me

[djunkie]

Ok question,
I have a short bed with a 26 gallon tank,
Do you guys have those long beds with the 38 gallon tanks....
If not you guys are killing me....
Actually no that damn truck is killing me
I got the same truck as you. Crew cab short bed. 26 gallon tank.

[nodigg]

4x4, crew, short bed, 6" lift, 35" tires, STUPID 26 gallon tank. This trip out to Havi, no towing, 83mph, j/k, never went over 70 officer, on the cruise most of the way, moved up to 13.2 mpg....Is she braking in?? I am steadily climbing upward.... :eat:

[4DAY4PLAY]

Are you guys taking into account that your speedo(and odometer, mpg, gallons used, range...etc) is wrong due to the bigger tires...or did you have your computer changed?....I just lifted a 3/4 ton burb and everything is wrong because of the bigger tires. Whats the process for updating the computer system with 35" or 37" tires instead of the small stock tires?

[nodigg]

Mine is re-set by using the Hypertech gizmo. What I wonder is if the guys claiming 16-18 mpg are off instead. I calcualate mileage as part of my businesses. I'm very familiar with people not understanding how to do it correctly or using the sticker figures in error. (NOT YOU GUYS OF COURSE!) :D

[djunkie]

Mine is re-set by using the Hypertech gizmo. What I wonder is if the guys claiming 16-18 mpg are off instead. I calcualate mileage as part of my businesses. I'm very familiar with people not understanding how to do it correctly or using the sticker figures in error. (NOT YOU GUYS OF COURSE!) :D
Yes I am up to date with how to check mileage. I don't go by that little computer in the dash. My truck is stock so my odometer should be correct. I filled up before I left and reset the trip odometer. When I filled up when I got there I divided how many gallons the truck took into the miles on the trip odo. Thats where I get my MPG. Sound right?

[DogHouse]

Mine is re-set by using the Hypertech gizmo. What I wonder is if the guys claiming 16-18 mpg are off instead. I calcualate mileage as part of my businesses. I'm very familiar with people not understanding how to do it correctly or using the sticker figures in error. (NOT YOU GUYS OF COURSE!) :D
I do technical analysis and crunch numbers for a living, and even I couldn't cook the numbers enough to make a GM product get good mileage. So I bought a Dodge, problem solved!
:D

[nodigg]

Yes I am up to date with how to check mileage. I don't go by that little computer in the dash. My truck is stock so my odometer should be correct. I filled up before I left and reset the trip odometer. When I filled up when I got there I divided how many gallons the truck took into the miles on the trip odo. Thats where I get my MPG. Sound right?
You are all over it! :D Now if only you can help me learn how to drive this thing properly to get the mpg up. I wonder if Kilr is using the cruise control when he comes out here? Sounds like his is a bigger problem than just lift/tires/4x4/driving habits?? You may have the injector thing correct.

[nodigg]

I do technical analysis and crunch numbers for a living, and even I couldn't cook the numbers enough to make a GM product get good mileage. So I bought a Dodge, problem solved!
:D
BIACH! :umm: :D:

[cc322]

Well they just called and said its not fixed. They replaced the stuff and the problem is still ocurring. This is the third time in the shop for this. So they said a specialist is coming tommorrow to check it out. So I told them about the mileage and to check my injectors. They said once they solve the other problem they will.
Do you miss your ford v-10 ;) I will be in Havi this weekend picking the boat up and bringing it home so I am anxious to see what my v-10 does for mileage on the way home. :rollside:

[djunkie]

You are all over it! :D Now if only you can help me learn how to drive this thing properly to get the mpg up. I wonder if Kilr is using the cruise control when he comes out here? Sounds like his is a bigger problem than just lift/tires/4x4/driving habits?? You may have the injector thing correct.
I'm sure part of the reason that I got good mileage that trip was because it was raining and I wasn't haulin ass. Probably averaged maybe 70mph. My old truck when I first got it got about 17 to 18 on the highway. After the lift and 35" tires it imediately dropped to 12 to 14 on the highway if I was lucky.

[Kilrtoy]

Well they just called and said its not fixed. They replaced the stuff and the problem is still ocurring. This is the third time in the shop for this. So they said a specialist is coming tommorrow to check it out. So I told them about the mileage and to check my injectors. They said once they solve the other problem they will.
Do you miss your ford v-10 ;) I will be in Havi this weekend picking the boat up and bringing it home so I am anxious to see what my v-10 does for mileage on the way home. :rollside:
67 towing the boat out, 12.8 MPG with the V10, The diesel was 1/2 of that...
I do not have a lifted truck, Just slightly bigger tires.....
I know it is 329 miles door to door and approx. 284 to needles.... I had it on cruise control probably 95% of the way at 70MPH.....
UPDATE. The dealer COULD NOT FIX MY TRUCK after two seperate replacements....So now they have an entire new system on order.....What ever that means.....They reprogrammed my fuel system and said to test it thru two tanks and then report back. They could not find a problem, but I should get improved fuel mileage now....We will see.......

[BLOWN HOWARD]

Kilr i think the truck knows that you bad mouth Chevy's and thats the probelm. Hate to tell you this but i have the same truck as you but lifted 8" and 37's with stock gears and tow my 15,000 Toy Hauler and get 12mpg, And oh just got back from vegas and I went there and all the way back to barstow on one tank of gas, I only have 12,000 miles on the truck so i know it will still get better once i get around 30,000 or so

[INSman]

I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD with the Duramax and think I get pretty darn good mileage, compared to gas. A few things to consider:
1. These diesels take some time to break-in, mileage will increase
2. I have a 6" lift and 35" tires
3. I have added an AFE Intake, Edge Juice Chip and a 4" RBP exhaust
4. All of the above in #3 make this thing scream and get better mileage while doing so
5. I get about 18 MPG not towing and about 14.5 towing 3,800 lb boat and 1,300 lb trailer. Much better than the 9 MPG in the Lincoln Navigator :D

[Kilrtoy]

Kilr i think the truck knows that you bad mouth Chevy's and thats the probelm. Hate to tell you this but i have the same truck as you but lifted 8" and 37's with stock gears and tow my 15,000 Toy Hauler and get 12mpg, And oh just got back from vegas and I went there and all the way back to barstow on one tank of gas, I only have 12,000 miles on the truck so i know it will still get better once i get around 30,000 or so
I repeat I have never, ever, ever, ever, ever said anything bad about Cheby or Howard owners..... :D

[BLOWN HOWARD]

See i knew you would come around eventually, Whats the latest on the truck anything???

[Kilrtoy]

UPDATE. The dealer COULD NOT FIX MY TRUCK after two seperate replacements....So now they have an entire new system on order.....What ever that means.....They reprogrammed my fuel system and said to test it thru two tanks and then report back. They could not find a problem, but I should get improved fuel mileage now....We will see.......

[djunkie]

Damm Kilr. Why you got to talk bad about us Chevy/Howard owners? :hammerhea :D J/K

[Kilrtoy]

Damm Kilr. Why you got to talk bad about us Chevy/Howard owners? :hammerhea :D J/K
I only make fun of FORD and DCB owners

[XTRM22]

I only make fun of FORD and DCB owners
Don't go there Kilr!! :p I've got 75,000 miles on my F350 V-10 and it's never even seen the inside of a Ford garage, and 450 hrs on the engine and drive in my DCB. Seriously, good luck with your cheby, for every 1 guy I hear havin trouble with their SD duramax I hear 3 guys who love em and think they're the best truck they've had.
Chuck

[Kilrtoy]

ihuhuiolh

[LOWRIVER2]

Seeing that you're in Co. Sleek26, I imagine elevation is an issue. Go for the diesel if you can afford it for the torque you could use on steep grades/high elevation.
If not, go for gas 3/4 ton. A half ton/small block won't be fun to attempt passing while towing your boat.
I've been running a 6.0 gas GMC 2500HD several yers, no problems, plenty of power. I get 10-12 towing a 21ft. jet daycruiser. Gibson exhaust/K&N intake-285 BFG's.
I'll probably go back to 1/2 ton next time as I now have a river house and rarely tow the boat back to Ca.

[HavasuDreamin']

Lowriver 2........
What kind of mileage do you get on average not towing? I am thinking about a new truck and a 2500 crew cab, short bed, with a 6.0 gasser and 3.73 rear axle is what I am looking at. 4x4 of course.
It would be nice to know what I could expect in the real world mileage wise.
Thanks.

[djunkie]

Lowriver 2........
What kind of mileage do you get on average not towing? I am thinking about a new truck and a 2500 crew cab, short bed, with a 6.0 gasser and 3.73 rear axle is what I am looking at. 4x4 of course.
It would be nice to know what I could expect in the real world mileage wise.
Thanks.
Call Photoglou. He may be able to give you such a deal that you'll get the diesel. Great fuel mileage and tow whatever you want.

[Norseman]

Ok question,
I have a short bed with a 26 gallon tank,
Do you guys have those long beds with the 38 gallon tanks....
If not you guys are killing me....
Actually no that damn truck is killing me
Kilr
What gears do you have in the truck??
What is the rpm at 70mph.
If the gearing is high, say 4:11's, the mileage will suffer! :sqeyes:
Of course I think I'm getting better mileage on my 1986 Ford F350 crewcab they you are on that new Chevy, and I've got a carbed 460 and a C6 with no overdrive. It gets between 7 and 8mpg. Doesn't matter what your towing:(
Bob

[Kilrtoy]

I have 3:73 gears....
they reprogrammed it and im only getting 12 around town and that is babying the motor....
My V-10 ford got this type of mileage....

[Norseman]

I have 3:73 gears....
they reprogrammed it and im only getting 12 around town and that is babying the motor....
My V-10 ford got this type of mileage....
Kilr;
That's better than before, and the motor didn't break in yet. :eek:
I think you said you had under 10,000 miles on it. The Duramax's seem to need about 25-30,000 miles on them.
I have a couple of friends that have the same truck you do and they all said that the mileage was just OK till about 20,000 miles.
Don't trust the computer to keep track of the mileage for you, log the miles and the fuel used yourself and do the math, you might be surprised with the real numbers.
The Blazer I had would consistantly show the wrong avrg mpg on the computer. And the instantanious mpg is always bullshit. :wink:
Bob

[HavasuDreamin']

Call Photoglou. He may be able to give you such a deal that you'll get the diesel. Great fuel mileage and tow whatever you want.
No thanks. Diesel fuel is a complete scam. :burningm: I wouldn't have one. Plus, not all get better gas mileage.......right Kilr. :jawdrop:
Anybody with a 6.0 and 3.73 rear diff have any real world mileage numbers?

[PHOTOGLOU]

No thanks. Diesel fuel is a complete scam. :burningm: I wouldn't have one. Plus, not all get better gas mileage.......right Kilr. :jawdrop:
Anybody with a 6.0 and 3.73 rear diff have any real world mileage numbers?
13 - 15 mpg

[caroftheweek]

Havasu Dreamin~
Have you driven a diesel with a chip? There is nothing better than that truck. I have owned many vehicles, I used to work at a chevy dealer. I had a 6.0 4wd crew cab. The truck was nice had ok power but nothing like having a chipped diesel. If you get a 2500hd, they only come with 4.10 gears. The only way to get 3.73's was to get the 1500hd or 2500. You could own a truck that could outrun most rice rockets and still get 16-18 mpg on the highway and tow whatever you want. I have owned 3 duramax's and I can honestly say that i don't think I will ever own another truck that is not a diesel. They seemt to defy logic. big, heavy truck; faster than most cars; towes anything, and still gets better milege than most trucks out there. win-win in my book
Ryan

[INSman]

Havasu Dreamin~
Have you driven a diesel with a chip? There is nothing better than that truck. I have owned many vehicles, I used to work at a chevy dealer. I had a 6.0 4wd crew cab. The truck was nice had ok power but nothing like having a chipped diesel. If you get a 2500hd, they only come with 4.10 gears. The only way to get 3.73's was to get the 1500hd or 2500. You could own a truck that could outrun most rice rockets and still get 16-18 mpg on the highway and tow whatever you want. I have owned 3 duramax's and I can honestly say that i don't think I will ever own another truck that is not a diesel. They seemt to defy logic. big, heavy truck; faster than most cars; towes anything, and still gets better milege than most trucks out there. win-win in my book
Ryan
I second this to the "T". I was used to driving nice sport sedans like my recent BMW 540I, that was until I got a boat. A chipped turbo diesel with an Allison tranny is the way to go. I like the truck so much, it has become my daily driver. Still under 20k miles, so I expect the mileage to improve a little bit still.

[djunkie]

No thanks. Diesel fuel is a complete scam. :burningm: I wouldn't have one. Plus, not all get better gas mileage.......right Kilr. :jawdrop:
Anybody with a 6.0 and 3.73 rear diff have any real world mileage numbers?
I'm confused as to why you think diesel fuel is a scam. Have you driven one of these things yet? If you haven't you may be surprised.

[Norseman]

UPDATE. The dealer COULD NOT FIX MY TRUCK after two seperate replacements....So now they have an entire new system on order.....What ever that means.....They reprogrammed my fuel system and said to test it thru two tanks and then report back. They could not find a problem, but I should get improved fuel mileage now....We will see.......
Kilr;
In NY they have 3 tries , I think it's 3, to get it right, and then they have to replace the vehicle. It's part of the Lemon law.
Maybe Ca has the same type of deal
Bob

[LOWRIVER2]

HD,
I have an 01 with 4.11's. I'm seeing 11-12 around town. I have a TAKE HOME CRUISER, so mpg is'nt such a deal for me. The K&N and Gibson helped on the highway. I think 15 could happen on the highway when not towing. BFG's are'nt the most "mpg friendly" tires either, but I like to off road in Parker. The truck sure rides nice with the Fabtech spindles and Bilstein's.
Mine's 2wd so the extra weight of the front end might reduce this. 77 Charger has exact truck you want, he'd be a good person to answer mpg info.
I might go diesel next year for the longevity. I'm averaging five years a truck between changes, time to get one and hang on to it for awhile. Diesel is two cents cheaper than 91 octane over here, what a rip off, the refining process is much cheaper than reg. fuel.
Funny thing;
Yesterday, guy in a Powerstroke pulls up at stop light, asks to roll down the window. He asks If I've got a diesel (?!!). After I say no, he asks about the exhaust, likes the sound. The Gibson tip is a 5" job and people have assumed it's a diesel when it's parked. I don't know how any diesel owner would ever confuse my truck at speed as being diesel, that was funny. And no, it does'nt do the CSK down the road/lol.

[nodigg]

Chevy Avalanche, 2wd stock, 5.3, 16 mpg average with 373 rears 50,000 miles on it. Quiet, comfortable, and powerful. I can't see how a 2500 with a 6.0 can get 15 mpg? That's pretty good if so. If that is true, I think I got the wrong set-up.
Chevy Duramax, 4x4, 6" lift, Procomp X tires, 373 rear, power chip, 2500 miles, 13.5 mpg and still climbing slowly. Cruising back and forth to Havi no tow so far at 82mph. Noisey, rough, stinky but cool for looks and it can tow anything.
You can't really compare 1/2 ton and 3/4 though. Too big a weight difference. The 5.3 kicks ass in a 1/2 ton because it is so much lighter. The Diesel is intended for sustained heavy pulling power. Its the torque, not the horsepower. You can NEVER make up the difference in price for a diesel with the gas mileage I don't think. Too many taxes added to the diesel by our wonderful government. Too many oil changes. Now why did I buy that friggin' diesel again??? :D How yeah, it sounds mean!

[LOWRIVER2]

NOTE:
I said 15 when NOT TOWING/LIGHT RIVER LOAD (weekend crap). It can happen. No, you did'nt get the wrong truck/lol. 15mpg will happen cruising at 65-70, go to 82 and mpg goes down the drain. If you're one of those guys who loves to pass on the Chiraco grade at 80+mph, mpg in most anything is over/lol.

[nodigg]

NOTE:
I said 15 when NOT TOWING/LIGHT RIVER LOAD (weekend crap). It can happen. No, you did'nt get the wrong truck/lol. 15mpg will happen cruising at 65-70, go to 82 and mpg goes down the drain. If you're one of those guys who loves to pass on the Chiraco grade at 80+mph, mpg in most anything is over/lol.
Okay there is the speed thing! :rollside: :rollside: My lowered Tahoe gave me 20 mpg on the same trips I do now at 13 on the diesel. Its a good thing mpg is not the MOST important factor! :devil: And yes, the cruise stays on 82 until the timid drivers over Cajon slow me down. Chiraco? Hardly ever. I do Havasu not Parker very often.

[HavasuDreamin']

I'm confused as to why you think diesel fuel is a scam. Have you driven one of these things yet? If you haven't you may be surprised.
The refining process for diesel is probably half as expensive or less than 87 octane, yet out here in the midwest I rarely see diesel under $1.99 per gallon when 87 octane fluctuates between $1.68 and 1.85 per gallon (sometimes a little more). Talk about a scam!
Thanks for the info. LR2 and everyone else. I will definately be contacting Photoglou when the time comes to buy.
HD :cool:

[djunkie]

The refining process for diesel is probably half as expensive or less than 87 octane, yet out here in the midwest I rarely see diesel under $1.99 per gallon when 87 octane fluctuates between $1.68 and 1.85 per gallon (sometimes a little more). Talk about a scam!
Thanks for the info. LR2 and everyone else. I will definately be contacting Photoglou when the time comes to buy.
HD :cool:
In that aspect I do agree it is a scam. But when you look at the power and mileage differences with the diesel I will spend the money on the fuel whether it is overpriced or not. Lets face it when we purchase vehicles with the intended use of towing we kinda have to throw out the whole cost of fuel thing. I've had a half ton truck and it towed ok and the fuel mileage sucked. With the diesel I know I should get close to as good of mileage but the piece of mind knowing that theres no hill too steep is worth the extra vehicle cost and fuel cost IMO.

[nodigg]

I was under the impression diesel was a by-product left over in the refining process of gasolines??? That's why its so cheap before taxes I think. I think it has just been easy for congress to up the taxes on diesel because people equate diesel with big trucks and then its not their problem. Even though the shipping costs partially reflect the increase in operating costs for trucking companies. I wonder if we can a tax rebate for operating non-comercial diesels...yeah, right.

[LUVNLIFE]

Havasu Dreamin~
Have you driven a diesel with a chip? There is nothing better than that truck. I have owned many vehicles, I used to work at a chevy dealer. I had a 6.0 4wd crew cab. The truck was nice had ok power but nothing like having a chipped diesel. If you get a 2500hd, they only come with 4.10 gears. The only way to get 3.73's was to get the 1500hd or 2500. You could own a truck that could outrun most rice rockets and still get 16-18 mpg on the highway and tow whatever you want. I have owned 3 duramax's and I can honestly say that i don't think I will ever own another truck that is not a diesel. They seemt to defy logic. big, heavy truck; faster than most cars; towes anything, and still gets better milege than most trucks out there. win-win in my book
Ryan
Exactly. :wink: 2500HD with a chip. I like it :D

[LOWRIVER2]

The info. I got on diesel is that it actually takes less steps to produce (refining) hence should be cheaper as not as much work to create.
I agree on the tow thing to a point. If the truck sits and is used only for towing a 6k+ trailer somewhere one or two weekends a month, an 8.1 with an Allison would be fine.
I'm into the diesel for the longevity, it would be nice to put 200k on a motor and not have the valves/rings fading like one on a gasser.
As far as imports, my opinion is: who gets the final dollar? GM gets the final dollar even after Iszuzu, so it's U.S. co. profit. Nissan/Toy. get final dollar, so they're foreign profit. I don't mind foreigners getting some pay to put an engine together, I don't like rich, foreign executives getting the final large share of the profits.
And lets face the issue of more fords on the road. They sell them cheaper. I'm not talking diesel but when you go gas (majority) all the public/govt. agencies buy cheapest veh. Guess what? Majority of all LA city vehicles -cars and trucks,are fords.
The super duty was a big step for a heavy duty pickup. GM was behind the curve but I'm seeing plenty of Duramax contractor 1 tons in LA/Orange Co.
And if you went diesel NPR's vs. Super duty diesels: In LA, NPR's outnumber superduty's 3 to 1. That's a city of 8 million people, so it's absurd to say that engine has'nt been street tested.
Hell, are'nt Dodge trucks made in Mexico? They can't even keep dogs off a race track, how are they supposed to make a decent truck/lol. (I like dodges, j/k.)

[voodoomedman]

When I towed the Shockwave(4700 pounds combined) home 3 weeks ago, I barely made it to Barstow from havasu(165Miles) and took on 25 Gallons. That means I was getting 6 MPG... Then I barely made it from barstow home another 165Mph and it took 23 gallons...
WTF....
This truck mighty have a bad engine or something...Especially after hearing all this 18MPG...
I have 7500 miles....
Kilr as much as I love Chevy's I think you have an issue. I have a 1500 with a gas engine and I can tow my boat at around 5000 pounds boat and trailer and not have to fill up. I take cajon pass and I'm lifted up on 35" tires with a huge rear end.

[manuel]

Where I live they sell "off road" diesel, it's not taxed the same so it's real cheap, same stuff, different color, here it's meant to be used only for farm trucks and machines but I noticed the marine diesel is also not taxed the same, nobody cares or ever checks to see what you have in your tank, except the 18 wheelers, they get busted using it once in a while. with all the farming in Ca. it should be easily available, ?, Manuel

[Norseman]

Where I live they sell "off road" diesel, it's not taxed the same so it's real cheap, same stuff, different color, here it's meant to be used only for farm trucks and machines but I noticed the marine diesel is also not taxed the same, nobody cares or ever checks to see what you have in your tank, except the 18 wheelers, they get busted using it once in a while. with all the farming in Ca. it should be easily available, ?, Manuel
Be careful putting untaxed diesel in a truck. Here in NY and NJ they routinely stop and check pickups for non taxed fuel. They pull a sample out of the tanks and if it has dye in it, your looking at a very large fine, and possible impound of the vehicle.
The state police like to set up near horse shows or tractor / car show events where people have trucks used to pull large trailers, and pull lots of trucks over.
They also check big trucks from time to time, at truck stops and DOT stops!
Bob

[Boat211]

I think that a 2003 duramax dually would be just right.
OH by the way, there happens to be one on here for sale!!!!!!!!

[CBLavey]

In terms of torque and pulling power on a grade, there's nothing like a diesel -but you should not buy one because of the better mileage. They're actually a bad investment for most folks. You pay roughly $5000 - $6000 more upfront versus gas and then you need to buy fuel which is actually as high as premuim unleaded. The average guy will either wear his diesel out or sell it long before he recoups his greater investment.
If money is an object buy gas, if not get the diesel.