I used to occasionally tow a Mini-X with my 04' 1500 QC 4x4 that had an operating weight of about 7400lbs + weight of trailer. If I remember correctly I could only manage about 8 mpg or so...6 mpg isn't too far off. I never did like the tow/haul trans setup on that 04, i think in 06 they finally came out with the complete OD off feature...

The hemi is a great motor but it doesn't make its power until the high RPM range, not the best for towing. I think the old 5.9 gasser actually made more power at a lower rpm's.

How often do you pull this setup?

 

High rpms might mean different things to different people but when talking about newer gassers, running at 2500rpms all day long won't hurt a thing as its peak operating speed is probably even higher than that. With such a small/light trailer, the truck should hardly know it's there. Now if you're trying to compare to a diesel and haul at 1600rpm, then I can understand your frustration.

 

13 in town. 17 doing 65

 

5 times last summer. Was our first year owning a camper. Want to do more this summer.

 

Perfect reason to tell your old lady that it's time to upgrade the truck...

Time for a 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel!

Or you can just put a set of 4.10's or 4.56 gears in it, which will help a little bit.

Is your truck 4wd or 2wd?

 

IMO the best thing you could do for your truck is re gear to the 4.56 ratio. That will put less stress on your drivetrain and bump up your rpms so your not lugging the motor when its under load. Some members on here have done so and actually reported a slight increase in mileage.

 

Reporting better mileage and actually getting it are two different things. While 4.56s might be fun, they won't provide better highway mileage. They may provide slightly better city mileage, but it'll take a long time to offset the gear cost.

 

Its going to save on his entire drivetrain ALOT with the 4.56's. One could argue that the cost of the gears will be offset by preventing a transmission rebuild if he plans on towing this load often. Also, cheaper to re gear than buy a CTD. The mileage thing is a can of worms that we will not open, the thread about that argument went on for pages. Either way it can only benefit him for towing, which is what this thread is about.

 

Re gearing will make a huge differance when towing.I had an o4 1500 285/70/17 and 4.56 gears. I could usually get about 8mpg towing, trailer weighted about 8500. I went to CTD because I am buying a 5th wheel. Loved that truck man would it pull. You will not regret it if you re-gear.

 

4 wheel drive. And that's what I'm thinking about doing. But now I don't have a payment and that's nice.