First Trip out with Dodge Durango, Great Surprise on MPG

We were pulling out TM with a 6 cylinder Isuzu and had trouble on a lot of mountains. Purchased an 04 Durango with Hemi and got 15 mpg on the first day. 15 mpg was really the best I could expect on the Isuzu after pulling it for over 30,000 miles. A few times we got more with the wind at our back. 15 mpg was pulling in Florida on flat road with a 10 mph cross wind. Isuzu was probably underpowered and working too hard. Great surprise. I expected less. I thought anything over 12 mpg and I would be a happy camper with the NTU Durango.

[bayoubill]

I am glad that you posted. I have been looking at the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. The used Ford and Chevy large SUV's are so expensive. I have several Chryslers that work well. Your info is very useful.

[Padgett]

Might look into a 2011-2013 Jeep GC Laredo if in the market for an SAV. Mine is a 2wd with the towing package which gets about a mpg better than the 4wd and I've never noticed any difference. It is also nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the full-up ones. Back drops about an inch when I hitch the TM (470 lbs).

We traveled almost 500 miles, roads pretty flat and very little wind and almost all highway. Averaged 15.5 mpg and I am a 60 mph driver. Tampa to Florence, NC. Not bad for the Durango.

[Redtail Cruiser]

Mornin John, that doesn't sound too bad at all. Glad to hear that your TV upgrade is working out.

You should update your signature to include your new ride

Update on the new trailer. We just got home a couple weeks ago pulling our new trailer. SP189 made by Forest River. It is actually a 21ft trailer with a slide and the weight is 3000 lbs, same as the TM. Gas mileage went from 15.5 to 11.7 doing the same trip from Tampa to Florence. Wind resistance is a big factor as you can see. The new trailer has a slide providing almost the same space as our 2720. Life is a bunch of trade-offs and we will probably boondock at more Walmarts than we did with the TM. Anyway, just thought I would give you food for thought. John

You all are great and thanks for all you have done.

[LoveToCamp]

John, thanks for the real-world comparison of TM vs. upright TT mileage. Could be helpful when others see the difference the low-profile TM makes.