Most fuel efficient TV?

[Robert The Pilgrim]

Late response to the thread but I thought I would toss in my newbie experience.

Just bought a 19RD, so a bit lighter than most.

We drove from 60 miles west of Chicago almost to Grand Rapids, Michigan (2 and a half times, a long story) to buy it.
Our TV is a 2012 Durango with 6 cylinder and a tow package, 7000 lbs tow rating.

On the way over we got ~25 mpg, on the way back we got a bit under 16 mpg doing 65 mph up to 70 sometimes. Spent a fair bit of time in 5th gear.
I locked it there once or twice, but a couple of times forgot so it did a bit more gear changing than necessary. The Trans temp was at 168 F or so, with the temps in the 80s. Didn't really change much.

FWIW, in town I probably get around 18 mpg. But while this is much nicer to drive than the 2000 Lincoln Navigator (5.3 V8), it ain't spry.
For those in the same boat as the OP I would suggest strongly considering keeping an "around town" vehicle if you can manage it financially and otherwise. At least until you get a feel for whatever

A side note, the 2014 (I think) Durango added 7th gear and some other dohickies to push the rated mileage up a notch or two.

[Shane826]

So I stepped up to the aforementioned Ram EcoDiesel. First couple hauls got around 20mpg at 65-70mph. Keep in mind I’m pulling a 3326, not exactly a small camper. Let me just say I absolutely LOVE this truck. Just does everything better than my Envoy did. Doesn’t even feel like the TM is even there.

[Padgett]

No question the diesel will gat better mpg than a gas engine but with diesel running about 10% above regular, the cost per mile is similar.

Can anyone here report on a Ford 3.5 Ecoboost ? In theory it should be more efficient than the Pentastar.

My Jeep GC has the same drivetrain and does a little better here in the flatlands, 17-18 when towing the 2720SL at 65 and 24.6 at 70ish without. GC is shorter and lighter than the Durango (no third seat) so fine around town.

[Marklee]

We just bought our new/used TM in Colorado and drove it home to Nevada, 1,000 miles. We got low 20's mileage on the way to Colorado, but only around 14mpg on the way back.

We were driving 60-65 with the trailer, often 80 mph without it. We do have 4X4, which doesn't help the mileage, and the factory tow package.

I agree with a much earlier post- the factory tow package is essention on these smaller vehicles. We have a 6400 maximum tow capacity and bought the 2419 TM from 2013 at 2300 dry weight. We never had any issues on hill climbing (even the 9,600ft pass) or on the highway.

I would MUCH rather have excess tow capacity to limit strain on the vehicle and to know we have the ability to handle emergencies.

[Larryjb]

Fuel mileage is highly dependent on terrain. I heard that even with ecoboost, you lose much of the economy advantage when it goes into boost. I'm sure it will still be better than my 4.6 L on my Explorer.

[gonzo628]

Originally Posted by Robert The Pilgrim

Late response to the thread but I thought I would toss in my newbie experience.

Just bought a 19RD, so a bit lighter than most.

We drove from 60 miles west of Chicago almost to Grand Rapids, Michigan (2 and a half times, a long story) to buy it.
Our TV is a 2012 Durango with 6 cylinder and a tow package, 7000 lbs tow rating.

On the way over we got ~25 mpg, on the way back we got a bit under 16 mpg doing 65 mph up to 70 sometimes. Spent a fair bit of time in 5th gear.
I locked it there once or twice, but a couple of times forgot so it did a bit more gear changing than necessary. The Trans temp was at 168 F or so, with the temps in the 80s. Didn't really change much.

FWIW, in town I probably get around 18 mpg. But while this is much nicer to drive than the 2000 Lincoln Navigator (5.3 V8), it ain't spry.
For those in the same boat as the OP I would suggest strongly considering keeping an "around town" vehicle if you can manage it financially and otherwise. At least until you get a feel for whatever

A side note, the 2014 (I think) Durango added 7th gear and some other dohickies to push the rated mileage up a notch or two.

it did at 7th gear (and an 8th, too) ;-) I guess some other things change as well. Latest gen 6ers are only rated to tow 6200lbs. Add the Hemi and this goes to 7400lb (7200 with AWD). Add the 6.4 (SRT) and you get 8700lbs.

[dab1950]

How about 37 MPG in a Ford F-150?

Achates 2.7L Boxer engine with opposing pistons.

Looks very interesting!

[BobTaylor]

I purchased a 2019 Traverse back in August to replace my gas guzzling F-150. Around town I get about 27-28 MPG. When towing I get 18+ MPG. I tow a 2720SL. No WDH or sway bar. The traction control system will automatically apply the trailer brakes if a fishtail event occurs. Very satisfied with the vehicle so far.

[tentcamper]

I use to be concern about towing MPG, still am. But, more concern with MPG overall in both towing and rest of the year when using the TV in none towing capacity.

Diesel I have had. I found the cost of ownership was higher. Total cost lets say after 150K miles. The additional up front cost and cost to maintain, repair, and additional cost for diesel. The total cost is higher for diesel ownership for me. Now maybe if I was full time, diesel would be the way to go?

[Craigrrr]

In our TM towing experience ...first we used a 2002 Suburban 5.3l V8 took a 9500 mile trip..we got 13 mpg.

We now use a 2008 Toyota Sienna 3.5l V6 Towing it gets 17-18 mpg not towing up to 28.9 mpg This sienna has the tow prep package and abs disc brakes all around 17" wheels and tires I also have air lift 1000 bags and use a wdh. with anti sway