metalripper
Michigan
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Joined: 09/22/2007
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My tow vehicle is a 2003 GMC Savana 1500 conversion van with 5.3 engine and a final drive ratio of 3.42. My rv is a 2007 Coachman Spirit Of America 27RBS with a dry wt. of 6,200 lbs. My m.p.g. is 19 on the freeway when not towing and 7 when towing.I would think a class A diesel or something much bigger would get 7 m.p.g. not a light set-up like mine.I'm thinking I should get 14 or 15 m.p.g. at least.
Is there any modifications I can make to improve it?
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 01/29/2004
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metalripper wrote:Is there any modifications I can make to improve it?
Frankly, IMHO, Nope. Heavy TV not built for heavy duty towing duties, small V-8, high rear end gears, 3+ tons of TT = 5 to 7 MPG towing. It is what it is.
Happy camping!!! See ya'll down the road!!!
AIR FORCE RETIRED "EITHER LEAD,FOLLLOW,OR GET OUT OF MY WAY"!
2006 GMC 3500 SLT CC DRW 4X4 D/A LBZ,PREDATOR & FS2500 OIL FILTER
2004 HR PRESIDENTIAL 30 SCD 5'ER.
CHEROKEE & CHEYENNE, MINI DOXIE'S
LOADED LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN, FLYIN LIKE A JET PLANE!!
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wintek
Shreveport, Louisiana
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Joined: 08/08/2007
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1 adopt Obama's energy plan. Check all tire pressures.
2 Slow Down - Drive 55 - 60.
Best you could hope for is 10 - 11 MPG.
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JFG
TN
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Joined: 07/01/2007
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Chances are you are overweight now with a 6,200 dry weight trailer. The max towing capabilities on the Savana is 6,300 lbs. Your mpg are probably the best you will get.
Fred
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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Lie about it? No help in the wallet, of course. To be serious you need a more substantial tow vehicle with more axle ratio. A diesel would probably put you in the 11-13 mpg range. That's what I get with both the trailers in my signature with my truck. In fact, I get better mpg with my Holiday Rambler at 2500 lbs more weight than with my Summit. The Holiday is MUCH more aerodynamic.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Not only slow down but be a turtle off the line at stop lights and coast into lights so you don't have to stop completely.
Maybe you will get another mpg.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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jplunkett
Virginia
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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I pretty much follow these suggestions - easy on the take off, run 55-60, anticipate slow downs and stops to the extent I can. Towing I get a consistent 9 mpg with the OD locked out. Not towing I consistently get 17-18 mpg. TV is a 2006 F150 5.4L, 3.73 rear. Your mileage is not surprising.
safe travels,
John & Elizabeth Plunkett
Louisa, Virginia
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charwan
Dawsonville, Ga.
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Joined: 02/05/2004
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They have been asking this question in th3e 70 and in the 80's. They must not have found out the answer. I have been a mechanic all my life and I don't think you can change it after its built. I've seen them change carbs, rear ends hearders you name it. You spend $3k to save pennys. MOHO CharWan
N4FAP
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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The comments about cover it. I get 6.8 mpg at 68mph, and 7.8 at 55mph. The rig is 34,400lb pulling a 5100lb toad using a 425hp Cummins.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Copilot Live Laptop 10 GPS
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K3WE
Missouri
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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Only drive down hill and with tail winds.
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