MPG on 2008 Dmax?

[evan0810]

I bought a 2008 K3500 DRW to tow a heavier trailer in '08. Traded in a K2500 Dmax that got 21MPG on the highway and 16MPG towing a 10K lb trailer. This '08 truck gets 11MPG driving around town and 17MPG on the highway solo. I know the DPF is a major difference in trucks, but wondered if anyone else is having horrible mileage with this vintage truck (GM or other). I am taking it in for repair for an oil leak in a tube that goes to the turbo next week. Last week they replaced two sensors that were causing a check engine light and the speaker that gives you the "ding" when the key is in the ignition. Also see Computer Problem thread below. This truck has 14K miles on it and I'm now averaging 2000 miles between repairs. Can't wait 'til the warranty is up.
Ed

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan0810 This truck has 14K miles on it and I'm now averaging 2000 miles between repairs. Can't wait 'til the warranty is up.

Ed, Maybe I'm wrong about this but I'm thinking the MPG thing is all because of your final drive gear in the 3500 ??

Too bad about the repair interval.

[Ray,IN]

You are moving more weight with the 3500 dually than with the 2500. My 02 K3500 dually gets 15 empty around town, 18.5 highway. Driving style is a huge factor too.

[evan0810]

I realize it is heavier, but not that much heavier. I'm very conservative w/ the accelerator because it is such a fuel hog. I was wanting to hear from those that have trucks w/ the DPF to see if their mileage is comparable.
Ed

[denochs]

Ed,

When we started rving we pulled a 32' with a F250. It got similar MPG as your GM. When we traded up to a 14K 39' 5er we went to the F550. Our mileage dropped dramatically, down to 14 mpg with out towing the 5er and 10 mpg towing. It was the additional weight and gearing that brought ours down. DRW's generally are geared quite a bit lower than the 2500.

Dave

[Det-Chief]

2 bad there is not a requiremnt for manufacturers to pul fuel effiencey on all trucks

[diandtom]

I just got 10.5 MPG towing our fiver up to Hickory from eastern NC. I had to leave the fiver and coming back I got 19.5.mpg. coming back. I did not drive it easy either way as I had to 600 miles in one day. When I could I ran 70 + .

[unit]

I've read that the dually loses about 2 mpg compared to the SRW due to extra weight and friction. Your mileage is about right for that truck.

[ATLJOHN]

I have 2006 3500 drw Duramax and get 18-19 hwy and 9-11 towing our 38 ft Bighorn. I think that great mpg towing such a large rig.

[MICHIGAN CAMPER]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan0810 I bought a 2008 K3500 DRW to tow a heavier trailer in '08. Traded in a K2500 Dmax that got 21MPG on the highway and 16MPG towing a 10K lb trailer. This '08 truck gets 11MPG driving around town and 17MPG on the highway solo. I know the DPF is a major difference in trucks, but wondered if anyone else is having horrible mileage with this vintage truck (GM or other). I am taking it in for repair for an oil leak in a tube that goes to the turbo next week. Last week they replaced two sensors that were causing a check engine light and the speaker that gives you the "ding" when the key is in the ignition. Also see Computer Problem thread below. This truck has 14K miles on it and I'm now averaging 2000 miles between repairs. Can't wait 'til the warranty is up. Ed

Ed, I realize this thread is a year old but justa let you know, my mileage mirrors yours. Disappointing, huh. A great towing machine though.
michigancamper

[mhs4771]

Yep, old thread, but I'll add a couple of comments: For one thing, all the GM Duramax/Allison combos have 3:73 gears, be it SRW, DRW, 2500 or 3500. I don't think there is even an option for anything different. I had a 2005 K3500, got 10 to 11.5 pulling our Montana, 18 to 20 Solo as long as it was kept under 65, any faster and you would see a drop. Now have a 2011 K3500, same basic setup, 10 to 11.5 towing, 17.5 to 19 solo, but have only done a few solo trips, most of the time it's towing the Monty.