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First Towing Trip Report

4276 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Haulin
Haven't been here in awhile so some background. Took delivery of my Laramie 4x4 crew cab (6'3") on June 30. July 2 did a 400 mile round-trip from Los Alamos, NM to Durango, CO and back. 28.5 mpg (calculated from actual fuel usage; trip computer typically reads 0.5 to 1.0 mpg low). Since then, two road trips for biking/fishing/goofing around in Colorado (one of 1500 miles with average mileage of 25 mpg). In early September I headed up to Idaho, towing my 6' x 12' trailer loaded with a 16' self-bailing raft and gear (total of about 1500 pounds payload on the trailer). Mileage for the 2,800 mile round-trip was 21.5 mpg which included a fair number of miles at 80 mph on I-80 in Wyoming and I-84 in Idaho.

Never any problems passing RVs and 18-wheelers. And, one really pleasant surprise. I woke up to frost on the windshield while camping near Pinedale, Wyoming (22 degrees that morning!). Started the truck while loading up my gear. It was really nice putting my hands on the already-warm steering wheel and sitting down in the pre-warmed seat!

Did another trip to Durango and back last week. Again, 28.5 mpg (technically, 28.5537 mpg, but who's counting?).

Attached photo is from Birch Creek pass between the Lemhi and Snake River valleys.

IMG_20140904_150517170.jpg

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Sounds like you are having a good time with your Ecodiesel. Are you happy with the fuel mileage that you are getting? It seems like it is varying quite a bit. Is that just due to the amount of weight that you are towing?
I'm pretty constant on the fuel mileage around town and on road trips where I'm not carrying/towing any significant weight. Can't complain about the mileage while towing, especially since it is twice what I would I would have had on my F250.

On another note, I replaced the the "stock" Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires that came with the truck at about 2000 miles. They handled poorly and were loud. Bought some Michelin LTX M/S (used these tires for years on my Ford trucks). If you go to the TireRack web site you'll see that the Michelin tires are rated #1 in their class, the Goodyear tires at #23 . Also, the Michelin tires have a 70K mileage warranty. Much to my surprise, Discount Tire gave me $75/tire for the Goodyears!
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Great fuel mileage towing.


Soon as you add any kind of trailer the mileage changes just from rolling resistance. Those that don't tow can be clueless. You are doing quite well with that trailer and at those high speeds.


Like your choice of tires. I will do that when I wear out the "freebies" that came with the truck. No noise from mine so I'm contented.


Continue to enjoy and be proud to be proud.
.

On another note, I replaced the the "stock" Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires that came with the truck at about 2000 miles. They handled poorly and were loud. Bought some Michelin LTX M/S Also, the Michelin tires have a 70K mileage warranty. Much to my surprise, Discount Tire gave me $75/tire for the Goodyears!
As soon as my truck arrives the first trip is to my local tire dealer, he has already quoted me a good price on LTX M/S2 's and has offered to give me $70 per tire for my wranglers. :nerd:
I'm pretty constant on the fuel mileage around town and on road trips where I'm not carrying/towing any significant weight. Can't complain about the mileage while towing, especially since it is twice what I would I would have had on my F250.

On another note, I replaced the the "stock" Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires that came with the truck at about 2000 miles. They handled poorly and were loud. Bought some Michelin LTX M/S (used these tires for years on my Ford trucks). If you go to the TireRack web site you'll see that the Michelin tires are rated #1 in their class, the Goodyear tires at #23 . Also, the Michelin tires have a 70K mileage warranty. Much to my surprise, Discount Tire gave me $75/tire for the Goodyears!
Indeed, it has been my experience that Michelin rides and handles best; however, we'll keep the current Goodyear until they get close to the wear bar before replacing them with Michelin.
Yea I like Mich's, great tire in the wet IMO. Goodyear makes good tires as well, they're just in the pricier range.

I've got Wrangler Silent Armours on my ranger right now, got them for $100/tire, well worth the extra coin. Kevlar sidewalls keep things quiet, the tread has been great in the slop and the rain as well. Winter Rated All seasons too, kept me happy.

We do have LTX's on our escape, yea I love em too ;) Good rubber costs money, I'll never skimp on tires...
As soon as my truck arrives the first trip is to my local tire dealer, he has already quoted me a good price on LTX M/S2 's and has offered to give me $70 per tire for my wranglers. :nerd:
that's a good way to get rid of them, at least while it barely used you can retain a good amount of it's value and get good money for it
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