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New diesel pick up truck mileage - what are you getting?

Boat211

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I currently have a 2019 GMC 2500 gasser. I have never been in love with the truck. After all, it is just a truck. Its leveled with wheels and tires. Tires are stock diameter but a little wider. This truck has the 6.0. I am disappointed with the power and obviously with the fuel milage. I just clicked 56,000 miles and over that time has averaged 11.5 according to the computer. If I average fuel at $4 per gallon, I have spent $20k on fuel. The diesel upgrade I think is $10k. If the diesel gets double the economy I would be even at this point. So that brings me to my current question. What are the real world numbers on new diesel trucks? I am a die hard GM guy but the new GM trucks do not excite me too much visually. The ford looks good but I have done so much ford bashing that I don't know that I can do it. Might be able to pull off a dodge?? My BIL has a 2021 Ford and is getting great numbers. Does anyone have any true numbers they can share? I do a fair amount of driving and towing but no giant boats or trailers at this time. Thanks in advance for taking time to share.
 

Sleek Chode

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2020 RAM 3500 DRW, 4.10 gears… unloaded or loaded 9-13 mpg. 3.73 would be best for mileage on this truck but would decrease towing weight.
 

4Waters

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You'll probably get 14-16mpg, if you are really nice to it empty on cruise control at 75mph going to Vegas you might hit 20
 

beerrun

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I have a 17 2500 duramax I live in san diego and drive Wildcat canyon its a twisty road down the mountain to work i Ave 15mpg if we go on a road trip not towing running like 80mph i get around 22mpg towing my new toyhauler out to the desert I'm getting like 8mpg
 

Singleton

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2020 RAM 3500 DRW, 4.10 gears… unloaded or loaded 9-13 mpg. 3.73 would be best for mileage on this truck but would decrease towing weight.

2017 F350DRW -4.10 = I get apx 10 towing my 18k ToyHauler, 13-14 empty on freeway being nice to the go peddle
 

OldSchoolBoats

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The new Ford 6.7 is getting better milage due to the 10 speed transmission. I have a 19' 6.7 with the 6 speed and get 15-16 hwy and 12-14 around town. Have never pulled anything heavy with it so can't tell you what the mileage is for that, but guys on the Super Duty groups who tow big campers and such are seeing like 8-10 when pulling with 6 speed and higher numbers with the 10.
 

monkeyswrench

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Currently truckless, but work on and have had a few. As pointed out, repairs are expensive. If you're under warranty, fine. If you plan on trading up later, also works, but if you end up keeping it for unforeseen reasons, it can get costly. The other thing is average cost of diesel opposed to gas. Depending on location and type of use, that can be a major offset.
 

blue wonder

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I had a 2015 F-250 it would get 14-15 around town and maybe 16-17 on the hwy if I was lucky, I have a 43ft Raptor toy hauler that when loaded down it’s probably pushing 23-25k lbs…would get 7.5-8 towing….I upgraded to the same truck but a 2020 with the 10 speed, averages 17-18 around town, 20-21 hwy and around 9 towing
 

monkeyswrench

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Anyone have experience with the small duramax in the Yukon?
Is it comparable to the Izusu in the Colorado? Have a customer with a lifted 4x4 Colorado crew. He gets around 25, mixed driving. 100k in and no hiccups yet. It does burn a bit of oil though, about a quart between changes. If he stays on top of it, no worries. Nice little truck though.
 

Good Stuff

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Anyone have experience with the small duramax in the Yukon?
I know 3 people with them. Mileage is very impressive in the 30’s on the freeway and they tow well. But one of them is on the 3rd major power train repair and just waiting for the replacement car to be delivered to the dealer under their lemon agreement. Not sure if it makes a difference but the two that have no issues are both Escalades. And the Tahoe is the one that burned 10 qts of oil from Temecula to Havasu and the same on its return trip the first time out.
 

JDKRXW

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No horse in this race, but the only mpg figures I believe require 2 trips to the gas station, the trip meter function in the odometer and a calculator.
I've never had a diesel p.u. , but I know there's a huge risk of one breakdown canceling years of any fuel savings.
Personally, the only way I'd get a diesel is if you're towing the majority of the time and willing to risk big $$$ in after warranty repairs.
An F150 will do whatever a 2500 or 3500 Duramax will do anyways.
 

Bpracing1127

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2018 F250 SRW 3.55 rear gears with a 6 speed on 37”s
Unloaded I get 14-15 on the highway at 80 plus, going 65-70 I get 17-18

Towing 60-65 18k lbs I get about 8-10
 

RIVERBORN

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I know 3 people with them. Mileage is very impressive in the 30’s on the freeway and they tow well. But one of them is on the 3rd major power train repair and just waiting for the replacement car to be delivered to the dealer under their lemon agreement. Not sure if it makes a difference but the two that have no issues are both Escalades. And the Tahoe is the one that burned 10 qts of oil from Temecula to Havasu and the same on its return trip the first time out.
Well…., we ordered one. It will be a lease so warranty shouldn’t be an issue and should be gone before 50k miles. Will be used to go form ca to az. No towing. Hopefully don’t break down. Lol
 

NicPaus

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I did the math and it was 500,000 miles to break even on the diesel. I went with 6.6 gas instead. If I still had a big toyhauler I would of went diesel. I also have a 6.0 gas with almost same miles as you. It is a reg cab long bed. The new truck gets much better mpg. And it's crew cab 4x4 and weighs 1500 lbs more on the scale. But it has 373 instead of 410 rear end. Best I got was 13.7 round trip to river and the 6.6 15.7 mpg round trip. I still have 1 diesel 3500 if I need to tow over 16k lbs but I don't have a class A.
 

rivermobster

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You're asking for TRUE numbers on this forum???

Good luck with that!!! 😂

I remember when Tom Brown asked this question about the 7.3, everyone posted they were getting 21mpg and he just about lost his shit cause he was only getting 14! 😁
 

Done-it-again

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17’ F-350 SRW. 12-13 around town, but drive it like I stole it. It’s my daily so I’m on the fwy for 15 miles doing 80 most of time.
 

spectra3279

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Sorry not a new one but
03 dodge 3500 4x4 with 3.73 gears and the nv5600 6 speed. I get on average 16 -17 mpg in town and 19 on the freeway provided I keep it at 70. Towing my spectra at 65 gets me 16 mpg at 70 it goes to 14. I need a gear vendors overdrive.

I have no emissions at all as it's a 49 state truck. I also run a tuner and a killer bee turbo.
 

CLdrinker

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Diesel fuel mileage and reliability isn’t what it used to be.
If you tow really heavy often they make sense. If you have the money and don’t care they are awesome.
Just don’t get caught with a repair bill outside warranty.

I ordered a 7.3 i can buy allot of fuel with the 8-10k I saved over the diesel and I don’t have to worry about fuel pumps, egr or def issues.

That’s allot to pay for and worry about to save 5mpg.
 

DarkJuJu

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I have a 4x4 '18 mega cab on 35s best I average is 15.9 maybe 11 towing on average from Phx to Glamis 36' toyhauler, my old 06 2wd could get 18-23 all day long
 

Good Stuff

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Well…., we ordered one. It will be a lease so warranty shouldn’t be an issue and should be gone before 50k miles. Will be used to go form ca to az. No towing. Hopefully don’t break down. Lol
I seriously think there was some fluke thing. Part of it is dealer tech inexperience in my opinion. Engine most likely had bad rings and burned the oil. Havasu dealer filled it up and said the Temecula guys must not have made sure it was full of oil but damage was done at that point. Burned all the oil on the way back again. With all the recycling of exhaust and the sludge from burned oil and a hot block the intercooler ended up getting jacked up from excessive blow by but wasn’t replaced with the engine so it ended up causing more issues even after it was replaced. Really think they just got a fluke and then it was compounded into enough issues that they really just needed to replace it with a new one to make it right.
 

Justsomeguy

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2012 LML chevy 2500 duramax 21 was my best ever i usually realistically get about 18 on a trip, 15 average. Although someone once swore i would be getting 20 regularly after 120,000 mile break in. Still waiting, I have over 140,000 hard miles on mine. The pump issue was an issue on all 3. It was definitely an issue, but GM switched to a denso from Bosch. Emissions related issues are definitely also an issue. But, on that note. My old gasser clogged up cats and cost me some good money. O2 sensors, etc. That big bump in the desert eliminated my issues.
 

Rondog4405

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Anyone have experience with the small duramax in the Yukon?
I had it in my last silverado. Great engine. I got crazy mpg out of it. Pulled my 26 lavey and a 30 ft travel trailer with ease. I really should've held onto it. 😉
 

Ziggy

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You're asking for TRUE numbers on this forum???

Good luck with that!!! 😂

I remember when Tom Brown asked this question about the 7.3, everyone posted they were getting 21mpg and he just about lost his shit cause he was only getting 14! 😁
My Y2k 7.3 SD CC 4x4 will go from Oceanside to Havasu and back over, through and around the mountain switchbacks on one tank and a little bit of reserve.....~600miles. So more around 16mpg.
Towing my 40' 5th wheel with all the toys was in the 10-12 range.
Didn't change any going down to our current 30' 5er, certainly not noticeably.
 

rivermobster

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I currently have a 2019 GMC 2500 gasser. I have never been in love with the truck. After all, it is just a truck. Its leveled with wheels and tires. Tires are stock diameter but a little wider. This truck has the 6.0. I am disappointed with the power and obviously with the fuel milage. I just clicked 56,000 miles and over that time has averaged 11.5 according to the computer. If I average fuel at $4 per gallon, I have spent $20k on fuel. The diesel upgrade I think is $10k. If the diesel gets double the economy I would be even at this point. So that brings me to my current question. What are the real world numbers on new diesel trucks? I am a die hard GM guy but the new GM trucks do not excite me too much visually. The ford looks good but I have done so much ford bashing that I don't know that I can do it. Might be able to pull off a dodge?? My BIL has a 2021 Ford and is getting great numbers. Does anyone have any true numbers they can share? I do a fair amount of driving and towing but no giant boats or trailers at this time. Thanks in advance for taking time to share.

Truth?

Trip computers are not 100 percent acurate, if you're not doing the math filling up, with a calibrated speedometer, your numbers are going to be off.

Will you double your milage? Doubtful.

Will you double your power? Easily and then some...

Look at the torque numbers on your 6.0 vs. ANY new diesel truck and you'll see for yourself.

You couldn't pay me enough (savings) to go back to a gas truck. Stay away from the Isuzu, and you'll avoid a whole lotta reliability issues. 😉

The Cummins is great, but the truck itself tends to self destruct.

Go drive a new Ford truck and make your own decision. You know how forum douche nozzles can be! 😁
 

77charger

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Look into a tuned ecu for your 6.0 it will improve mpg slightly but increase power too. I did a black bear tune on my 04 6,0 gasser wish I did it years ago but definitely noticeable gain everywhere.

As for diesel mpg I’m surprised I don’t hear 25 empty and 20 towing like most use to say. I used an 03 5.9 with a camper towing my 207 to powell it got 10 mpg average doing 75 it was a 6 speed manual too. Many then said something not right it should be double that lol. But knowing ones with diesels today are saying similar numbers I see here.
 

rivermobster

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My Y2k 7.3 SD CC 4x4 will go from Oceanside to Havasu and back over, through and around the mountain switchbacks on one tank and a little bit of reserve.....~600miles. So more around 16mpg.
Towing my 40' 5th wheel with all the toys was in the 10-12 range.
Didn't change any going down to our current 30' 5er, certainly not noticeably.

You get better milage than me. But, my truck is a long way from stock.
 

Justsomeguy

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Truth?

Trip computers are not 100 percent acurate, if you're not doing the math filling up, with a calibrated speedometer, your numbers are going to be off.

Will you double your milage? Doubtful.

Will you double your power? Easily and then some...

Look at the torque numbers on your 6.0 vs. ANY new diesel truck and you'll see for yourself.

You couldn't pay me enough (savings) to go back to a gas truck. Stay away from the Isuzu, and you'll avoid a whole lotta reliability issues. 😉

The Cummins is great, but the truck itself tends to self destruct.

Go drive a new Ford truck and make your own decision. You know how forum douche nozzles can be! 😁
I feel similarly. With the exception of the Isuzu bashing. Take it easy! I've only split a ruber fuel hose on mine this far, knock on wood. Cost me a few bucks. My biggest complaint is the ifs front end. Personally, I think it's just to heavy. I Chew through uniballs and ball joints. And my front end has all kryptonite parts on it. Granted, I abuse it more than most ever will.
That being said. I had a half ton Gasser before this, so it's not quite the same, and I've driven the beloved ecoboost. but I'll never go back.
 

Boat 405

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2020 Ram 4x4 long bed crew cab. 20 mpg empty. 13 mpg towing a 25 Daytona. 11-12 mpg towing with a 26' ATC Aluminum Enclosed trailer.
 

WhatExit?

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Gas is cheaper than fixing modern diesels

Not gonna tow a big 5th wheel with a gas truck not even with a Ford "Gojira"

53145794.jpg
 

rivermobster

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I'm running 34" tires w/373 rear end. Edge Tuner setting up on #2 of 3 settings.

37's, 4:56, Super Chips set on Max power. 4 inch exhaust and an Araid Intake.

I'm about 2mpg less than you all around, but I don't have to slow down for chit! 😁

Oh. And did I mention a Gear Vendor? I can tow 80mph on flat ground. Outside of CA doncha know. 😉

Trans has been worked a bit too...

20181008_160715.jpg
 

Melloyellovector

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Iv got 280k on 16 ram 6.7 cclb
I tow heavy and often
mileage is not impressive, and don’t let the diesel bs fool you. There is zero savings long term.
fuel costs are equal to premium fuel, oil and fuel filter costs are 10xs the cost.
egr, def, issues are real and fuckin expensive. If a diesel is not needed for towing heavy stay away, waste of money on newer trucks
 

monkeyswrench

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My 02 Cummins was my best mileage vehicle ever...until the Prius Of Shame.
No smog, but factory limited anyway. Had a Power Puck tuner deal. 2wd, 6spd manual and 4.10 gears. Empty was an honest 18-19. Towing a 40ft gooseneck empty was 16. Two full size trucks on the trailer(or three old Ford cars) would usually hover about 12-13 towing at 70. Noticeable drop at 75+ though. My friends with newer Dodges, 6.7's, aren't getting that...even after "mods". They run great, and don't have issues, but still not as cheap to run around.

Love to find another, but a truck like that is big money to the ranchers and contractors out here. 15k+ with 250k on the odometer!
 

Boat211

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I had it in my last silverado. Great engine. I got crazy mpg out of it. Pulled my 26 lavey and a 30 ft travel trailer with ease. I really should've held onto it. 😉
Planning to look into this. This is definitely a viable option.
 

CLdrinker

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Single digit MPG is gonna suck too...

View attachment 1079620

Oh I’m gonna be single digit mpg for sure. But when I only drive 5,000 miles a year. Who cares.

Horses got way better mpg than your truck and almost have the same technology... soo what’s you point?

Those dudes in Dubai have to pay for those new Funcos some how. I’m just doing my part.
 

yz450mm

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2020 3500 AT4 CCLB SRW Duramax with 10 speed Allison, MPG average towing the Voltage(20k) is 8, Big Tex gooseneck equipment trailer (14-23k) is 9, dump trailer (12-14k) is 10, unloaded is probably 16-20.
 

Ace in the Hole

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2020 Ram 3500 Mega HO/Aisin Combo 4x4 bighorn w/factory bags 31,000 miles on it.

I drive it limited locally while at home..maybe once or twice a week. It's meant for our road trips, and going to havasu.

I Just drove 1200 miles back yesterday and today. Towing a 24+4 steel frame enclosed car hauler....pretty much empty...but it was windy as hell for 10+ hours today limiting speed and sucking down fuel...9.9-10.4 which was the worst I've ever gotten out of it...with the trailer loaded weighing a combined lets say 11k? it got 11.4 to havasu..but I wasn't battling 15+ sustained and large gusts. Thats at 75mph cruise pretty much pulling a parachute :rolleyes:😅 I use a box to a box and a half of DEF each way.

Mixed unloaded driving here in texas I get around 16.8 mpg, and the best I've ever gotten was just over 18 on a trip to havasu unloaded solo at 80mph in texas and 75mph in NM and AZ on a 1200 mile run.

I paid 3k less for this truck at Anderson in LHC than Bradley wanted for a new 7.3 gas 250 similarly equipped around sept of 2020. The 7.3 gas is legit...my FIL has one and it averages 13.4ish mixed highway/city driving. If you need the towing power often then go with the diesel..otherwise buy a gasser. Oilchange/fuel filters x2 is 400 something dollars at the dealer... Ball joints wear faster, tires wear faster on the front over engine weight etc.

My last truck was a gas ford with a 6.2...drove it 175k miles...it never got more than 11.4mpg..ever. Towing it would drop to 6-8.
 
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