Hello everyone
I recently took my Camper on an over 6,000 mile, one month long, camping tour of the USA. I would like to share my thoughts and observations I had along the way. I own a 2018 Lariat 4x4 extended cab 6.5 foot bed towing a 8,000 lbs gvwr 30 foot 5th wheel.
1 : expect very poor mileage on the highway with any kind of head wind. 9.5 mpg crossing Iowa and Illinois with 15 mph head wind.
2 : expect to use a LOT of DEF wile towing in said head wind.
3 : the computer is VERY VERY slow adjusting to high altitude, once it does adjust, no problem.
4 : I made MUCH better mileage towing on rural roads than I did on the highway ??? 14-16 mpg depending on terrane.
5 : don't expect to get anything over 8th gear on the highway with turbo maxed out ??? 11-12 mpg ( part of the mileage problem)? Rural roads, no problem. could be simple wind resistance?
6 : while I never felt out of control on down grades the truck really could use a engine or exhaust brake. But I am an experienced hauler. And the transmission downshifts did help.
7 : The truck held up fine. No breakdowns,
8 : The camper held up fine also.
9 : I passed a lot of gas powered camper haulers on up grades of all makes and models.
10 : Don't bother looking for DEF fluid in Walmart's out west. they have a shelf slot for it but don't have any ??
11 : I seriously considered getting the extended range titan fuel tank for this trip. So glad I did not waste the money. unless you plan to spend several weeks driving in an area with no fuel stations, like the Australian Outback, I just don't see the need anywhere in the USA. even with the poorer mpgs while towing the need to stop for nature calls, food or drinks will necessitate stops anyway.
Anyone with specific questions? ask away
Mike
I recently took my Camper on an over 6,000 mile, one month long, camping tour of the USA. I would like to share my thoughts and observations I had along the way. I own a 2018 Lariat 4x4 extended cab 6.5 foot bed towing a 8,000 lbs gvwr 30 foot 5th wheel.
1 : expect very poor mileage on the highway with any kind of head wind. 9.5 mpg crossing Iowa and Illinois with 15 mph head wind.
2 : expect to use a LOT of DEF wile towing in said head wind.
3 : the computer is VERY VERY slow adjusting to high altitude, once it does adjust, no problem.
4 : I made MUCH better mileage towing on rural roads than I did on the highway ??? 14-16 mpg depending on terrane.
5 : don't expect to get anything over 8th gear on the highway with turbo maxed out ??? 11-12 mpg ( part of the mileage problem)? Rural roads, no problem. could be simple wind resistance?
6 : while I never felt out of control on down grades the truck really could use a engine or exhaust brake. But I am an experienced hauler. And the transmission downshifts did help.
7 : The truck held up fine. No breakdowns,
8 : The camper held up fine also.
9 : I passed a lot of gas powered camper haulers on up grades of all makes and models.
10 : Don't bother looking for DEF fluid in Walmart's out west. they have a shelf slot for it but don't have any ??
11 : I seriously considered getting the extended range titan fuel tank for this trip. So glad I did not waste the money. unless you plan to spend several weeks driving in an area with no fuel stations, like the Australian Outback, I just don't see the need anywhere in the USA. even with the poorer mpgs while towing the need to stop for nature calls, food or drinks will necessitate stops anyway.
Anyone with specific questions? ask away
Mike
