Truck- Trailer combos and vehicle performance.

[RVing in Michigan]

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this? We just completed a 5,000 mile trip out west with our 2021 Reflection 337RLS and our 2020 Ford Super Duty. Everything went awesome! No issues with truck or 5th wheel. The truck has the new 6.7 diesel with a 10 speed trans. I am very impressed. I found that driving at 65 mph was most efficient in 9th gear. Up and down he mountains with almost no down-shifting (except going downhill of course with engine brake on). 90% of the trip was towing the 5th wheel. After 5K miles, to the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier and back- 13.4 mpg.

[Bamaman]

Congratulations on having a trouble free trip. 13.4 mpg is great for that size fifth wheel trailer, and it beats my 11 mpg with my like size Reflection fifth wheel.

[JeffD68]

That fuel economy is impressive. After 20,000 miles, I am at 12 MPH combined with only 7K of those miles towing my 303. I generally keep it at 65 MPH or below while towing. It must be the 10 speed that makes the difference.

[SteveTN]

Sounds like a great trip. We've had similar experience with our 337 and Ram 1 ton diesel but haven't headed out west yet.

[powerscol]

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this? We just completed a 5,000 mile trip out west with our 2021 Reflection 337RLS and our 2020 Ford Super Duty. Everything went awesome! No issues with truck or 5th wheel. The truck has the new 6.7 diesel with a 10 speed trans. I am very impressed. I found that driving at 65 mph was most efficient in 9th gear. Up and down he mountains with almost no down-shifting (except going downhill of course with engine brake on). 90% of the trip was towing the 5th wheel. After 5K miles, to the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier and back- 13.4 mpg.

What rear gear do you have and what is you solo fuel mileage with the new 6.7

I am asking as I am on the fence whether to get the 6.7 an deal with the DEF and service cost issues or get the 7.3 gas and live withe the 8-10 gas mileage while towing and 14 solo. Thoughts? BTW my Reflection 150 series 220RK is under 9K GVWR

[bertschb]

What rear gear do you have and what is you solo fuel mileage with the new 6.7

I am asking as I am on the fence whether to get the 6.7 an deal with the DEF and service cost issues or get the 7.3 gas and live withe the 8-10 gas mileage while towing and 14 solo. Thoughts? BTW my Reflection 150 series 220RK is under 9K GVWR

I get about 22mpg unloaded at 65mph with my 2020 F-350 6.7 w/3.55 gears. I got 11.7mpg on my recent 1,000 mile trip towing my 15,000lb Solitude.

As for the DEF and additional cost for diesel oil changes - that's a super minor cost that IMO gets way overblown. Hundred bucks a year maybe? The price of a steak dinner out with your wife? There are a couple reasons to avoid the diesel engine. The diesel option itself is expensive. It reduces the payload rating of the truck. In some places diesel fuel costs more than gas.

But, when it comes to towing, a modern diesel (and especially the new Ford 6.7 w/ 10 speed transmission) makes towing a breeze. Steep hills and heavy loads are effortless experiences at low RPM's.

You don't "need" the 6.7 with your 9,000lb 5th wheel. But I guarantee you will enjoy the towing experience more with a diesel. Plus, if there is even a 10% chance that you'll get a larger RV some day, get a diesel now. A LOT of people start with smaller and lighter RV's and get larger rigs (and trucks) later. Get the right truck now and skip the F-250. The F-350 gives you an extra 1,000lbs of payload for basically the same price and the same empty ride quality.

[Malco1]

What rear gear do you have and what is you solo fuel mileage with the new 6.7

I am asking as I am on the fence whether to get the 6.7 an deal with the DEF and service cost issues or get the 7.3 gas and live withe the 8-10 gas mileage while towing and 14 solo. Thoughts? BTW my Reflection 150 series 220RK is under 9K GVWR

No engine exhaust brake on the gaser. Also as a previous owner of a gas class A gas motor home, pulling into a gas station was always a bone of contention. With a diesel I just pull into the truck lanes and use my EFS card.

[Rgkeaney]

No engine exhaust brake on the gaser. Also as a previous owner of a gas class A gas motor home, pulling into a gas station was always a bone of contention. With a diesel I just pull into the truck lanes and use my EFS card.

I cannot imagine going over Eisenhower tunnel (coming down) or down either side of berthoud pass (both Colorado) or wolf creek pass without an engine brake. That’s huge for me here in this state.

Great reminder on the engine brake.


+++++++++++++++++++
2016 Ram 2500 Cummins
Andersen ultimate
2020 GD 31MB
Champion dual fuel 3500 generator
Steadyfast stabilizers
Dinosaur electronics ignitor board
MicroAir Easy-Start

[Kevin.lanes]

I have a 2020 Duramax and it’s my first diesel so I understand the DEF concern, but factor in the lower cost of diesel and the fact you can go to the truck stop and get pump DEF. (something I learnt on this forum)

You will appreciate the diesel with every hill you climb leaving the gassers behind.

[Kanman]

Have the 2021 337RLS and 2020 F350 SRW with the 6.7 as well; no real long tows yet just a few hundred miles, but get between 12 & 13 mpg towing and at 65-70 mph. The power and smoothness of this setup is awesome. Plan on about a 3500 mile trip this winter, so this will be a true test. Was thinking about buying the 7.3 gasser and I am so glad I got the deisel, the power is amazing and the mpg empty is much better too.