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Our 1st Long Distance Pull with the Hemi
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ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
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Our 1st Long Distance Pull with the Hemi
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This topic was originally posted in this forum: Tires, Rims Discusssion |
| Author | Topic: Our 1st Long Distance Pull with the Hemi |
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BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 |
posted 05-19-2003 10:51 PM
We picked up our new Wells Cargo trailer Sat May 10th. I purchased both a Reese Levelizer hitch and Anti Sway setup. The trailer is 24 ft long and weighs 3100 pounds. The Hemi pulls this rig loaded with the Prolwer pretty easily. Running in overdrive with the AC on at 70 mph its turning 2000 RPM. On the steeper grades it shifts down to 3rd and runs 2700 to 3000 RPM's. Going up to KY we averaged 9.2 mile per gallon. Coming home from Louisville I was running with the cruise control on which I had not done going up. I know from past experience with cars that I can get better mileage (driving just about anything) with the CC off. Anyway, when we got home our round trip average was 8.2 mpg. Going to KY I ran between 60 and 65 most of the way except for the last 100 miles, which I ran 70. At one point I looked down and I was doing 85,Oooops! I ran 70 mph almost all the way home. The Truck pulled the trailer up both sides of Mount Eagle in TN which has a 6% , 6 mile grade on one side and a 5%, 4 mile grade on the other. I could pull both sides without strain and could even accelerate when needed. I passed my fair share of cars on the way up. Going down those grades the engine held the speed down so that I did not even have to touch the brakes. I could have had better gas mileage if I had not run so fast up the mountain but I had to test the Hemi out.  Too be honest I am a little disappointed in the mileage. But overall extremely happy with the Hemi. We just turned 6000 miles and Bob thinks my mpg will improve when the motor gets broken in. It would also help if I slowed down some.  This message has been edited by BeWare on 05-19-2003 at 10:58 PM |
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prowlergirl Prowler Junkie Posts: 132 |
posted 05-20-2003 06:24 AM
Thanks for the info, I will be towing my challenger to a couple shows this summer using my hemi 1500. Ron |
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 132 |
posted 05-20-2003 07:26 AM
Thanks for the info!!! |
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Blue Kat Prowler Junkie Posts: 537 |
posted 05-20-2003 05:10 PM
Hey Rich, at 8.2 MPG, you are going to have to buy Iraq for their oil wells . . . Anyway, I saw a picture of your trailer and the Hemi together . . . looks real good! Give us a call for a raincheck to Ted's |
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WildCat Prowler Junkie Posts: 6862 |
posted 05-20-2003 08:26 PM
Rich, slow it down a little and the MPG will go up, but not much. If you wanted mileage you should have gotten the Diesel. I got (12 something) going to deadwood in my 3/4 ton 4x4 with 24' trailer running AC at about 65mph. I have since had a tune up and it will probably hurt my mileage cause now I can run 80+ mph all day long......LOL That is a lot of wind drag pulling an enclosed trailer. It takes a HORSE of a truck to pull one epecially in the mountains. I don't think your mileage is too bad concidering how hard you were running and where you where at. ------------------
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BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 |
posted 05-20-2003 08:37 PM
WC I was hoping for 10MPG and for the first part of the trip I was getting between 10.5 and 11. As soon as I hit TN the mileage started dropping. TN is very hilly. We will see what happens next month going to the falls. |
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MIKE GATLIN Prowler Junkie Posts: 4307 |
posted 05-20-2003 08:50 PM
Rich, I agree, mileage not bad. I pulled 20' enclosed with a Siverado to Nevada and did around 10 mpg overall. Fun watching the economy readout pulling up some mountains in the Rockies, I was able to get it down to 1 mpg readout. Course going down some of those hills I could hit 48-49 mpg. |
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jd2ksilver Prowler Junkie Posts: 4360 |
posted 05-20-2003 10:28 PM
I think it will improve still Rich. I'm going about 12-14 here for short trips, and freeway. 10k on it now. Love the power, big time. ------------------
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Larry Lord Prowler Junkie Posts: 3709 |
posted 05-20-2003 11:33 PM
Don't hold your breath for too long waiting for the better mileage Rich. I have a 2003 HD2500, Xcab, 8' bed with the HEMI engine, an automatic trans. and posi traction. I average about 10.8 in combined city/hwy driving and the best I've ever gotten with strictly freeway miles was 15.7 mpg. I love my truck and the power it has but it rides like a hay wagon and sucks up gas like it thinks I own an oil well. As much as I hate the diesels, I would get a diesel next time. I sure I would get better mileage if I drove a little slower but it just ain't me. My old 89 Chev. 2500, 350, auto, 8' bed got about 13 mpg (combined) for the same driving style and patterns. |
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BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 |
posted 05-21-2003 09:11 AM
Larry my 1500 Hemi Quadcab has been doing a little better than that. I have been averaging 12.5 running around town. I have a pretty heavy foot too. Unfortunately I have yet to have it purley on the hiway for any distance to measure mpg without the trailer. I have 20 inch wheels which require that I have the 3.92 limited slip axle. I knew when I bought the truck I would get better mileage with a diesel but I had to have the Hemi. JD I love the Hemi truck as well. You sure didn't waste any time putting miles on yours. |
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WildCat Prowler Junkie Posts: 6862 |
posted 05-21-2003 07:13 PM
quote:
When I said you need a horse of a truck to pull the enclosed trailer, I guess I should have told you you have to feed it well too. If you can pull Mt. Eagle without a problem you have the horse. I have 3.54 gears, with the 3.92's you will use more fuel. To have a good tow vehicle you have to compromise all around use. You will not be pulling the trailer that much and at over $4,000 for the diesel you can buy a lot of gas. Run a little slower in the mountains and your mileage will increase FYI. I got 8.8 MPG towing my trailer behind the 38' motorhome to PA last year, another Cummins diesel |
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Laddie Roussel Prowler Junkie Posts: 3463 |
posted 05-21-2003 07:45 PM
During last weeks trip to Louisville, I averaged 15.5 mpg on the way up (700+ miles) and 14.5 on way back (700+ miles). Normally I just put it on 75 and crusie control... With over 54,000 + miles on this 01 Ram Diesel 2500, I've averaged over 20+ mpg in combined driving (without towing and towing). Most of my non-towing miles are hwy miles... Last year on our trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles (I-10), with cruise control set to 75 (except when we hit the CA state line), it only dropped out of Overdrive twice. Here's the rig... ------------------ |
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Gary C Prowler Junkie Posts: 12017 |
posted 05-21-2003 10:17 PM
Rich, be careful, towing in overdrive is not recommended, read your owners manual, at 60 in the diesel I drive in third, if you are doing a lot of towing flush not drain your fluid(tranny)every 10k and I doing the Hummer after 3000 miles. Glad you are enjoying all your new toys. Take care and loved the Flamed Shirt from KY.......... ------------------  |
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BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 |
posted 05-22-2003 11:11 AM
Thanks Gary, I saw you mention this on a previous post so I did check the manual. Its says that the only time you may need to take it out of overdrive is when pulling steep grades. This is what I did. |
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CatDude Prowler Junkie Posts: 1593 |
posted 05-22-2003 07:05 PM
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jd2ksilver Prowler Junkie Posts: 4360 |
posted 05-22-2003 10:27 PM
Looks really nice Rich,, classy ------------------
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BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 |
posted 05-23-2003 06:39 AM
Damon, thanks for posting the pic's. JD, thanks we get almost as many compliments on the truck as we do the Prowler |
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Gary C Prowler Junkie Posts: 12017 |
posted 05-23-2003 02:49 PM
Rich, itsa good practice not to tow or drive around town in overdrive, the down and up shifting really hammers the tranny,,, the "rig" looks good, sorry, very good.......... ------------------ |
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