CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post

Rich Biebel · 12-31-2020, 10:07 AM

I had a '96 GMC 2500 HD 4x4 that I used for towing for years.

7.4 with auto overdrive and a 3.73 rear

It got about 10 MPG or less towing a 26' trailer with a Lance Camper loaded in the bed. I can't recall exact figures but I know that's close. I changed a few things but it made very little difference mileage or power wise.

My buddy had an 8.1 pickup and mileage was poor and lower than my 7.4 pickup for sure...

My '96 Pickup never got better than 15mpg on the highway and not towing anything....and that was driving 55-60 ....

I have a Class C E450 Ford motorhome with a V10 it gets about 7MPG towing the same trailer...

My Duramax pickup gets 12-13 back and forth to work.....10-11 towing with the camper and trailer out back when I used that truck...

The 8.1 has always had a reputation for poor fuel mileage similar to a Ford 460.....

12-31-2020, 10:07 AM	#5
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: Chevrolet 8.1 Vortec advice I had a '96 GMC 2500 HD 4x4 that I used for towing for years. 7.4 with auto overdrive and a 3.73 rear It got about 10 MPG or less towing a 26' trailer with a Lance Camper loaded in the bed. I can't recall exact figures but I know that's close. I changed a few things but it made very little difference mileage or power wise. My buddy had an 8.1 pickup and mileage was poor and lower than my 7.4 pickup for sure... My '96 Pickup never got better than 15mpg on the highway and not towing anything....and that was driving 55-60 .... I have a Class C E450 Ford motorhome with a V10 it gets about 7MPG towing the same trailer... My Duramax pickup gets 12-13 back and forth to work.....10-11 towing with the camper and trailer out back when I used that truck... The 8.1 has always had a reputation for poor fuel mileage similar to a Ford 460..... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R Last edited by Rich Biebel; 12-31-2020 at 10:10 AM.