GMC World Class Technician
Fuel Mileage?
Ok, I have a customer that has a C-5500, 2006. He is complaining that he is only getting 10 MPG at all times. Towing or not. The truck has a homemade camper on it. I don't know how much the silly thing weighs but the truck is rated for 19,500 Lbs. What kind of mileage should he expect? Seems like 10 is about Par for the course.
1998 Chevy k-2500 454 147,000 miles and climbing!
1993 Pontiac G/A Big Block 3.3 Liter 140,000 miles and still going too!
Enthusiast
The C5500s are usually geared really deep...like 5.15s or something.
10 all the time sounds right. When a diesel is geared that deep, it tends to flatten out the mileage, regardless of load. That is why most semi trucks will get 6mpg, empty or loaded.
I might average a little better with my 4.44 C4500 but its not much. Tall boats and a headwind I get 7 or 8. Empty trailer I might get 11 or 12.
My advice? "Quit paying attention - its too depressing." If these commercial duty trucks aren't grossing 5x of your fuel bill every month, then you might want to investigate something more economical to drive to the campground.
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
- Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
- Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K
GMC World Class Technician
Thanks Mark! I know that you of all people should know that! With that nice long trip you just took. Did the info I send you help you on your gears out at all?
1998 Chevy k-2500 454 147,000 miles and climbing!
1993 Pontiac G/A Big Block 3.3 Liter 140,000 miles and still going too!
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