I was wanting some opinions on whether this trailer problem might be causing my crappy mileage.

I've got a 2006 LBZ CCSB 4wd and have been disgusted by the mileage I have been seeing. It's always hooked up to my trailer (7X16 enclosed) that weighs around 6k-6500 loaded. I only get about 9.5-10.5 mpg towing driving 60 mph and taking it very easy. Not very mountainous where I am driving. I usually run Shell diesel and Stanadyne every tank. I have 285's, but the mileage was only about 11-11.5 with the 245's. These are hand calculations, NOT factoring in the tire difference, but it's not a huge difference (maybe 1-1.5) either way.

I have also been disgusted that my trailer keeps eating the inside of the tires off. It's been doing this since new (16 months old) and I've been going around and around with the dealer.

I called the manufacturer and they had me take some measurements from the front of the trailer to the axles. My right side axles are mounted about 1/2" further back than my left side. They said this is probably causing the tire wear. I've got to get it back to the factory as soon as I can to get them to fix.

Could this be causing my crappy mileage?

Thanks

For what you are towing, I don't see your mileage as crappy.

For what you are towing, I don't see your mileage as crappy.

Really??? I see guys that are pulling 12k lb 5'ers that are getting up to 12mpg and people pulling similar loads as me getting 12-14.

My trailer (see sig) weighs in at 7k loaded and I get right at 10mpg's towing also.

Sounds about right to me.

It doesn't seem all that bad, I tow a similar trailer and get about the same. I think the mileage is do to wind drag more than the weight. Also your trailer axles would cause the trailer to dog track. It is wearing the inside of the tires do to the axles sagging. It is pretty common. axles are even built with some positive camber to compensate for this.

It doesn't seem all that bad, I tow a similar trailer and get about the same. I think the mileage is do to wind drag more than the weight. Also your trailer axles would cause the trailer to dog track. It is wearing the inside of the tires do to the axles sagging. It is pretty common. axles are even built with some positive camber to compensate for this.

the dog tracking is all the 1/2" is going to cause.

put a level on the outside of your tires (plumb) and see where they're at.

I tow a 2007 14' V-nose that is actually 16' long and it weighs at least 6k at minimum at all times. I have been averaging 12-14 mpg when towing this thing but it varies by speed and terrain. It too is eating the tire on the right rear but the rest of the tires are just choppy, the right rear is almost bald. I would blame it on the brakes but the wires for the right rear brake have been dragging for about 3 months now. The 3 tires that have brakes are fine. ???? what it is i dont know but it will get new tires this fall. The trailer see's about 500 miles a week right now so new tires every year seems ok to me.

Wind drag is a big factor. With my 03 LB7 I tow a 34 ft TT @ approx. 9000 lbs and get around 11.5 mpg. Previously I had a 27 ft TT @ 5500 lbs and was getting 12 to 12.5 mpg. But your wheel or axle aligment on the trailer sound as if it requires attention.

I tow 15K 5ver with my 03 LB7 CCSB 4x4 and a hard pull going uphill in heat I have gotten as low as 7.5 but coming home as high as 11.5. I think its pretty common that the LLY, LBZ, and the LMM do not get as good fuel mileage as the older LB7 motors did.

your axel alignment is causing the tire wear. I assume you have a tandem axle 3500 lb ea. if these are spring supported axels,you could also be overloading them. I know you say your under 7k,but the 3500 lb. axles are more like 3k. I had a similar problem,and I replaced both with 5200 lb. axels. problem solved. your mileage though is in the ball park.

Air up all the tires to just under sidewall max for a week or two and see if that helps. also slowing down 5 mph will do wonders on mileage.

Really??? I see guys that are pulling 12k lb 5'ers that are getting up to 12mpg
You'll want to put those people on your ignore list. ;)

You'll want to put those people on your ignore list. ;)



I think it is possible, I can do it too, going down hill.;)

Don't forget the 40 mph tail wind, drafting the semi, down hill...

Getting 11.5-12 towing 8000lbs over Colo mtns running 65-70 most of time. Got over 15 pulling about 4000 lbs over the same route at about same speeds. That mileage does suck, maybe something is up with your trailer axles/wheels as stated previously by another post.