What octane are you running?
Recs for better MPG pulling trailer?
- Thread starter Stevereno
- Start date
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Yeah we didn't even use our fresh water tank (i.e. it was empty going up and coming back) as there was good clean water hookup available and we drained the gray water and black water tanks before leaving our site.
@JennaBear - we are running on regular gas, I believe it is 87 Octane.
You need a minimum of 89 with that engine, even on stock tuning. It is higher compression.
Sent from an ice cream sammich.
Sent from an ice cream sammich.
Actually, the compression on your 5.3 is 10:1, which is the same as LS1 and an LQ9. You need 89+, GM just doesn't want to tell customers that for fear of driving them away. Can you run 87, sure, but I am willing to bet you have pinging.
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Most folks are like you, and do not realize that the 08+ 5.3Ls need a higher octane. The dealer would never tell you that you need it either. Your engine will run much better and you should see higher MPGs with good quality 89.
blairian
Full Access Member
Well I learned something today. Figures that is what would happen when I listened to the dealership. I usually just go with the dealer recommendation, but after this tank of 87 runs through, I'll be sticking to 89. Might explain my somewhat sub-par mileage as well...
In relation to the thread, that is about what you can expect with a trailer. Sure, the weight isn't an issue for the truck to pull, but the simple addition of the drag will cause the mileage to drop drastically. Weight is kind of a secondary factor in this...lower the speed and you should see some improvement, but don't have high hopes.
When figuring your MPG, do it the old school method with a calculator and trip meter to get a more accurate figure. You might be surprised at what you're actually getting in relation to what the computer is saying.
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sparkie124
Member
Nailed that one. My old o7 would ping like mad whil trailering but not under normal driving. Always steped up the octane for towing trips. We just got an 09 with the 6.2 and the dealership said run 87. I told my wife that was fine for her 1/2 mile commute to work. I put an exhaust & volant intake and went for a floggin. It pings. I think we will run the 87 normally and step up to the 89 for trailering.
Jennabear, Are you coming to kc for tunes in the beginning of june. I thought I saw june 8-9? That really sucks. We will be at the ozarks for some boat races and I really want a tune. LAKE TRIP N TUNE?????
Will tune help with towing MPGs?
Jennabear, Are you coming to kc for tunes in the beginning of june. I thought I saw june 8-9? That really sucks. We will be at the ozarks for some boat races and I really want a tune. LAKE TRIP N TUNE?????
Will tune help with towing MPGs?
Sadly, with the 6.2L you should be running 91+ due to the even higher compression. You might be able to get away with no pinging on good quality 89 though.
So long as enough deposits are received, Justin will be making the trip to KC for tuning. Provided you are using good quality fuel and have no underlying mechanical issues, you should definitely see some MPG gains.
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