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Truck Camper Forum _ General Discussion _ gas mileage/ restoration

Posted by: mandj Aug 22 2014, 11:10 AM

I am new to this forum. I have 2 questions:

What sort of gas mileage can we expect carrying an older Bell camper on an 89 Chevy 2500, 4x4, with a 350 motor? I realize there are lots of variables, but I'm just interested in a general idea.

Secondly, does it make sense to try to repair the place where the corner jacks are mounted? Would you go about this from within or from the outside? Two of the corners are compromised. We have a nice set of Canadian hydraulic jacks, but two are loose.

We only travel a few thousand miles a year and this old timer is sure comfy and the truck drives like a dream with it on.

HOWEVER, loading and unloading is a pain and lately our gas mileage has been in the 10mpg range.....

Posted by: Bob B Aug 24 2014, 06:31 PM

I had an 89 C2500 350.....not 4WD... that I carried a pretty large 94 Lance camper on.
I had that truck rear end geared for low RPM on the engine and would get from 14-15 MPG depending on the wind.

I always drove in 3rd gear....not overdrive...to protect the transmission. The way that truck was geared, I could get 19 highway with only the truck.

Posted by: perrysee Sep 1 2014, 10:28 PM

i repaired mine with 1/4 plate steel on the inside and out ,went alot bigger area then just where the jacks mount. took time ,but really stiffened the corners .