814 Cummins highway fuel mileage?

[dburt]

Been thinking of buying an 813 or 814 from back east- and it's a long ways to drive it back out west to NE Oregon. But the going average rate for for having it hauled out here is at least $2 a mile. So I have been debating with myself if it would be cheaper to catch a ride or fly back and drive it home. But in figuring out my costs for such a trip, I need to factor in the cost of the diesel fuel to get it back home. Does anyone have any advice as to what to expect for fuel mileage with a 5-ton with the Cummins, highway travel, unloaded, 55mph, all things being equal?
It seems the 5 ton 813s are much less expensive back east or the mid-west then out here in the Pacific northwest. If I can keep the transportation costs down it might be easier on the bank account to find one back yonder and drive it out west?

 

[doghead]

4-5 mpg. Plan for $1/mile driven.

Ship it, if you can get $2/mile!

 

[doghead]

Here's one of many threads that comes up with an advanced search in the 5 ton forum for MPG Cummins.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/5-ton-up/21572-mileage-5-ton-2-1-2-ton-trucks.html

 

[dburt]

Thanks Doghead- I tried a search for MPG but- being somewhat technologically challenged, I could not come up with anything. Spent to much time riding the short bus to school!

Perhaps I should just figure on shipping such a truck instead of driving it out myself. At $1 a mile, plus all the time spent and costs to get back east, well- even I can do that math!

 

[dburt]

That comes out to a little over 6mpg if my math is right. Not to bad I suppose. My deuce would get 9-10 mpg at 55mph unloaded. I suspect it might have done even better at a steady 45 mph but then I never had the patience to try that.

 

[M813A1]

Also consider servicing the truck before making a long trip like yours.. You can air up the tire to the highway pressure on the data plate and it might help a little bit in the mileage and speed departments as well.

 

[73m819]

you may save a bunch driving, BUT one break down, not even major WILL eat that savings, a blow out on a steer tire 1000 miles from no where is not a good thought, drop a clutch, water pump, ect.

You won't save as much as you thing by driving as compared to shipping, air fare, food, place to sleep, fuel, TOOLS for the trip (don't see them being check in) and a whole lot more, and this is not counting break downs which you have to plan for

 

[JarheadMtn]

I drove my 813 from Salt Lake City up to Montana and got a little over 6.2 MPG. I have 14.00 20's and was able to do about 50 MPH. Climbing hills slowed me down into 3rd gear a few times. And there is a huge gap between 3rd and 4th gear, so it made some slow hill climbs since I couldn't go back to 4th until it leveled off a little. 5th gear was useful unless it was a very low grade hill or flat.

 

[wsucougarx]

Been thinking of buying an 813 or 814 from back east- and it's a long ways to drive it back out west to NE Oregon. But the going average rate for for having it hauled out here is at least $2 a mile. So I have been debating with myself if it would be cheaper to catch a ride or fly back and drive it home. But in figuring out my costs for such a trip, I need to factor in the cost of the diesel fuel to get it back home. Does anyone have any advice as to what to expect for fuel mileage with a 5-ton with the Cummins, highway travel, unloaded, 55mph, all things being equal?
It seems the 5 ton 813s are much less expensive back east or the mid-west then out here in the Pacific northwest. If I can keep the transportation costs down it might be easier on the bank account to find one back yonder and drive it out west?

Check with Rydel (64c30) he's got a 814 up near Tacoma he's selling.

 

[JarheadMtn]

If you add in the wear on a set of tires, fuel, motels, eating, the wear and tear on the truck and your body, tolls on some roads and bridges, plus possibly breaking down and those costs away from home...I would have it shipped. It took me about 9 hours to drive 350 miles and it was a long loud drive that beat me with the rough ride being empty. Lots of people driving 75 MPH came flying up fast behind me and almost rearended me. It would be a long expensive trip from the East coast to the West coast.

 

[seano11]

Hmmm all this has me rethinking my 1,500mile trip, anyone know of a company that ships to canada ?

 

[wsucougarx]

Wow, this feedback definately puts things in perspective. Although, the thought of the adventure of it all adds that element to a long recovery trip. However, if you're worried about funds then buying local or shipping is probably the way to go. Too many issues Mr. Murphy can throw your way. Then again you could have an outstanding adventure trip to share It all depends on how much risk you're willing to take

 

[Goose2448]

I say find a truck you like, have someone in the area look it over, and buy. Then fly out, and drive it. You mileage will suck, you butt will hurt, and you may go poor, but it will be a once in a life time trip that you can tell the youngins.

 

[simp5782]

Yeah just ship it. at $2 a mile you will win in the long run. By the cost of plane tickets are ridiculous anyways. Plus dealing with the TSA. You might get detained over a crescent wrench! I will be moving from Montana to Tennessee in the spring. Towing a trailer behind my 5 ton. I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. I can suggest if you do drive it, please post on here your start from location, and the route you will be taking so if something happens people can give you their contact information in case of break down. I plan on doing that and perhaps meeting new members along the way and put a name with a face.

 

[dburt]

That is a very good idea Simp- line up some help ahead of time if needed when you go thru an area where some other members and sympathetic folks might be.

 

[dburt]

It's beginning to look obvious that if a person can find a good rate for shipping, that might be the smart way to go!
Or buy locally!

 

[EMD567]

I turn 6.5 MPG with 30k on the ground in my 814. Bare bones you might make 7, if you are real good with the throttle. You WON"T RUN 55, at least not for long. My 250 likes 2000-2100 RPM, will turn it all day long. That works out to 49-51 MPH. Any thing above 2100, and Mr. Cummins starts to complain. I also figure a tank of fuel at 360 miles. Any more than that, and you are pushing your luck. Make sure you also have a mark I fuel sending unit.

 

[FormerNewMVGuy]

I drove MY M813A1 to FT Drum and back last june, I averaged about 45 - 50 MPH, and my fuel milage calculated out to 7.3 MPG.
It was about 340 miles each way, and that really is enough seat time for one day.