Duramax fuel consumption for Death Valley

[spfd jason]

As we continue our Death Valley planning, I'm trying to figure out what our fuel consumption will be. The truck 6.6 Duramax has a 35 gal capacity and unloaded gets around 18mpg highway. Towing our work cargo trailer (3000lbs) around town is about 12-14mpg. With a rack on top of the canopy and loaded for six days, I'm planning on 10mpg.

Does this seem reasonable? Are any of the popular routes more than 250 miles? We have a typical 5 gal. diesel can from the hardware store. Should we bring it along? Thanks.

 

[Mrprez]

When we went to DV, we passed through Baker coming from Mohave. We filled up with diesel there thinking that even at the high prices it would be cheaper than buying fuel in DV. We were wrong, diesel was .30 a gallon cheaper at Furnace Creek than in Baker. Who would of thought?

 

[spfd jason]

When we went to DV, we passed through Baker coming from Mohave. We filled up with diesel there thinking that even at the high prices it would be cheaper than buying fuel in DV. We were wrong, diesel was .30 a gallon cheaper at Furnace Creek than in Baker. Who would of thought?

What rig do you drive and what are your numbers? Thanks.

 

[Mrprez]

What rig do you drive and what are your numbers? Thanks.

2011 Duramax pulling a 25’ Airstream. This was a few years ago, I can’t remember what kind of mileage we were getting.

 

[Road]

I have a 6.6 Duramax too, though in an extended body van, towing an expedition style trailer with a GVW of 3500.

I would definitely take the 5gal and even get another if you have room to stow it. Then fill them when you get there and keep 'em full when rolling through DV, rotate the fuel into your tank and refill the jerrys whenever you pass a place, even if not close to empty.

May seem like overkill and there may be enough spots to fuel up without having extra storage, though I can tell you from experience in the desert that you never know what might happen, especially if gone more than a week. From letting it idle a lot more than usual for any number of reasons, to getting stuck, to running it more just for heat if something happens, to losing fuel for whatever reason, etc. And, you may be able to help another diesel guy out if they're having problems.

Always better to have it then not.

I typically get 20-21 mpg with my van at highway speeds if not loaded heavy. That drops to anywhere from 14-17 towing the trailer depending on terrain and how loaded both van and trailer are, and lower if back country, aired down, and up and down a lot at lower speeds.



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[Mad Garden Gnome]

There is diesel in the park at Panamint Springs, though check park postings in case it's down. There is diesel in Trona, Lone Pine, Panamint Springs, Beatty and Stovepipe Wells. That should get you into the park and out onto daily excursions with 35 gallons internal and a Duramax. I have a couple friends that run Ford 6.7's and have done trips to DV. Zero issues. Wish I had their range.