Axis_UK wrote:
I don't understand American trucks at all.... WHy so big and thirsty?
For example, out workshop truck here is a Volkswagen Amarok Pickup. It has a 2.0 Litre Twin Turbo Diesel Motor with under 200hp and under 300ft lbs torque. Pulls everything we have here just fine (18-24ft boats). On monday I towed a 22ft Nautique over 500 Miles with no problems. Averaged around 25mpg. With an A20 on the back I'll get around 26-28.
I understand we have slightly higher quality fuel here but that's can't be everything?
I think there are a lot a factors that would explain that. First, there is the cultural aspect that bigger is better. But when I'm towing there is generally 3 kids in the back so I'm happy to have the extra space.
Fuel prices would be a factor as well. You're probably paying about 80% over what I'm paying (Vancouver, Canada) and my fuel costs drop another 20% when I fill up in the US. If our prices matched yours we'd all be driving smaller and more efficient vehicles.
I'm driving a Dodge with a 6.7 diesel. Towing I'm getting better mileage over the gas equivalent, but not for regular driving. When I filled up yesterday I paid $4 US / gallon, but gas was only 3.40 / gallon. Diesel used to be on par with gas but recently it is higher and that hasn't helped with the acceptance of diesel engines outside of larger trucks. Plus we typically pay a premium to get a vehicle with a diesel engine and that increase can take a while to pay off with the better efficiency you get with diesel.
Lastly, for me I'm towing no where near my capacity. So as the previous poster stated I don't really notice the boat back there. Usually towing concerns are about "can I pull it" but I know that if I ever have to slam on the brakes the grossly oversize brakes are going to come in handy.