[skyking]

I had posted earlier about getting a 4x4 manual transmission 2007 Dodge. I picked up our new used 5th wheel over in eastern Idaho and brought it home over the last few days.
I had towed our alpenlite 5th wheel with it, mostly in the mountains and it got 12 MPG with what was a decidedly poor aerodynamic trailer. The new trailer has the right curve on it so I see some potential. I was not able to check it out by driving slowly, driving on dry roads, warmer conditions, etc.
It was 850 miles, 3 mountain passes, with temperatures ranging from -3 to a balmy 32. I was in a hurry and solo driving, trying to fit between storms. Average speed was 62 and MPG was a solid 12.
I had lowered the rear by 1.25" and then the whole truck by another 1.25" with a tire change, but that got the RPM's up by 6%.
I will be looking into changing the gear ratio from 3.73 to 3.42, or about 10% to compensate for that.
trailer aero plan is mostly aft fairings behind the A/C unit and any roof vents, and very possibly a folding or detachable 3 sided boat tail a la the commercial trucks.
I was not in the market for a different truck, and I never thought I'd get a short bed. I worried about how stable it would be for towing. I always felt the extra wheelbase was a big difference.

Now that I have a pullrite automatic slider hitch, It's all good. The trailer is relatively short at ~28' and the truck is very maneuverable. There were high winds on I-90 coming home last night and I had no problem at all holding course, and had to sit back and wait it out while the semi trucks took a lane and a half several times. It just did not blow around like I feared. Here it is sitting comfortably on 5 small spaces at a burger joint.