BY JIM BIGLEY

DECISIONS, DECISIONS…

Hello. We have a 2018 Z71 Silverado equipped with a 5.3L gas engine, crew cab, 4×4, a sixspeed automatic transmission, and a 3.42 axle ratio. Recently, the truck produced 6.7 mpg here in Oklahoma while towing our fully loaded, 7200-lb travel trailer. I would like to improve towing fuel economy and not have such a busy shifting transmission. We typically tow at about 65-to-70 mph.

Would a 3/4 ton truck help, or is there a bigger half-ton we could consider? We’re also looking for the best fuel economy we can get while not towing. We are new to this lifestyle of traveling with an RV trailer, but we are looking forward to many more trips.

I’m considering a 2017 or 2018 GM diesel pickup with the Duramax, and I am trying to decide if the diesel is right for me. My wife and I plan on traveling across the U.S. in next few months.