MPG while towing a vehicle with MH

[Hectorton]

Planning on towing a 2017 Ford Explorer (4000-4500lbs) with 2019 Jayco Alante 26X. Can anyone advise what kind of mileage I can expect. Have no idea if I will tow behind MH or put on Dolly. On occasion also plan to tow 2017 Yamaha 190FSH (3500 including trailer). Thanks in advance for any responses.

[NickM]

Well, the best milage I've had was 7.9 towing a Honda CRV 4 down. Worst is 5+ but lots of stop and go in that mix. My 2016 35US weighs at 19,900 pounds while the CRV is around 3500.

Your Alante probably weighs less but that will offset with the added weight of the Explorer. If you get better than 8mpg you will be doing good. Double check your explorer weight, you are getting close to the 5000 pound hitch rating.

[Foretm]

We’re between 6.8 and 8.0 depending on whether we run the genset and if we do a bunch of back roads or steady interstate driving. We’re pulling a 2008 Saturn astra which is 2800 lbs...

[Graunke]

I haven't flat towed a vehicle or dolly, but I do pull a 14' aluma trailer with either a UTV or (2) Harley Baggers with my Alante 31V. My best milage towing was 8 mpg.

Without towing, I recently avarage 8.5 on my way out to the black hills. I was pretty impressed with that for freeway driving.

[Palms]

Varies from 6-8 mpg with this set up and generator usage enroute, especially at rest areas.

[hawkster]

8to 8.5 towing a Jeep Wrangler four down. Get much worse in windy conditions.

[cfisher523]

We tow a 2016 Chevy Traverse (~4300#) with our Alante 31R and we usually get 8-8.5mpg.

[NickM]

Originally Posted by cfisher523

We tow a 2016 Chevy Traverse (~4300#) with our Alante 31R and we usually get 8-8.5mpg.

I'm guessing your 31R is under 18k pounds?

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by NickM

I'm guessing your 31R is under 18k pounds?

Actually we're not - we're ~19.8k loaded for travel. However, since we're flat (dinghy) towing the Traverse, GVW isn't impacted by it. My concern, and area of impact, would be GCWR. On the F53 20.5k chassis GCWR is 26k, so my 19.8k coach + my 4.3k Traverse is a GCW of ~24.1k - well under the GCWR.

GVWR = Weight vehicle can carry
GCWR = Weight vehicle can stop

[NickM]

Hmmm, I would have thought your total weight to be less than my F53 22K chassis.

I weigh in at 19.9K and tow a CRV which puts me around 23K total weight but never have broken the 8mpg barrier.

I read somewhere that Ford states don't be concerned with milage until the engine gets past 15K. Hoping to crack that 8mpg barrier next year.

[cfisher523]

Nah, only real differences between our chassis are axles, springs, and maybe wheels (19.5 v. 22.5). The brakes and transmission are the same so with everything else being closely matched they end up with the same stopping power. As far as mileage goes, I'm usually on flat ground with very few hills to contend with. I do drop into the 7s when I get into hilly terrain, but my avg mpg is just above 8. I only have 6500 miles on the coach.

[Twoshadycampers]

We have a new 2020 31UL Precept. We've had it out twice, last week was its first long-distance trip. 3/4 of the drive was interstate and 1/4 of the drive was country roads. We flat towed a 2013 Honda Fit. Most of the highway was driven with cruise control set at 62 MPH. We averaged 8.1 MPG. We were thrilled, not knowing what to expect.

We stopped and weighed our MH and car at a CAT scale.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LpHrfyJp9go567mA9

[Russ]

In all honesty guys, does it really matter? I've got a 2016 31ul Precept and tow 4x4 off road Canyon. I also live in it full time. Driving smart is the best way to save fuel and keeping everything up to snuff. There's not a lot more you can do.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Russ

In all honesty guys, does it really matter? I've got a 2016 31ul Precept and tow 4x4 off road Canyon. I also live in it full time. Driving smart is the best way to save fuel and keeping everything up to snuff. There's not a lot more you can do.

And most of it is based on wind resistance, not weight. That is why driving faster reduces MPG.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Russ

In all honesty guys, does it really matter? Driving smart is the best way to save fuel and keeping everything up to snuff. There's not a lot more you can do.

Agreed. Driving habits dictate fuel economy. You bought a motor home for its amenities, not fuel economy. I bought a 3/4 ton truck for its capabilities all knowing I wasn't going to get 30 mpg.

[MikeThompson]

I've never checked the mileage on mine. Guessing around 8-10, but it doesn't matter. We've put 40,000 miles on it in a little over 2 years and I'd hate it if a worry about mileage changed our good times.

[Russ]

Yep, I couldn't agree more. It helps when you live in it.....we're never in to much of hurry to get anywhere!�� We can take our time.

[Michael Francois]

We're getting about 8 towing a 2016 Ford Focus with our 2016 Alante AY and a Roadmaster tow and brake system.

[sugarray]

My advice is not to worry or think about it. Tow your vehicle and make memories. This isn't a Prius or Tesla. It's meant to have fun and make memories. Worrying about MPGs takes all the fun out of it.

[Michael Francois]

Sugaray, I agree entirely, but you've got to admit there is something perversely satisfying about having 20 miles left in your tank and hitting the Pilot/Flying J for the 5 cent discount right next to your destination for the night. That's sweetness and light, right there! :-)