Is it the Weight or the Drag that matters more?

[mhd31971]

I am towing a X18D Hybrid with a Toyota Tundra 5.7. I figured my MPG would not get hit too hard since I am pulling a trailer that is far lighter my max weight. Max Trailer weight on X18D is 4400, my vehicle can tow a theoretical max of 10,100.

I was surprised last weekend when I took my longest haul yet (about 135 miles) and averaged just 8MPG! I was getting around 10 on some other trips this spring. (FYI my unloaded average is about 17-18 on the highway)

The only thing I can come up with is that the drag is the biggest factor here, would you folks agree?

[Terry]

That is my experience with my truck. I can pull my 26BH or a 10 foot single axle box trailer and my mileage is not that much different.

[Rustic Eagle]

A number of things can play into gas mileage when towing, such as a head wind, TV gearing, tire air pressure, transmission hunting to much, speed, and of course weight to name a few.

I found that with my TV/TT combination that 60mph-65mph is my sweet spot for the best MPG in ideal traveling conditions.

Bottom line, that big box we tow behind our TV's just isn't that aerodynamic

Bob

[Crabman]

That seems to be the consensus. High profile trailers take a bunch of fuel to pull, even if not very heavy.

[Boss Wagon]

I'd vote for the drag as the main factor. I think the weight hurts the most getting up to speed, so if you have alot of starting and stopping the weight hurts worse.

Cutting back 5 mph will normally make a big difference, at least with a gas engine.

When I pulled a Geo Tracker (2200-2300lbs and no drag) with my motorhome there was virtually no difference in mileage on the road, with or without it! It seemed to make a little more difference when there was a lot of stopping and starting.

[clutch]

When I had a 32 ft 5th wheel and I towed a small flat trailer behind it with two 4x4 quads on it. It didn't make any difference with my truck. Always right around 10mpg. My wife would sometimes tow the quads with her GMC Canyon. On the hiway it usually gets 23-24 mpg. With the quads she got 15 mpg. I really don't think the weight affects as much as drag.

[Seann45]

Drag is way more important than weight.. unless you are just towing around town. to see the best mpg increase keep it to 60 or less..

[villain2000]

Drag is worse. No Doubt.

[dg1971]

Agree....the drag is a drag but a good direct tailwind sure helps. Seann45 is right...60 MPH or less makes a big difference in fuel consumption. I usually drive 60...until I am getting close to the campsite, then for some reason, I am pushing 75 in anticipation.

[12_AMS]

Considering that ST tires on most trailers are only rated for 65mph, I would definitely not go over 65mph. I have had a tire fail on me because I did a 2400 mile trip at 65-75mph. It survived the trip, but after sitting for the winter, it had gone flat. When I inflated it, I noticed that the sidewall resembled a washboard. The excessive speed had obviously damaged the sidewall belts.

Regards,
Rick

[etothepii]

Seems that low rpms in a high gear, and high rpms in a low gear suck the gas pretty bad when you are towing.

If you are able to make the low rpm/high gear choice because of tail wind, level or slight down hill grade, or drafting, that helps fuel efficiency a lot. But you have little power on demand.

High rpm low gear probably isn't the best choice for mileage, but under stress (and towing is a stress) it's the best way to go, IMO, in regards to safety and ride comfort. Plus, the transmission never has to hunt for the right gear.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by 12_AMS

Considering that ST tires on most trailers are only rated for 65mph, I would definitely not go over 65mph. I have had a tire fail on me because I did a 2400 mile trip at 65-75mph. It survived the trip, but after sitting for the winter, it had gone flat. When I inflated it, I noticed that the sidewall resembled a washboard. The excessive speed had obviously damaged the sidewall belts.

Regards,
Rick

(Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Rick! Come on over to the New Members Forum and introduce yourself when you get a chance)

[Leroy2u]

Looks llike the concensus is drag so far (which I agree). With that being said has anybody ever slipped in behind an 18 wheeler and gained MPG from the drafting? Just curious...

Mark

[glazier]

I think it is drag, I believe weight down low would be much easier to pull.

[Denise]

I wouldn't even tail gate an 18 wheeler with a m/c! (actually saw one hit the back of the truck once when the truck had to brake suddenly). Pulling from my science classes as a kid, but I'm guessing the only way you're going to benefit from drafting, is to be riding the driver's rear bumper. I'd rather eat the mileage rather than a trailer's bumper when I don't have the time to react and stop suddenly if needed.... jes' saying....

[Leroy2u]

Actually you would be suprised on the benefits of following a (slow moving semi) down a highway. For the people that have transversed the highways going across the plains states you know all too well that a you could get a headwind up to 50MPH. I can tell you that getting a large truck in front with a headwind your way you will save on gas :hihi:

[29BHS ECO]

Leroy2u I have drafted, for a mile or so so there wasn't any benifit durived, but when I backed of I could really feel the turbulance when I got out of his (or her) draft, it was dramatic.

[Leroy2u]

Thanks Larry...

[Parcany]

Had 2 different travel trailers, both within 400 lbs fully loaded, same truck pulling, same length, the only thing different is the height of the Jayco compared to the other trailer. The height on the jayco is about 12-14 inches lower, have gone to the same campgrounds and the mileage is about 1 to 1 1/2 more miles per gallon. Did not drive any different with either one. Hope this helps Ernie