Normal MPG with RTT?

[vision-quest]

I just returned from a trip to the south-west and was a bit displeased with my MPG from my 4th gen.

I was getting around 300 miles from a tank, maybe just under sometimes. All highway driving. I read a tank is 23.5 gallons, so assuming my math is correct that's about 12 MPG. Yuck. Is this normal? I guess I was going 80 MPH most of the way and that's a lot of resistance on the RTT. I am only using Thule crossbars though and not a full sized rack.

 

[CXS]

Not surprising, a RTT really hurts mileage. Better off with a lightweight trailer which still hits the mpg' but doesn't necessitate leaving it on all the time.

 

[bagelsjustbagels]

14-15 with RTT

 

[vision-quest]

Not surprising, a RTT really hurts mileage. Better off with a lightweight trailer which still hits the mpg' but doesn't necessitate leaving it on all the time.

I was tossing up on this the other day, interested if a trailer behind with the RTT on it would hurt mileage more than having the RTT on the roof without the trailer as if it were behind it wouldn't be catching all that wind.

 

[vision-quest]

14-15 with RTT

Hmm.. is that a full sized RTT? I've found even without a RTT I only get 17 MPG on highway at best.

 

[CXS]

I was tossing up on this the other day, interested if a trailer behind with the RTT on it would hurt mileage more than having the RTT on the roof without the trailer as if it were behind it wouldn't be catching all that wind.

I really don't know. My objection when I had a RTT was that it's always with you unlike a trailer. I guess it depends on the trip but setting up/taking down gets old to me but I usually camp somewhere to hit some trails and the extra trouble/weight didn't work for me.

 

[vision-quest]

I really don't know. My objection when I had a RTT was that it's always with you unlike a trailer. I guess it depends on the trip but setting up/taking down gets old to me but I usually camp somewhere to hit some trails and the extra trouble/weight didn't work for me.

The only downsides for me of the RTT are the MPG loss and the fact I have to pack it up every morning to hit the trail. Luckily it only takes 5 minutes or so, not a huge deal, but still a pain.

The thing that worries me with a trailer is having to take it through town, park with it etc.

 

[bpainter]

I have a V8 with a lift and a James Baroud hardshell RTT, get around 300 miles to a tank without the tent and 285 with, planned on keeping it on year but find myself using it from Apr/May-Sep/Oct and storing it in the garage during the winter

 

[07V8]

I just returned from a trip to the south-west and was a bit displeased with my MPG from my 4th gen.

I was getting around 300 miles from a tank, maybe just under sometimes. All highway driving. I read a tank is 23.5 gallons, so assuming my math is correct that's about 12 MPG. Yuck. Is this normal? I guess I was going 80 MPH most of the way and that's a lot of resistance on the RTT. I am only using Thule crossbars though and not a full sized rack.

You didn't put 23.5 gallons of gas in though. You got about 15-16mpg. Normal for driving around with a brick.

 

[CXS]

You didn't put 23.5 gallons of gas in though.

Good catch @07V8, that slid right by me.

 

[MrRoo]

I just did 2000 miles in my V8. Over the hills and through the mountains. Up to 7500 feet elevation. Ran 80 most the whole trip. I got 17 mpg my best tank. But the wind sucked and I ran 80. Could probably get 20 running 70.

 

[vision-quest]

You didn't put 23.5 gallons of gas in though. You got about 15-16mpg. Normal for driving around with a brick.

No, but I did fill half the tank or 3/4 of the tank, calculated the mileage I did in that time by the amount of gallons I filled up so it's still the same unfortunately. Did this a few times and each time was between 12-13.5 MPG.

 

[wadle5]

06 v6 with 3200 total miles in 2 weeks at 70-75mph and I got 17mpg. I have a WM rack with deflector on front and a CVT Mt. Rainer. Hope this helps.

EDIT: this trip consistied of several mountain passes, and light offroading.

 

[RunnerAK]

With a CVT Mt. Shasta mounted to the stock rails on my '06 V8 I only lose about 1 mpg (~18 mpg highway with it mounted). The highways in AK are all 55 or 65 mph limits though, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[vision-quest]

06 v6 with 3200 total miles in 2 weeks at 70-75mph and I got 17mpg. I have a WM rack with deflector on front and a CVT Mt. Rainer. Hope this helps.

EDIT: this trip consistied of several mountain passes, and light offroading.

What the.. how am I getting 5 less MPG? I don't have a deflector, but I only have Thule crossbars and not a full rack.

 

[wadle5]

What the.. how am I getting 5 less MPG? I don't have a deflector, but I only have Thule crossbars and not a full rack.

At this I would probably argue the mph. I was just cruising. I think going over 65 you take a mpg hit let alone going 15mph over. It was hard, but I just had to keep reminding myself to cruise and NOT speed. Also mine I believe had the newer v6 engine for 06.

 

[bagelsjustbagels]

Hmm.. is that a full sized RTT? I've found even without a RTT I only get 17 MPG on highway at best.

with the smallest tepui RTT 17mpg is about what i get as well without rtt

 

[vision-quest]

At this I would probably argue the mph. I was just cruising. I think going over 65 you take a mpg hit let alone going 15mph over. It was hard, but I just had to keep reminding myself to cruise and NOT speed. Also mine I believe had the newer v6 engine for 06.

I've got an 08 V6, so that shouldn't be the issue. Maybe the speed has something to do with it.. surprised it would be THAT big of a difference though.

 

[wadle5]

I've got an 08 V6, so that shouldn't be the issue. Maybe the speed has something to do with it.. surprised it would be THAT big of a difference though.

Oh I apologize I thought you had an 05 v8? I'm seeing things?!:smashputer:

But yes I'm on 267/70/17 tires, RTT/rack, Shrockworks bumper, and probably 400lbs in gear and extra passenger. What else did you have in your vehicle?

 

[vision-quest]

Oh I apologize I thought you had an 05 v8? I'm seeing things?!:smashputer:

But yes I'm on 267/70/17 tires, RTT/rack, Shrockworks bumper, and probably 400lbs in gear and extra passenger. What else did you have in your vehicle?

Just normal stuff for a trip. Clothes, camp tables/chairs, food etc. I was pretty full up but nothing super heavy. No modifications other than the Thule crossbars.. all-season tires. Not exactly sure which ones.