Trailer weight vs MPG

[seh750]

Here's a question: Assuming all other factors being equal, if you were to add a certain amount of weight or certain percentage increase of weight to the inside of an enclosed trailer, what impact would that have on MPG? Is there a rule of thumb or formula?

Put another way, let's say you are towing a 2000 pound enclosed trailer with your V8 4x4 and getting 12mpg. If you add 1000 pounds of weight inside the trailer, is there a way to estimate what the mpg would be?

I realize there are a ton of other factors at play but it seems there should be a way to estimate this. I'm looking at trailers right now and debating whether an aluminum trailer is worth the extra coin (and no, mpg is not the only factor in that decision).


Thanks!

 

[juneau92]

Here's a question: Assuming all other factors being equal, if you were to add a certain amount of weight or certain percentage increase of weight to the inside of an enclosed trailer, what impact would that have on MPG? Is there a rule of thumb or formula?

Nope.

Put another way, let's say you are towing a 2000 pound enclosed trailer with your V8 4x4 and getting 12mpg. If you add 1000 pounds of weight inside the trailer, is there a way to estimate what the mpg would be?

Nope.


Most trailers you'll tow will be heavy enough that you'll need to tow in 4th gear, avoiding overdrive. This will automatically drop you down to about 10mpg or so on your 4Runner.

I would say that if you were to tow a trailer that was light enough, or perhaps if most of your towing were on level ground (maybe with a tailwind), to where you could tow in 5th gear (overdrive)(not recommended by Toyota), then you would see some improvement in MPG.

Best thing is to realize when you're towing an RV or trailer is that no matter what your milage is gonna suck. That's just the way it is, no matter what. Even if you're towing with a 1 ton diesel your mileage is still gonna suck.

Juneau92

 

[TeryT]

Ditto on above post from the fellow Hensley/4R/Rockwood owner (hi Allan!). I've towed pop-ups & a travel trailer with my V8 4R, and it's surprising how little difference in MPG there is 1-2 miles per gallon at the most!

Towing the travel trailer (4-5k lbs.) gets usually between 6-12 MPG. The 6 comes with all long pulling up a steep mountain grade. The 12 comes with totally flat ground and the A/C off. Most typical is around 10+.

Boats will do a little better, because of aerodynamics. But it always amazes me that my dad's motorhome does about the same as my 4Runner towing an ultralight trailer!

The only way, it seems to get much better mileage (baring going downhill with a tail wind) is perhaps with a turbo diesel with appropriate gearing. These folks seem to get around 14 MPG.

 

[seh750]

Re: Re: Trailer weight vs MPG

Best thing is to realize when you're towing an RV or trailer is that no matter what your milage is gonna suck.

Yeah, well, I knew that. I was just curious if it would suck less with a lighter trailer...apparently not. Thanks for the input.

 

[juneau92]

Hey Tery! Good to see ya still around now and then! Ya, you're right on with your response about the towing question here.

Me and my girlfriend and her sister and brother-in-law and littlest kid (8) are planning a trip for 2-3 days down to Karchner Carverns state park in mid January '08. We will tow my Rockwood, with 4Runner, of course! And my girlfriend's sister has an Airstream they'll be towing, with us, caravan style. Tery you and family are invited to join us, if you can make it. Should be fun. Let us know!

 

[TeryT]

Hey Tery! Good to see ya still around now and then! Ya, you're right on with your response about the towing question here.

Me and my girlfriend and her sister and brother-in-law and littlest kid (8) are planning a trip for 2-3 days down to Karchner Carverns state park in mid January '08. We will tow my Rockwood, with 4Runner, of course! And my girlfriend's sister has an Airstream they'll be towing, with us, caravan style. Tery you and family are invited to join us, if you can make it. Should be fun. Let us know!

Thanks! We'll be heading for a little company strategy retreat in PineTop about that time, but keep us in mind for future excursions!