Fuel economy at 65 mph vs 60 mph
What fuel economy increase have you observed from pulling your fiver at 60 mph vs 65 mph?
Forum Discussion
There are many variable factors to consider including driving habits as to what MPG's a vehicle or when towing will get. Being a retired automotive engineer for decades, I can express what should normally be expected and what at difference speeds of 65 mph VS 58-60 mph.
I average 1.3 MPG higher at 58-60 mph than at 65 mph with the 5th wheel. 1.6 MPG higher with the Lance TC on the back for the same speeds. Both with the Chevy Duramax crew cab long box 4X4 same truck. The Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel scaled weighs 12,840 lbs and our 11'4" Lance truck camper scale weighs 3872 lbs. Both loaded to travel but with only a little freshwater in the tank.
This has been the average over close to 200,000 miles towing/carrying as this is what the ordered new truck is only used for. Never a daily driver as we have other vehicles.
Coasting to drain off speed to come to a stop rather than climbing on the binders helps and so does avoiding fast accelerations from a stop. You paid for the fuel to get up to a given speed so why not then let your speed drain off naturally and also save extra brake and tire wear?
Aerodynamics also make a sizable difference in fuel economy as can/will gear ratios. Head winds usually balance out with tail winds effects over the years. Up hill extra fuel use is also tempered a lot by downhill low fuel use.
Slower speeds does save fuel use/higher MPGs as that's very well documented along with being saver in emergency situations/loss of control/tire failures/etc. You, the driver, is in control of the choices and makes the decisions!
I average 1.3 MPG higher at 58-60 mph than at 65 mph with the 5th wheel. 1.6 MPG higher with the Lance TC on the back for the same speeds. Both with the Chevy Duramax crew cab long box 4X4 same truck. The Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel scaled weighs 12,840 lbs and our 11'4" Lance truck camper scale weighs 3872 lbs. Both loaded to travel but with only a little freshwater in the tank.
This has been the average over close to 200,000 miles towing/carrying as this is what the ordered new truck is only used for. Never a daily driver as we have other vehicles.
Coasting to drain off speed to come to a stop rather than climbing on the binders helps and so does avoiding fast accelerations from a stop. You paid for the fuel to get up to a given speed so why not then let your speed drain off naturally and also save extra brake and tire wear?
Aerodynamics also make a sizable difference in fuel economy as can/will gear ratios. Head winds usually balance out with tail winds effects over the years. Up hill extra fuel use is also tempered a lot by downhill low fuel use.
Slower speeds does save fuel use/higher MPGs as that's very well documented along with being saver in emergency situations/loss of control/tire failures/etc. You, the driver, is in control of the choices and makes the decisions!
