Travel trailer "vs" fith wheel --MPG to tow

otrfun wrote:

laknox wrote:

CampingN.C. wrote:
This is similar to an episode of Mythbusters years ago where they tested the theory of a trucks tailgate being down increased mileage. The myth was busted as the truck with the tailgate up had much better mpg.

I can't find the video on the net but I remember them doing test in wind tunnels and it clearly showed the difference.

Somewhat off topic but still interesting.

Interestingly, the best mileage I've ever seen in my D'max was on a trip to CO several years ago, with a 14 cu ft chest freezer in the back, right up against the cab. I saw 23+ mpg while running 75 after DW told me that my fuel-saving 65 was too slow. :-) Surprised hell out of me, that's for sure. Simply =has= to be aerodynamics.

Lyle

23 MPG at 75 MPH is pretty darn good. Very possible it was due to aerodyanmics. However, depending on your route, it's possible elevation could have played a role, too. For instance, Phoenix is about 1,000 ft. lower in elevation than Tucson. I get 18-19 MPG with my Cummins, Tucson to Phoenix, and 16-17 MPG, Phoenix to Tucson.

Chandler to Cortez CO, via Gallup and Farmington; back via 4 Corners. Averaged about 22 for the entire trip. Normal highway, non-towing, is about 20-21...even with a clean K&N filter. I =did= use Diesel Kleen for the whole trip, so that may have helped a bit, too.

Lyle