I think I need help

Bobbo wrote:

Tvov wrote:
Edit: odd thing, I had to change the percent figure in the quote to a word in order to post this response.

You are using the RV.NET portal. Switch to the Trailer Life portal and you can use the % sign.

That directs to RV.net

Try instead:
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm

If you keep north on the 101 along the coast, you can cut from Crescent City to Grants Pass, Oregon on the 199, and then head down I-5 to Mount Shasta. It's a great trip through redwood forests and many nice attractions and there are several nice campgrounds along the way. Plenty of fuel stops. Not nearly as windy as the 299.

Redwoodcamper wrote:
I live in the area and the above post is spot on. There is one station on 36 but it is still a long drive. I can't imagine your exterra not being able to go 150 miles between fillups. But it is a tough road on tow vehicles. I'd stick to 299. It's a nice drive. Lot of pretty country to see.

My range is only around 100 miles. I know, I found out the hard way.

With a lot of elevation gain, it's even less.

I did switch to 299. Shorter distances between gas, and more camping, better road, less elevation gain.

Tvov wrote:
Edit: odd thing, I had to change the percent figure in the quote to a word in order to post this response.

You are using the RV.NET portal. Switch to the Trailer Life portal and you can use the % sign.

Rmack1 wrote:
The thing is; I am pulling my Mini Lite with an Xterra. I am within the weight range, especially since I have a large transmission cooler installed, but I only get about a hundred miles to a tank, or even less with much elevation gain.

100 miles? That is pretty poor performance - what is your fuel mileage? How big is your fuel tank?

How long have you been towing with the Xterra? Maybe it is too much for it, even if the ratings look okay.

lgmoreland wrote:
One thought. The guy at the Ford dealership recommended I upgrade to premium fuel when I'm towing. I've run a few tanks and calculated I get about 15 (percent) better gas mileage without the trailer attached. When I tow on regular unleaded, my mileage drops from 19+ to 9 mpg. He said I should see a noticeable improvement when towing. Please no bashing, just a thought.

Sure give it a try.

Back in 1988 (crikey that sounds old now) I did a test between regular and premium with my 1988 F150 with 5 liter engine and manual transmission. Found out that as long as the price spread is no more then 20 cents between regular and premium, I actually saved money using premium due to the increase in fuel mileage. Not great, but there was an increase. Usually the price spread is over 20 cents, so I never ran it regularly.

When I have done a similar test with my 2008 F250 with 5.4l engine, I've found negligible difference in fuel economy. Hard to tell if there was an increase, or just smoother driving on my part since I was doing mileage testing.

Todays engines have pretty darn good electronic fuel controls, so they seem to make the most of whatever they are using. 15 percent increase is rather large - is that "hand calculated" (don't use vehicle's mpg readout) over a few tanks? With similar driving situations?

I have heard from mechanics, and this was awhile ago, that you shouldn't run premium all the time in an engine not "designed" for it. Something about carbon buildup on the pistons or something like that?



Edit: odd thing, I had to change the percent figure in the quote to a word in order to post this response.

One thought. The guy at the Ford dealership recommended I upgrade to premium fuel when I'm towing. I've run a few tanks and calculated I get about 15% better gas mileage without the trailer attached. When I tow on regular unleaded, my mileage drops from 19+ to 9 mpg. He said I should see a noticeable improvement when towing. Please no bashing, just a thought. ;-)

OK, I aborted, and am now going through the Trinity River. All is well.

I left Eureka this morning headed to Medford, OR via US-199. The first few miles through the redwoods groves looks intimidating, but soon the road opens up as it travels along the river. Only climbs to a little over 2,000 ft near Collier Tunnel. Plenty of places to pull to the side and let the hot rods past.

Only about 45 miles between gas stations at the most.

I live in the area and the above post is spot on. There is one station on 36 but it is still a long drive. I can't imagine your exterra not being able to go 150 miles between fillups. But it is a tough road on tow vehicles. I'd stick to 299. It's a nice drive. Lot of pretty country to see.