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HilltopMike's avatar
HilltopMike
Explorer
Oct 10, 2016

Optimum weight TT for TV?

Hello, thank you for your time reading this.

TV is 2016 F250 w/ 3.73 gears 6.2 gas engine superduty short box

I currently get around 15.5 mpg with 92 premium gas non-ethonal

I don't have a TT yet but have been looking at the 25 ft size around 7,000 lbs. and am wondering what weight would be the best for a compromise between living space and MPG?

I travel alone as an electrician, sometimes the wife comes along for a weekend but mostly its just me.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

If this has already been a topic that's been beaten to death I apologize, as I did try to find it with the search engine.
  • patchelect's avatar
    patchelect
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2016
    And ask yourself an honest question. How many miles will you be towing in the course of the year? Divide the miles by expected MPG and figure the cost of the fuel especially at the current rates. Then determine the difference "in the scheme of things". You might be surprised at the number in dollars. One or two miles per gallon difference probably won't amount to a hills of beans, unless you are covering 20-30K annually.
  • HilltopMike's avatar
    HilltopMike
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2016
    Oldwizard good points, yes it has a towing package and I like the 92 non ethanol because the truck runs smoother/starts better and a Ford dealer mechanic of mine suggested it is much better for the engine long term.

    I think I've settled on the Artic Fox 22G:
    http://northwoodmfg.com/arctic-fox-2/arctic-fox-22g/
    Dry axle is under 4500 lbs.

    This should pull well within the trucks capabilities, and it claims to be four season ready? I hope.

    Opinions/advice?
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2016
    Budget for 8mpg towing any high wall RV with a gas engine. You may get 9-10mpg some trips, but you will also get 6mpg. If you budget for 10-11mpg and get 9, you'll be very disappointed. If you budget for 8mpg and get 9, you'll be happy.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2016
    HilltopMike wrote:

    TV is 2016 F250 w/ 3.73 gears 6.2 gas engine superduty short box

    Before we go any further, does it have the factory installed Trailer Tow Option ? At least of the F150, this includes an auxiliary transmission cooler, a heavy duty (thicker) radiator and wiring in the cab for a brake controller. Usually the fast way to confirm this is the presence of a 7 pin trailer connector at the rear.

    HilltopMike wrote:
    I currently get around 15.5 mpg with 92 premium gas non-ethonal.

    Why are you using premium fuel ? Are you having a pre-ignition (ping/knock) issue ?

    Depending on where you travel (like MI) it may be hard to find non-ethanol fuel.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2016
    Grit dog wrote:
    Towing mpg will be much more speed dependent than the weight or size of the trailer (within reason), I believe. Have had 2 - 6.2 Fords and pulled several different trailers with them from small stuff to 14klb tag trailer with steel on it to 32' enclosed trailer, similar to a TT.
    Pretty much didn't matter what went on the hook, once it was there, mileage was 10mpg or less. 8ish if I had my foot in it. Closer to 10 if going 55mph.


    Frontal area can be reduced with some variety of pop up trailer. Other than that, you can't control any important factor other than your speed. Climbing grades and a headwind are factors mostly out of your control.

    I have towed travel trailers with a variety of vehicles, all over the country. MPG from 6 to 14, overall average 10.

    Generally stay at or under 80% of your tow ratin6, for a good experience.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Oct 10, 2016
    Towing mpg will be much more speed dependent than the weight or size of the trailer (within reason), I believe. Have had 2 - 6.2 Fords and pulled several different trailers with them from small stuff to 14klb tag trailer with steel on it to 32' enclosed trailer, similar to a TT.
    Pretty much didn't matter what went on the hook, once it was there, mileage was 10mpg or less. 8ish if I had my foot in it. Closer to 10 if going 55mph.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    Martyn wrote:
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    You're going to get about 10-11 mph towing. This seems to be average for just about everyone, regardless of size of tow vehicle or diesel or gas. You also can expect 10 mph.

    My 3500 diesel dully gets 17.9 mph highway. It gets 9.9 - 11.5 (depending on how hilly and if city or highway) towing 11,000 pounds.


    Boy, you sure go slowly! :B



    Oh Shish!!!!! :h

    No I feel really dumb!
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    Yep, weight isn't the issue as much as air resistance will be.
    And even Airstreams will only provide marginal increase in fuel mileage.

    I'll bet your mpg towing will be more around 9-10.
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    Oct 10, 2016
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    You're going to get about 10-11 mph towing. This seems to be average for just about everyone, regardless of size of tow vehicle or diesel or gas. You also can expect 10 mph.

    My 3500 diesel dully gets 17.9 mph highway. It gets 9.9 - 11.5 (depending on how hilly and if city or highway) towing 11,000 pounds.


    Boy, you sure go slowly! :B
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    HilltopMike wrote:
    Fizz, so I want to looking for a rounded front like a cougar or something aerodynamic and light?


    There is really no such thing as an aerodynamic trailer. Oh if you get an Airstream it will help a touch but not much. Don't fall for the V nose trailers because they don't help either.

    Weight doesn't matter much either unless your in the mountains a lot. Once you get the trailer up to speed it's all about the wind resistance and not the weight.

    If you have a gas engine your going to get 9 to 10 MPG. From 18 to 30 feet you're going to get 9 to 10 MPG.

    My suggestion is get the trailer that you want the most and forget about the fuel mileage. (unless you tow in the mountains a lot)

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