Airstream Caravel towing mpg question
I just bought a 17' airstream in OK city and drove it home to SC. I got 13 mpg leaving Okc (2005 Volvo V70 tow veh)which is very poor but as I continued on mpg improved dramatically, gradually. When I...
Forum Discussion
Slowmover wrote:
Put that Caravel or its more modern equivalent Airstream behind a diesel Jetta from just a few years ago, and, at under 100 km/hr see almost 30-mpg US.
The penalty is usually 40%. Weigh the TV solo (loaded for camping, with pax and full fuel) and at approximately 60-mph the fuel burn will see a penalty of 40%. 1968 or 2018.
Aero is what matters most. But with two lightweight vehicles and a turbocharged Diesel engine, you’re going for a numerical high.
With my four-ton CTD Dodge and similar weight aero 35’ TT, “the penalty” brings me to 15-mpg. Just as predicted.
Meh.
My own experience towing a full height TT vs a open flatbed trailer shows otherwise.
Yeah, I USED to think the way you think.
If what you say about "aero" mattering then I should have barely seen a difference in my non towing mileage vs empty flatbed trailer towing mileage.
The fact that a 2400 lb empty flatbed trailer resulted in only a few tenths better mileage compared to my 6500 lb full height TT.
The flatbed trailer has no "front" and only short 2 ft open slat sides and a dove tail rear deck..
Applying your logic, I should have lost .1-.2 MPG with that trailer, it was considerably more..
The only reason I can figure out is the ROLLING resistance of FOUR EXTRA tires hitting the road is a major factor, more than "aero".
Weight isn't much of a factor, in fact I have had well over 2500 lbs in the back of my truck, with not much more than 1 or 2 tenths of a mile mileage difference between empty and loaded.
