Mileage change with smaller lighter trailer
My Excursion V-10 with 4.30's gets 7.8 mpg at 58 mph (OD locked out, cruise on)towing my Jayco Eagle 33' TT with super slide weighing about 8,500 pounds as towed. I'm looking at trading for a 2010 ...
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I gained any where from 1-2 mpg taking off my TT and pulling my bobcat and trailer that weighed 3000 lbs MORE than the TT. ALL due to aerodynamics, ie less wind resistance! When I pulled my track hoe on the same trailer as the bobcat to eastern was, total gcwr was the same, I got 2 mpg, and was typically a gear taller and 5-7 mph faster on the grades than with my TT. AGAIN, due to aerodynamics!
A deflector should help some, big rigs are using deflectors a lot. How much you get in mpg, and is it worth the coin, how long is the ROI? can all make up whether it is worth it or not needs to be decided. Any trailer with smooth(er) sides than you have now, more angled front, lower to the ground etc, even if the same weight, will/should net better mpg's. Takes about 105 hp to move 15K at 60 mph with 70sq ft of frontal area, 135hp at 15K/ 90sq ft, same HP as 25K at 70 sq ft! Weight is not always the end all be all of mpgs and amount of fuel to be used.
Marty
A deflector should help some, big rigs are using deflectors a lot. How much you get in mpg, and is it worth the coin, how long is the ROI? can all make up whether it is worth it or not needs to be decided. Any trailer with smooth(er) sides than you have now, more angled front, lower to the ground etc, even if the same weight, will/should net better mpg's. Takes about 105 hp to move 15K at 60 mph with 70sq ft of frontal area, 135hp at 15K/ 90sq ft, same HP as 25K at 70 sq ft! Weight is not always the end all be all of mpgs and amount of fuel to be used.
Marty
