MPG with and without TT
I just got back from a down and back trip to pick up our new TT, a 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE (2,980# unloaded). My previous experience was pulling a 1,600# popup with a Subaru Forester. In the Forest...
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The difference in fuel demand is not because you are pulling more weight. Although weight does have a significant factor. The biggest difference between your pop-up and your new trailer is the front cap (sail) that now sits much higher than your pop-up and is causing much more wind resistance.
I don't know what size engine or how many pistons is in your Subaru Forester, but this much is reality, the smaller the engine, the design is for fuel efficiency. Start towing something, and although it will pull the weight, the engine is now working twice or 3 times as hard. They just aren't designed to pull weight and be fuel efficient. They are designed to be a family transport.
The bigger the engine, the less difference there is between a non-tow MPG average and towing MPG average (depending upon the weight and "sail" of what is being towed). But also, bigger engines may only get 12 mpg not towing and 11 mpg towing. They are designed for power, NOT fuel efficiency. There is the difference.
I don't know what size engine or how many pistons is in your Subaru Forester, but this much is reality, the smaller the engine, the design is for fuel efficiency. Start towing something, and although it will pull the weight, the engine is now working twice or 3 times as hard. They just aren't designed to pull weight and be fuel efficient. They are designed to be a family transport.
The bigger the engine, the less difference there is between a non-tow MPG average and towing MPG average (depending upon the weight and "sail" of what is being towed). But also, bigger engines may only get 12 mpg not towing and 11 mpg towing. They are designed for power, NOT fuel efficiency. There is the difference.
