realistic MPG expectations
after some searching, I'm wondering what kind of mileage people are getting when towing. I know the frontal area of the trailer is a big factor, as far as wind resistance, even more so than weight. ...
Forum Discussion
For travel cost estimating I always use 6 MPG. I actually get between 10 and 12 while towing but the 6 MPG allows for differences in fuel prices and weather or road conditions.
For example on a trip through South Dakota we hit a stretch of road that all of the asphalt had been removed for 20 miles. We had to follow a pilot car through a rutted dirt road at 20MPH, once we got through there we hit a headwind and by the time we reached a gas station we were nearly on empty. The fuel at the only station was $4.05 per gallon (at the time the stations in our area averaged $2.80 per gallon). I calculated on that 150 mile trip we averaged 3 MPG mostly due to the headwind. I actually watched the fuel gauge indicator move as the tank emptied.
You never know what you might have to deal with while on a long trip. It's good to have a cushion.
For example on a trip through South Dakota we hit a stretch of road that all of the asphalt had been removed for 20 miles. We had to follow a pilot car through a rutted dirt road at 20MPH, once we got through there we hit a headwind and by the time we reached a gas station we were nearly on empty. The fuel at the only station was $4.05 per gallon (at the time the stations in our area averaged $2.80 per gallon). I calculated on that 150 mile trip we averaged 3 MPG mostly due to the headwind. I actually watched the fuel gauge indicator move as the tank emptied.
You never know what you might have to deal with while on a long trip. It's good to have a cushion.
