Forum Discussion

396fish's avatar
396fish
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020

Maybe trade for lighter unit

New to the camper game and looked (I thought) fairly extensively for a smallish double axle toyhauler. Everything I saw of the size I was after only had 1 axle. Finally found 20ft (23 overall) Dutchman Razorback and bought it. Really nice with solar, fuel tank, etc. My half ton Ram handles it fine but with the tall above the tires layout and 5800lbs dry it killed the gas mileage. Not a big deal locally but planning to haul motorcycles out west from NC. Since I bought it ( and not used) I have discovered some lighter rigs and wondering about trading. maybe a Freedom Express or something like that. I don't know jack about better brands and such and I'm wondering if my Razorback is an exceptionally better built rig or what since it is a good bit heavyer than other units in this class. Need some guidance. Thanks, Brian
Toy Haulers
  • nayther's avatar
    nayther
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2020
    you'll take a bath on the trade, if it's just gas mileage you'll never recoup what you lose.
  • Dirtclods's avatar
    Dirtclods
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2020
    2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 My average around town 10 miles a gallon. Pulling the trailer full 6.7 I had a tailwind one time and I was getting 20 miles a gallon while pulling for about ten miles or so then it dropped back down.

    2007 19'Ft Attitude dry weight 5,700 Loaded 7.200
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Apr 12, 2020
    It's not so much the weight as it's the wind resistance you have. Weight comes in to play on the grades and such of course, but rolling down the level road, it's that big thing blocking the wind that matters.

    If you get 10 mpg's towing, consider that about right and that's what it's gonna be. Don't matter if you get 25 mpg running empty on the hwy... Hitch that brick up and watch the mpg's drop..

    Try taking a walk and put a little parachute on your back... How much harder is it gonna be to walk compared to not having that strapped to your back?

    Add a head wind and all bets are off..

    Good luck!

    Mitch

  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Apr 12, 2020
    Fuel milage of 1/2 ton size gas powered trucks will be just about cut in half with a max load.
    Even my '03 Dodge/Cummins which can average 21.5-22 mpgs (pencil numbers) on long trips when empty drops to 11-12 mpg pulling a 11k 5th wheel trailer.

    Loose 2000-3000 lbs of trailer weight may get you another 2 ish mpgs.

    And of course your 1500 Rams engine size and gear ratio are big players in the mpg game while towing.

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