MPG Comparison Different Shapes

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A lot comes into play regarding MPG when towing... One of the determining factors is the turbulence created just behind a tow vehicle. Sometimes the flat front trailers actually do a better job of breaking up the drag caused by turbulence from the tow vehicle.

All that being written, I've always believed that if I had to worry about the money I spend camping then I shouldn't be camping. The relaxation, quality family/friend time and sheer enjoyment of the outdoors far outweighs any cost.

My philosophy is to buy the biggest trailer you can afford and your truck has the capacity to tow and enjoy. I would hate to be stuck in a small trailer during a couple of days of bad weather...cabin fever kicks in pretty quick. The more room the better.

I think the extreme aerodynamics of the Ascape will help it pull easier, and net better mileage. Smaller engines are good mileage getters, until they have to work really hard. A lot will depend on the speed towed. At 55-60, the difference will be less, than 65-70.

JMO, but I'd take the roominess of the Taylor, rather than the mpg savings, and less interior height.

Not apples to apples, but a boat will tow easier than a higher front small TT, and get better mileage, due to the boat being much more aerodynamic.

Jerry

It is counter-intuitive but the back of the trailer actually has a large impact on MPG.

Something about the low pressure created by the flat back. This is why you're starting to see more and more cones on the back of semi trailers, it's not a gimmick but instead rocket science.

GordonThree wrote:
It is counter-intuitive but the back of the trailer actually has a large impact on MPG.

Something about the low pressure created by the flat back. This is why you're starting to see more and more cones on the back of semi trailers, it's not a gimmick but instead rocket science.

BINGO!

Only airplanes that are supersonic have the sharpest point in the front.

X2 what GordonThree said. I think you will see slightly better mileage with the Ascape, but it will not be dramatically better.

Thank you for that. I forgot about the flat back creating a suction.

For our purposes, either trailer will work for us as this is intended to be a light weekend travel rig and don't expect to spend tremendous amounts of time inside the trailer other than sleeping and light meals. If more than that were necessary we have a larger rig we'd take.

I don't tow,, except for the toad behind the motorhome, so I am not and expert. However from many years of experience, I would be more concerned about the wind resistance due to the shape than mileage. The less wind resistance, the less power it takes to hold your speed, and that is the effect on gas mileage. Generally, if you have enough power to tow without overloading your engine, wind resistance is not going to the gas mileage you are getting.

really? to many varibles...speed, stop and go and etc. But, I would guess you'd get a little beeter mpg with the super small trailer.