Tow Tip | Improve your MPG when towing

[@brendanclark81]

Towing a 30', 7.5k lbs trailer with a 6.2L F250, I have to agree with you 100%. I used to set the cruise at 65mph towing going uphill, downhill and on the flats. I even manual downshifted the truck to maintain the speed like it was some race...it sucked fuel. Setting the cruise at 60mph adds 23 minutes of travel time over 300 miles but also added 1 mpg. It doesn't seem like much but that 1mpg gain is a savings of 4.7 gallons of fuel. With today's gas (87 octane) prices at $4.599/gal, it's a $21.64 savings just over that 300 miles. 👍

[@IdahoVoyager]

@brendanclark81 Thanks for the great comment and for supporting our channel. Nice breakdown on the savings and yes, it's even more of a savings at current gas prices. Happy trails :)

[@ShawnPatterson402]

completely agree with your philosophy here. Personally I don't use cruise control though. I like to be able to ease off on slopes etc. For me the sweet spot seems to be between about 55 and 65 mph. When I hit 65 is when the fuel really starts to burn. Every truck/trailer combo is a little different though, in terms of drag, gear ratios, tire size etc. Keeping speed down definitely protects the wallet, and does not really take much time out of cocktail hour either. safe travels....

[@IdahoVoyager]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@randomspirit]

It's so true, towing or not. I road-tripped MN to VA last summer. On the way there, I set the cruise at 60 mph and got 30.7 mpg. On the way back, I set the cruise at 65/70 (depending on the road) and only got 23 mpg. Eye opening!

[@kennethalmond8922]

Good vid! I've noticed this as well pulling a 7 x 14 dual axle box cargo -> camper. For me it's like 9mpg -> 11mpg. And... if you get worrying low on gas... slowing to 30-40mph can increase you're range even more, maybe as much as 13-14mpg which might give you a critical extra few miles in a low fuel situation. Of course if it's really dire, you can unhook (and risk vandalism) and get back to regular vehicle mpg but maybe less risk than than running out.

[@Yukonjackman1]

We always are in the 60 mph range, thank you for the video

[@IdahoVoyager]

Thank you for the comment and visiting our channel. Happy trails 🙂

[@philipmartin2622]

Any motorcycle rider will tell you that the felt wind resistance goes way up when you exceed 55 mph. This usually results in lower fuel economy especially when pulling a trailer. BUT THIS ISN'T ALWAYS TRUE. A few years ago I had an F150 triton V8 pulling a cargo trailer. At a steady 55 mph it would get 12-14 mpg but when I increased my speed to 65-70 mph, the mileage went UP to 16-17 mpg on the same roads. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. Then one day I found a chart for horsepower vs rpm for that engine and then I knew the answer. At the rpm for 55mph, the engine was only making about 35 hp but at the slightly higher rpm for 65-70 mph, the engine was making 80+ hp. I then began to notice that the engine always seemed to be lugging at 55 mph and downshifting on even slight hills. When I drove 65-70 mph, the transmission almost never down shifted and never seemed to be lugging. Simply that engine was making much more horsepower and operating much more efficiently when driving 65-70 mph with the trailer.

[@IdahoVoyager]

@Philip Martin Thanks for the comment and visiting our channel. Sorry for the embarrassingly late reply. This is a great point Philip. I'm certain there's unique applications as you mentioned regarding engine and how the tow vehicle matches the trailer, etc. I'd guess the majority of the time the increased wind resistance at higher speeds would result in lower MPG's for most folks but of course there will be exceptions. Thanks again for the great comment.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

My thoughts are this...if you have good pedal discipline (not moving it unnecessarily) don't use cruise. Here's why: Cruise will not allow you to speed up on a decline and carry that speed up the next hill. You can, and without pedal movement or almost none. That's saves a lot of fuel. In the same manner you can manage allowing your rig to slow going up hill to the crest without pumping a tin if fuel trying to maintain a strict mph. Look into these type of tips from people we used to call hyper fuel savers, and similar names. Cruise control is more about convenience and any fuel savings is coincidental as some people have poor pedal management skills, ie: they constantly move the gas pedal. Any movement uses fuel. Anyway, these guys would take a car or other vehicle, that get ... say 18mpg, and they would get 45 or better mpg. Every little bit of savings really do add up. Keep up the good work and the good mpg. A+

[@IdahoVoyager]

Thanks for visiting our channel and the comment. Excellent feedback, I agree 100%. I may not have made it as clear as I should on the video, but I only use cruise on flat straight aways when towing. When encountering hills, grades, or curvy areas I always go sans cruise for many of the reasons you stated. But also for safety as I want to be in full control when variable speeds are warranted.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

No no, you had said flat road. I was just talking about the hyper mileage guys and squeezing out all the mpg one can. Dug the video...thumbs up.

[@outdoorztime2923]

Hello from Arkansas. Nice tip - thanks!

[@IdahoVoyager]

Thanks for watching!

[@steveknight9254]

Some also use an air deflector on top of the truck and “Air tabs” which definitely reduce push and suck and helps calm down trailer sway.

[@williegohard1368]

So true I have a 2019 Nissan frontier King cab 2.5 and I'm pulling a pop-up camper weigh 3500 lb when I push it to 75 4 cylinder don't do too good on gas mostly be screaming so I keep it about around 60 to 65 it seemed to like that especially on a flat surface gas mileage improves love it I tell you I'll never go without a weight distribution hitch again see a huge difference it's like the rv is not back there can barely feel it back there lol

[@deere3321]

My Colorado, v6 has a 6 speed automatic. In tow/haul mode it won't shift into 6th until around 58 or 59 mph. At 62 mph it stays in 6th for the most part. At 65+ it starts down shifting to maintain speed. All of this is with the cruise set and on mostly flat terrain. I'm towing about 2000 lbs and get 17.5 to 17.8 mpg at 62. It drops quickly to 14.5 with many hills or stop and go driving mixed in.

[@IdahoVoyager]

@deere3321 Excellent feedback. Thank you for sharing.

[@donaldbienko5241]

This is John Malkovich I swear!

[@danbraun8430]

Pretty sure John malkovich doesn’t drive Toyotas, at least I hope not

[@oscargarcia-rr4ee]

Spot on……don’t forget about the rabbits

[@camposvazquez]

@@danbraun8430 no...malkovich drives nissans

[@briandunn2547]

Let me ask this, interstate speed is 70 miles an hour limit would you drive 60?

[@IdahoVoyager]

@Brian Dunn Hi Brian...thanks for stopping by our channel and engaging with a comment. That's a great question. When on the interstate I'll always stay in the right lane. Typically with a speed limit of 70, it's perfectly acceptable to go 60 provided you stay in the right lane. There's rules of the road etiquette I always try to adhere to and in my experience going 60 is just fine, and as I mentioned in the video, does make a difference on the gas mileage. Thanks again Brian and hope you enjoy our channel.

[@bobmartens1089]

F150 5.0. 5000lb TT 12mpg at between 55 and 62 mph depending on wind, its all about the wind

[@IdahoVoyager]

@Bob Martens so true. Thank you for joining the conversation.

[@ChristisKing117]

60mph on two lane roads is doable, but not interstates where everyone is doing 70plus. It is not safe. That’s why I try to avoid major interstates, especially the truck routes.

[@IdahoVoyager]

I agree for the most part we prefer to avoid interstates as well. Thank you for the comment.

[@danbraun8430]

I need a diesel to pull mine, and hilly around here and windy that even with a diesel it struggles

[@electriccuts]

What's the number??

[@IdahoVoyager]

@Electric Cuts gotta watch the video!😁

[@GlockFan19]

What kind of trailer do you have? Is that the Palomino Solaire Ultra Lite 202RB? If so, I am looking to purchase the same one. I’d like to know how you like it and a couple of the positives, and negatives, about it, please? Thank you.

[@IdahoVoyager]

I had the Palomino Solaire and we recently traded up to Lance 2075. I really liked the Solaire...it’s an awesome trailer. Loved the big bathroom, storage, and overall look. We didn’t love how the bedroom wasn’t separate from dining, the lack of bigger window coverage. Still an awesome trailer and we really loved it but love our new one a little better.

[@GlockFan19]

Thank you for responding to me regarding the 202RB. However, what do you mean that the "window coverage" was not enough for you? Also, could you please tell me in more detail about the storage on it? I'm going to be living in it FT, solo, but storage is very important to me. Last questions, for now: does it have 1 or 2 propane bottles? And is there room, either in front or in back, to mount some sort of "rack system" to hold a generator etc.? Thank you, again.

[@IdahoVoyager]

What I meant by “window coverage” is our new trailer has more windows than the 202rb. As for storage, the 202rb has a large pass through space on the front exterior and ample storage inside. You can see more detail on this by looking at other videos on our channel. Finally, it has 2 propane bottles. As for “rack” system, I wouldn’t recommend attaching anything like that on the rear bumper. There are generator racks you can consider mounting on the tongue above the propane bottles.

[@GlockFan19]

@@IdahoVoyager Thank you, so very much, for such a complete reply. The "RB" sounds like it has more than enough storage, especially for one person. And yes, that is what I meant regarding a "rack" for a generator. I assumed that the rear bumper of the trailer would not have been "appropriate". Yet, it might be possible to put one "above the propane tanks". Thanks again!!

[@IdahoVoyager]

@GlockFan19 You’re welcome! Here is the link to a generator tongue tray www.amazon.com/Stromberg-Carlson-CC-255-Trailer-Tray/dp/B00U8AXRPW

[@Yukonjackman1]

@@IdahoVoyager we fabricated a tray across the front between the tanks and trailer to hold our 4 batterys, inverter and a honda 2200i instead of generator tray.

[@camposvazquez]

@@Yukonjackman1 do you have pics?

[@danielmiller5671]

Mistake 1 do not set cruise control while towing

[@TheLastNameR]

New to towing a travel trailer. Do you drive with hazard lights on while driving 60mph or not? How do you deal with frustrated drivers behind you? Thanks!

[@IdahoVoyager]

Hello. Thanks for the comment and visiting our channel. That’s a good question. First and foremost, 60 mph is by no means a hazardously slow speed. So I rarely, if ever, use my hazard lights for that reason. Many times on 2 lane highways the speed limit is 60 or 65 ...maybe 70 in some places. Depending on the situation, we use “slow vehicle pull out” lanes as necessary. As for interstates (with 2 lanes or more each way), we simply stay in the right hand lane. The worst thing you can do is start making poor decisions based on what others are doing or your perception that others may be frustrated. Don’t feel pressured to go faster than you want to. As long as you observe the etiquette I’ve mentioned above, you should be just fine.

[@cisco1dog]

They will get unfrustrated, eventually. Don’t let others frustration cause you anxiety or money.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Also, mind your mirrors. I have also slowed a bit when it is clearly a place that people being held up behind me can pass and that can allow more to get around or just making for a safer pass. Don't be silly and slow from 60 to 40 or anything like that as just a couple mph will get them around fast enough.

[@garyfoster5546]

Driving at 60 is a great speed to pull RV ! The roads are bad and will destroy an RV!

[@JoseRivera-lk4cz]

I put my truck on eco mode and cruise at 65 Mph am getting 12mph. 3.5 eco boost…….thanx.

[@IdahoVoyager]

That’s excellent. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience.👍🏻

[@donaldbienko5241]

Its gotta be..I know that voice

[@kavandadgar7446]

STEP 1 BUY A DIESEL

[@IdahoVoyager]

Thanks for the comment. Diesel's are great but, like everything in life, there are trade offs to be had as well.

[@jayboogie7956]

Problem is I don't have $100K for a truck.

[@garyfoster5546]

Why waste money on diesel, they aren't reliable $$$

[@THX..1138]

@@jayboogie7956 Step 2 buy an old Diesel. If you can find one, Dodge 12v Cummins with the P-Pump 😉

[@briandonald]

1. Buy a diesel 😂

[@jayboogie7956]

Problem is I don't have $100K for a truck.

[@briandonald]

@@jayboogie7956 Oh I get it.