Robert2012FX4

This is my setup. Very light trailer (2995lbs). Just took my first trip to Monteray, CA. (838miles). My mpg dropped to 10 mpg.

rikard

10 Mpg seems a little on the low side but it all depends on your speed, the terrain, gearing, and your MPG when empty. My 83 F150 with 302, AOD, 3.55 gears would get 16 Mpg empty at 70 Mph and about 10.5 to 11 at 60 Mph with a 4500 lb Prowler TT.
My 95 with the 300, 5 speed, and 3.08 gears gets 17 Mpg at 70 Mph and will get 13 Mpg with a 4500 lb Salem fifth wheeler at 60 Mph. The Salem and my truck are pretty aerodynamic. BTW I didn't use OD in either rig when hauling.

Hope you had a great time. I had a great summer camping and just winterized the rig until next year.
regards
rikard

brulaz

Hmmm, My long term average towing a 4000# travel trailer is 12 mpgUS. With my new Michelin LTX MS/2 tires (LT metric) I'm getting over 13 mpgUS. That's with a couple of kayaks on my Leer cap too.

Either you were going a lot faster than the 60-65 mph I usually drive at, or you had quite a headwind.

Headwinds can kill mileage. A 20 mph headwind is like adding 20 mph to your speed as far as gas mileage is concerned.

EDIT: Notice you have a WDH. Do you really need it with that small a trailer? I've stopped using mine.

EcoboostKev

I'm very surprised your mileage dropped that low. What speed do you tow at? I keep my speed between 60-65mph. Most trailer tires have a max speed rating of 65mph anyway. I tow this 32' 7500lb "BRICK" and i still average 9.8-10.6mpg depending on terrain. What engine do you have and what gears??

Robert2012FX4

I have the 5.0L gas with 3.73 rear end. I have disconnected the trailer from truck but still getting 10.6 mpg.

curtw48

Is that hand calculated or do you use the computer. If you use the computer, you need to reset your mileage at each tankful.

mbopp

On our last camping trip my mileage dropped from 11.8 to an even 10MPG. OK, I did push it harder and I have a theory that having the canoe on the rack helps the mileage by splitting the air before it hits the trailer (the last trip was w/o the canoe.) Maybe it's the reformulated winter gas, too.

Robert2012FX4

curtw48,
I have been using the truck computer. I have so many creature comforts I haven't mastered any of them yet. Bought the truck Aug this year. Thanks for pointing out to reset after fill up. I have not been doing that. This is my first car/truck that has a computer in it and calculates mileage, its pretty cool!