How much do you think of a decrease in fuel mileage would I expect from towing an open 1500lb trailer with dirt bikes as opposed to stuffing all of them in the bed of the truck? It would make the trip more convenient with space if I had a trailer but it is something else I have to worry about when driving. The trip consists of driving across Pennsylvania about 375 miles roundtrip. Truck is a STX 4.6 4X4. What would be the gas mileage difference at highway speeds do you think?

 

I don't know about the mpg but I know the 6.5x12 open utility trailer with custom ladder racks that was stolen from me... with a full tool box a lawn mower and a 4wheeler I couldn't hardly tell it was back there

 

Personally, I dont think it makes a huge difference once your moving, yes you have more rolling resistance and stuff, but I pull a 4k pound boat and get great mileage on the freeway. The stop and go would kill ya.

 

Depending on the design, wind resistance would play the biggest factor.

 

I agree with everyone else, I've got a small boat trailer, maybe 1000 lbs total. Its fine when you're moving down the freeway, but the stop and go brings down the mpg.

On a side note, I've pulled a few different trailers with this truck and have been very impressed with how well they track. Gotta love a full size!

 

I have a 5.4 so I dunno for your 4.6 but I pull a 2000 lb trailer often for work and I drive out of state every trip and I can get 13mpg easily. That's usually cruising around 70 mph with hills. I live in pa and I drive to va. West va. Md. Ohio. Fairly hilly with the mountains. I also have 33's and it's leveled too.... My .02 cents...