Since I have a 27' ultralight (3,600 lbs. dry), and gas prices have gone up so much, I was pondering some things. Is there really any significant savings in gas costs to having an ultralight?
With my V8 4Runner pulling the TT we average around 10 MPG pulling at 62 MPH. It doesn't seem to make much difference if the A/C is on, the trailer is fully loaded, etc. If we're doing steep grades, it will drop to around 7-8 MPG. On flat with no head wind, we may get close to 11.5 MPG.
Most people I know who tow TTs (not 5th wheels) with gassers, seem to be getting very similar figures. This is pretty much regardless of the size of truck or weight of TT.
So the only real benefits, it seems, is these:
1) I have a smaller V8 which when I'm not towing will get 22 MPG highway (if I keep it around 65 MPH)
2) And - a big benefit - I can fit the 4Runner in my current garage.
Is my thinking correct here? Are people getting anything significantly different in either their ultralight rigs or regular weight TTs?
Mighty 4Runner Sport V8 4x4 Hensley Hitch
McKesh Mirrors, Revo Tires
Jordan 2020 Brake Controller
AirLift 1000 rear Suspension Tranny: Hayden Cooler/Fan & CyberDyne Gauge
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic fluids Rockwood 2502 (3600 lb. dry)!
Weight isn't near the factor the size and aero dynamics is. A brick isn't very aero dymamic.
NCH
2000 Ford F350 4X4 PSD,CC, DRW
4:10's, BTM Muffler, Isspro Gauges,
Coolant Filter,CCV Mod
FTVB , Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler,SCT2 W/DP's 40 tow & 80 econo,Zoodad mod
2005 Keystone Hornet 30BHSS
Reese Dual Cam
Family of 4 saved by Grace!!! MY TRUCK OUR TRAILER
I think weight plays as much of a roll as the height and size. We had a 07 Springdale, 33ft long about 7500 lbs +/- using our 05 f 150 super crew we would get about 6 to 8 mpg. Traded the springdale in on a 08 Pilgram lite, still 33ft long, a smaller slide, and the weight is closer to 6000 +/-, it is a little bit shorter in height, closer to the ground I should say. And we get 8 to 12 mpg with this rig. The springdale was aluminum sided, while the Pilgram is smooth sided.
With RVing every one mile per gallon gained is a huge savings. So, I am glad I picked an ultralight. It provides maximum size and flexibility for optimal fuel economy in the size range. Yes, you can operate nicer, fancier and obviously heavier TT's but again, every mile per gallon counts over the life of the vehicles (TV and TT). If you plan on owning them for a long time the savings represented by operating an ultralight are potentially huge.
canyonbound wrote: I think weight plays as much of a roll as the height and size. We had a 07 Springdale, 33ft long about 7500 lbs +/- using our 05 f 150 super crew we would get about 6 to 8 mpg. Traded the springdale in on a 08 Pilgram lite, still 33ft long, a smaller slide, and the weight is closer to 6000 +/-, it is a little bit shorter in height, closer to the ground I should say. And we get 8 to 12 mpg with this rig. The springdale was aluminum sided, while the Pilgram is smooth sided.
I wonder if the MPG savings were more about the 1,500 lbs. or a lower profile. I suspect the low profile has more to do with the savings than weight, but don't know for sure.
While driving at highway speeds, wind resistance is the greatest detrement to mpg. When stopping or going downhills weight is biggest concern.
We just got back from the Canada Day weekend and on the 700km trip there we where LOADED (45 gal fresh water + 5 gal in a separate jug, genset + 5 gal jerrycan full of fuel, food, clothes and lot's of beer) and got 11.2 mpg. On the return trip we had empty gas and water tanks and no beer but bucking a bad headwind we got 8 mpg.
I'm pulling a 21'ultralight(18.5' box) TT that goes around 4350 lb. loaded(my GVWR is 6200 lbs).In a Trailblazer EXT With the 3.42 rear gear/LH6(5.3 V8).I don't tow in OD the revs are way to low and out of the torque curve. In 3ed gear I'm getting at 55MPH, 12.5 MPG @ 2400 RPM, 60 MPH, 11.5 MPG @ 2500 RPM and at 65 MPH, 10 MPG @ 2600 RPM.These are E-10 numbers.
canyonbound wrote: I think weight plays as much of a roll as the height and size. We had a 07 Springdale, 33ft long about 7500 lbs +/- using our 05 f 150 super crew we would get about 6 to 8 mpg. Traded the springdale in on a 08 Pilgram lite, still 33ft long, a smaller slide, and the weight is closer to 6000 +/-, it is a little bit shorter in height, closer to the ground I should say. And we get 8 to 12 mpg with this rig. The springdale was aluminum sided, while the Pilgram is smooth sided.
I wonder if the MPG savings were more about the 1,500 lbs. or a lower profile. I suspect the low profile has more to do with the savings than weight, but don't know for sure.
I would think a combination of both. Which provides the biggest, well that I could not even begin to say. The front of both TTs had a slant. But I do know your milage will vary depending on how you load also. A balanced load I would think is best,of course. Then more weight on the front, with more weight in the rear being worst. But even at 10 MPG moving a 33ft TT and a crew cab TV is pretty darn good for me. I just wish they would make 65 MPH the limit all over the US highways. 70 and 75 is too much. I do try to keep it at 65, but sometimes it is like you may get ran over.
8iron wrote: While driving at highway speeds, wind resistance is the greatest detrement to mpg. When stopping or going downhills weight is biggest concern.
I think this may be true, and that wind resistance probably trumps weight, although both contribute). I can load my trailer up near the max (6,000 lbs.) and it still does not seem to affect MPG as much as a mild head wind!
Neglecting the added rolling resistance from the extra trailer tires and extra mechanical friction (additional wheel bearings, etc.), trailer weight would have no influence on your TV mpg if traveling on a completely level surface. The only thing affecting mpg under these conditions is drag caused by the frontal area of the trailer and other components catching the air. The faster you go the worse it gets and it's not a linear relationship. On the other hand, if you travel slow enough and thereby minimize wind drag, mpg would significantly be affected by traveling up an incline. The work done by the engine is mainly to overcome the force of gravity. The steeper the incline the more work is required. This is a linear relationship. So, will you get better gas mileage with a light trailer? Yes. Will it improve if you slow down? Yes. Will it improve with a more streamlined trailer that leaves a smaller frontal footprint? Yes. Will it improve if most of the traveling is done on the flats? Yes. How much on any of these I don't know.
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