When pulling with our V-8 Dodge Dakota, we drop from about 19 MPG highway to about 14.5. When towing with our Subaru (4 cyl) we drop from about 27 MPG highway to about 18. Average higway speeds when not towing are 70-75 speed limit, but towing we reduce to 60-62.
It's probably not the size of the trailer but the weight of the trailer. Example, I have a 13 Scamp and wager it's one of the heaviest on the highway. I'd bet there are lots of 16 footers that don't weigh as much as my 13.
I've had my Scamp 14 years now and tow with my 1993 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 litre which is closing fast on 200,000 miles. The Jeep gets about 17mph without the Scamp (and always has), it drops to 15 mph with the trailer. When I plan a trip I estimate gas costs using 15 mph as the average. So far I have always come home with gas money in my pocket.
The only time I give any consideration to gas costs is if it's a very long trip where gas then becomes the larger pot of money. Trips of a couple thousand miles are insignificant as far as saving a penny or two. Example is a 2,000 mile trip @ 15mph would use 135 gallons @ ave of $3.50 per gallon would be $472.50. Then figure without the Scamp @ the highest 17mph would use 118 gallons @ ave of $3.50 per gallon would be $413.00. I'd use $59.50 more towing the trailer which really only 1 tank of gas more..
Now if you take that trip and make it a 16,000 mile trip you are talking a great deal of difference. Having said that you might chew up that difference in motel/hotel costs. Consider the difference between a $30 campsite and a $100 room. I opt for a campsite, home cooked food and my own bed.
Chevy uplander 6cyl 3.9L without 23 MPG. Pulling 16ft deluxe loaded 13.5 MPG 65 to 70MPH. It would be better If I would slow down. It handles well the way I have it set up.
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
When pulling with our V-8 Dodge Dakota, we drop from about 19 MPG highway to about 14.5. When towing with our Subaru (4 cyl) we drop from about 27 MPG highway to about 18. Average higway speeds when not towing are 70-75 speed limit, but towing we reduce to 60-62.
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
It's probably not the size of the trailer but the weight of the trailer. Example, I have a 13 Scamp and wager it's one of the heaviest on the highway. I'd bet there are lots of 16 footers that don't weigh as much as my 13.
I've had my Scamp 14 years now and tow with my 1993 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 litre which is closing fast on 200,000 miles. The Jeep gets about 17mph without the Scamp (and always has), it drops to 15 mph with the trailer. When I plan a trip I estimate gas costs using 15 mph as the average. So far I have always come home with gas money in my pocket.
The only time I give any consideration to gas costs is if it's a very long trip where gas then becomes the larger pot of money. Trips of a couple thousand miles are insignificant as far as saving a penny or two. Example is a 2,000 mile trip @ 15mph would use 135 gallons @ ave of $3.50 per gallon would be $472.50. Then figure without the Scamp @ the highest 17mph would use 118 gallons @ ave of $3.50 per gallon would be $413.00. I'd use $59.50 more towing the trailer which really only 1 tank of gas more..
Now if you take that trip and make it a 16,000 mile trip you are talking a great deal of difference. Having said that you might chew up that difference in motel/hotel costs. Consider the difference between a $30 campsite and a $100 room. I opt for a campsite, home cooked food and my own bed.
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168
Yes, I never exceed 65 mph when towing.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Chevy uplander 6cyl 3.9L without 23 MPG. Pulling 16ft deluxe loaded 13.5 MPG 65 to 70MPH. It would be better If I would slow down. It handles well the way I have it set up.
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
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