kalaniwavo
Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2010
- Posts
- 10
Totally new to RV'ing and just got back from our first trip with our "new to us" travel trailer. I knew the mpg were going to drop off like a brick but I never expected 7mpg... and I mean the bottom end of 7, not 7.8 or 7.9. I'm talking 7.0. So I have a few question.
First of all I'm towing with a 2011 Tacoma double cab 4x4 V6 long bed, tow package, weight distributing hitch and a fiberglass camper shell. The TT is 19ft and weighs 4500lbs loaded. I aired up all the tires to 37psi. The entire trip trip was on flat ground with no wind and I stayed in 4 as opposed to D. Stayed around 60mph the whole way and never above 65.
Is this normal? I was expecting to get around 10-11 with this setup. I mean 7 just seems a bit low.. I was planning on taking it up in the mountains eventually but I can't imagine what it would be going uphill with a headwind. 5 maybe!? I thought the consensus was never tow in overdrive but talking to some other guys who tow they were saying with newer trucks its ok to tow in D and let the tranny do its thing as long as its not hunting. What do you guys think about towing in D? Any other tips on maximizing gas mileage. Don't think I'll be going more than 55 on the next trip.
Also, I can't help but think that I'm destroying my truck when I'm only getting 7mpg. Could someone please reassure me that I'm not going to trash my trucks engine towing in this config? :-\ Thanks!
First of all I'm towing with a 2011 Tacoma double cab 4x4 V6 long bed, tow package, weight distributing hitch and a fiberglass camper shell. The TT is 19ft and weighs 4500lbs loaded. I aired up all the tires to 37psi. The entire trip trip was on flat ground with no wind and I stayed in 4 as opposed to D. Stayed around 60mph the whole way and never above 65.
Is this normal? I was expecting to get around 10-11 with this setup. I mean 7 just seems a bit low.. I was planning on taking it up in the mountains eventually but I can't imagine what it would be going uphill with a headwind. 5 maybe!? I thought the consensus was never tow in overdrive but talking to some other guys who tow they were saying with newer trucks its ok to tow in D and let the tranny do its thing as long as its not hunting. What do you guys think about towing in D? Any other tips on maximizing gas mileage. Don't think I'll be going more than 55 on the next trip.
Also, I can't help but think that I'm destroying my truck when I'm only getting 7mpg. Could someone please reassure me that I'm not going to trash my trucks engine towing in this config? :-\ Thanks!