Gas mileage pulling trailer

[grk57]

I am considering buying a small travel trailer 19' to 22', 3000-3500 LBS for a several month cross country trip. My tow vehicle is a 2002 Ford Exploder V6 4.0. I presently get 16mpg city, and 19-20mpg highway. What kind of mileage will I get pulling a 3500 LBS travel trailer? Thanks for your advise!

 

[edjunior]

Well, I don't know for sure, but I don't expect you'll get better than 9 or 10 mpg.? Downhill.? With the wind behind you.? Sounds like fun though.

Ed

 

[Lou Schneider]

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[John From Detroit]

I used to pull a 2,000 lb 13' SCAMP (look them up on the web) with a 4,000 lb Chevy Lumina APV 3.1 V6

Millage was about 1/2 of what I get bobtail (without the trailer)  Only one trip did this really matter

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'd guess about half of your normal mpg with that rig.  Wind resistance is the killer, much more so than weight. If you got a low profile trailer or perhaps one of the hybrids like a Trail Manor, youwould probably do a bit better.

I would also say that 3500 lbs was pushing the limits with your Explorer. I would suggest staying closer to 3000 than 3500. Under 3000 would be better yet. And definitely get a weight distributing hitch for it.

 

[grk57]

Hey,
Thanks for the info! I thought the fuel MPG would be better, but you will never know unless you ask! Sounds like a small class C rig or a pop up would be better?

Gary

 

[quapaw]

Rule of thumb is about 1/2 of your mileage when not towing.  Speed, wind and weight are big factors.  If you have to worry about mileage, you probably cannot afford to have one.  Always a good conversation piece.  Many folks round off the numbers.