This is an update to one of our more popular videos on how to improve MPG when towing. A more controlled test confirms the results on our previous video: the secret to better MPG when towing is simple!
Thanks for the tips. I just drive at 60 mph, unless I have a big tailwind or going down hill, then maybe 65. Anything faster is unsafe pulling a trailer.
This aligns with my own extensive experience towing our Airstream with both gas and diesel trucks. 60 mph is a sweet spot, and given the braking capability of a travel trailer, much safer than higher speeds. Cruise control will diminish mpg unless your route is straight and flat i.e; boring. Leave the interstates to the truckers, take the scenic byways and actually enjoy the journey.
Dont set the cruise control unless you are on a dead flat stretch of road. The tow vehicle will downshift and rev trying to keep speed up for a small uphill section, only to hold back when the road goes back down, burning lots of fuel then denying the addition of gravity when it comes. Watch your tach and see this happen. Instead, hold the throttle steady and let the speed drop a few miles an hour on the uphill and then let it roll on the downside to a few miles above the desired speed. I can easily go from 10mpg on cruise to around 13mpg by having a steady throttle. The downside is, it takes more attention to hold the pedal steady and is more tiring on long drives.
@James Navrotsky Thanks for stopping by and for the comment. My Nissan Titan doesn't have an Eco setting, however, it does have "Tow Mode" and I do use that when towing the trailer. It just seems my sweet spot for fuel efficiency is 60 mph and, as I mentioned in the video, it works fine for us as we're never in a big hurry. Thank you!
Sometimes it's hard not to run a bit faster when all the traffic is passing you. We pull our Lance 2375 with a 2020 Toyota Tundra, and the sweet spot seems to be at about 66 mph @ 2000rpm. . The best we can manage is about 10.5 mpg, but the Tundra has a 38 gallon tank, so our range is pretty decent. Getting there safely is still the number one priority. Take care.
I say, let traffic pass me. Other drivers do not pay my fuel bills. Additionally, RVs take less road/travel wear and tear when going slower. I'm perfectly happy to set the cruise to 55 MPH and to hang out in the in the right lane or one lane over from the right on a 3+ lane road, if possible.
Hi! Thanks for the video! I have a 2019 Silverado 1500 V6 and my travel trailer is about 5,500lbs. Before all this crap with the gas $$$ increase, I was getting between 12-14mpg towing. Now I’m getting between 7-9mpg. I don’t know why I’m getting lower mpg now. use the tow haul mode @65mph and also the cruise control. I also have air bags for leveling the truck but is like anything is helping me out with the mpg. Great video! Cheers! 🙏🏼🤙🏼
A camper top over that pick up bed makes the truck a lot more aerodynamic also. It will reduce that idea of pulling an "open umbrella" feeling and increase your mileage even though the camper top weighs a little more....plus more camping room😉
You're a safety hazard in my opinion at 60 mph. The speed limit on most of your trip is 80 and average speed is up around 85 to 90. That's cars and semis having to get around you at a staggering rate. Fuel mileage is no where near that simple. I could set my cruise at 40 on parts of the freeway and get 8 mpg. I could set my cruise at 80 on other parts and get 15. The wind alone could change it 4 mpg. Cruise vs non cruise can actually save fuel. Go slower helps but that 4 swing is not from 60 vs 65 alone. Many other factors.
@Clayton Yates Hi Clayton...thanks for your interest in our channel and the thoughtful comment. You make some very valid points and as you mention, fuel milage isn't quite that simple. However, in my experience, I've noticed that speed is a huge factor. From a safety standpoint, I'm not comfortable driving faster than 65 mph when towing. I do adhere to all highway etiquette while towing and "stay in my lane" so to speak. I've not encountered any major issues when going 60mph on the interstate. That's the default speed but of course I adjust as needed and as traffic conditions warrant.
That’s why if you’re going 60 stay your ass in the right lane. Getting in the way of other drivers only happens if slow drivers are in the left or middle lane. In WA state AH’s go the same speed in all 3 lanes!
Negative on 60 mph being a safety hazard. Towing a travel trailer at higher speeds is a poor practice, due to the lower stability and braking capability. Use the right lane and let others pass.
