Long Haul - MPG Report

ctownson · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 08:19 AM

South Carolina to Iowa, towing 16' gooseneck with 7 cows. 11.2 mpg
Iowa to South Carolina, return trip, 5 cows, 11.3 mpg
1 REGEN each way
1140 miles each way
6.4 psd, FX4 Lariat Crew Cab, 3.73 axle

I drove faster coming back and probably could have gotten about 11.8 if I had driven the speed limit. Total weight of trailer and cows was about 7600 lbs. Truck pulls this load very easily.

senix · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 09:21 AM

Sounds great. Sure is nice on the open road isn't it!

ctownson · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 10:52 PM

Yep - you don't even know the trailer is back there most of the time. Very pleased with towing performance!

sbaset · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:10 AM

What speeds you are cruising at on the interstate, to achieve those MPG's.

ctownson · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 06:12 AM

On the trip to Iowa, 70-72 mph on the Interstates.
On the return trip, 75-77 mph on the Interstates.

I had a gas truck before and would get about 8mpg with this load.

waverunner800 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:25 AM

What happened to the other two cows?

I'm not getting that kind of mileage pulling my Hobbi, which should be lower than 7600#'s, but it is a bumper pull (best I've seen is 11 on the LOM, which is probably about 10.3) . I guess the gooseneck pulls easier? Although, my trips are mostly about 80 miles on non-freeway, and lots of hills.

ctownson · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 05:10 PM

Dropped 2 off that had been sold. Then we went to a show with the rest.
There is a huge difference in towing the gooseneck versus a bumper pull in terms of the ride and ease. I'm not sure how much difference in makes in the mpg, but it probably does have an impact.

ruschejj · #8 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 09:00 PM

Those are good numbers on the MPG. What shocks me is the 1 regen cycle each way. I generally go through at least two per fuel tank, up to 4 if I am pulling heavy load.

waverunner, if you have never towed a gooseneck or a fifth wheel trailer you don't know what you are missing. They are a dream compared to a tag along/bumper trailer. Firstly, there is no need for sway control, trailers track MUCH better. Weight distribution is as perfect as can be. Bumps in the road are soaked up much better, you don't get nearly the "kick back" like with a bumper pull trailer. My 36' cargo trailer is a fifth wheel, empty weight is around 11K and it tows like it's not even there. It really is possible to forget about it on a long interstate run. A 16' bumper pull trailer is much more rougher of a ride and will even sway more than the big 36 footer. Really fascinating to me. Only real thing to get used to is turning corners and backing up.

Sorry for the mild hijack here.

sbaset · #9 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waverunner800

What happened to the other two cows?

I am glad we all have a good sense of humor. I was wondering the same thing....poor cows.

ctownson · #10 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 09:15 PM

my cows have it better than most people, trust me. they are spoiled rotten!

I agree with the post above. The gooseneck doesn't have any of the problems you experience with the bumper pulls.

waverunner800 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 07:54 AM

Thanks ruschejj!! I do not know what I'm missing, as I've never towed with a gooseneck/fifth wheel. I left the farm in 1977, so I've mostly drove sissy cars and trucks up until now. My little brother still lives in Iowa (where we grew up) and does have a gooseneck horsetrailer. He pulled my Hobbi last fall (before I go the F350) with his 2001 F250, and commented on how hard it seemed to pull (he was still running 70-75--which is why I eventually traded my F150 for the F350).

ctownson--don't let people know your cows are spoiled rotten--no one will want to eat them...(if yours are dairy, I apologize ahead of time..but if they're angus, can ya send me some steaks??

)

jlalanas · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 08:29 AM

Those MPGs are much better than mine also. I pull a 20x8 enclosed trailer. I think it's about 3k empty and probably not even 5k loaded. I only get 10mpg at 65-70mph. That's over somewhat hilly terrain, but given the weight differential from you other guys, I'm a little disappointed in my mpgs.....although very happy with the power.

ctownson · #13 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 05:58 AM

Keep in mind that this was virtually 100% Interstate driving; the only stop and go time whas when I fueled up. Some have mentioned they have more REGENS when towing. When I am on a long run, it almost seems like the opposite - I have fewer REGENS towing than when I am driving around town.

waverunner - these are some of our "show" cows. cows to be eaten don't get named or pampered! our beef is better than angus - check out our site at www.beavertreefarm.com

mcjones44us · #14 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:07 PM

Wow - those are great numbers. I pulled an *unloaded* 20 foot enclosed car carrier from Indiana to Louisiana and got right at 10 mpg. Is your truck modded in any way to get those numbers?

I too (as a previous poster has said) am having 1-2 regens per tankful. Does that sound normal?

Mike

senix · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:12 PM

seems a little high on the regens to me. I don't get them that often, never have. even when pulling hard i get maybe one per tank maybe every other tank I think.