I bet the difference would not be not noticeable. A bit of difference in wind resistance, but unless you had it in a wind tunnel, I don't think you could predict how it would play out in the real world. If you are looking for mileage, don't get an RV.

Steve

 

Really? You could have left out that insulting comment. I am very much aware of the fuel requirements of RV's. I was hoping for an experienced, knowledgeable, and helpful response. I will be pulling an average of 10000 miles per year for about five years. A 1 mpg difference will add up in a hurry. I am very much aware of the difference's in the 2 types of hitch setups and the affect on stopping, handling and backing. What I do not have experience with is the fuel cost difference with all other factors being equal.

Thank you so much for your helpful insight.

 

My guess would be very little difference in fuel mileage unless the 5er is a high profile one.

bumper pulls have almost as much frontal area as a 5er.

 

Wasn't trying to be insulting. The variables that determine mileage are almost endless and the shapes of towables vary enough so I think it is impossible to generalize. For example, even height and widths vary and I have no idea how you would begin to calculate variances in shape. Then there is the combined shape of the truck and towable and how the combined shape passes through the air. I am sure you could make a general statement like the larger the frontal area, the lower the mileage, but coming up with that area, man I think it would come down to a hope and a pray and I suspect the differences would be very small.

Even members of the industry with whom I have discuss this point have no idea how wind resistance impacts types of RVs including motor homes. Mileage just isn't factored into the design, hence my earlier comment.

The ongoing thought I have about mileage and RVs whenever this topic comes up is you likely can gain more with driving style than you can with any other factor. Towing with my dually, I can not discern any significant difference between my last trailer and our current fifth wheel, weights and lengths being about equal.

Maybe someone else has had different experience.

Steve

 

Which brings to mind the v-shaped TT's out there. Came out as a way to cut resistance and increase mileage. But I have never seen anyone that has gone to one say they have seen a significant increase in mileage.

 

I know of nothing that has demonstrated the V noses save much fuel. The problem, as has been demonstrated in the auto industry so often in the past, is it is almost impossible to accurately judge aerodynamics by appearance. The RV industry gives a little lip service, but no evidence to support it.

Steve

 

Insulting?

Steve gives this forum some of the best insight, informative, and accurate information available.

If you ask for information, there are many opinions here and his is usually without bias.

I thinks physics is most appropriate here. I think Newton's second law of motion applies.

Something heavier, taller, with more mass, will affect acceleration, hence fuel mileage use.

When you read the many posts here on fuel mileage towing, 10-12 mpg seem to be the best gauge if you want to start calculating costs as a good average.

 

One more comment on gaining mileage: Over the road truckers all have those thingie's on top of their cabs that divert the winds over the top of the trailer. I have seem a devise like those available for the tow vehicle's roof for us RV'ers. If you spend THAT much time towing, it might be worth considering......

 

Yea, I thought about one of those also. The problem is that in the southwest you see more rigs without, than with. Which makes me think it's not worth the money. And with all of the variables it may be hard to prove an actual increase in mileage. I was trying to just keep to the basics. I'm allowing for 10 mpg, and was hoping for a few ideas on differences in the design and layout of trailers that would increase fuel mileage one over another.

I have pulled goose neck stock trailers and a variety of horse trailers, flat beds, and box trailers. Some with a diesel , some with a gas rig.

But I have never pulled rv trailers enough to make a good decision on which would yield the "best you can get", fuel mileage. I guess i need to talk to someone that transports for rv dealers. I figure those guys would have a pretty good idea.

Thanks.

 

If, as you said, you will be pulling for 10k miles a year for 5 years it would make that purchase feasible. You don't that many because not many run an RV for that many a miles a year......

 

Yea Bud, it's a big "If". More of a dream really. We hope that our health holds out long enough to "live the dream". If not, the plan is to see as much of this great nation as we can. So while it may not be a big deal to some, for us to save a dollar here or there is pretty important. And the wife gets a bit annoyed when I over analyze everything. Like the purchase of my "dream" truck. Spent months studying trucks, then bought off the lot when I was able to get the deal I wanted. (I really do not plan to have to use the engine block heater). And I will probably do a trailer the same way, regardless of hitch, if the money is right. Just have to make adjustments.

 

Even if the fuel mileage was different. I would get a fifth wheel. We just switched to a fifth wheel and love it for towing. In windy conditions the fifth wheel handles a lot better while using the same pickup. We had a tow behind for 25 years and the fifth wheel for 8 months. Hope this helps on the drive ability issue..