Trailer weight difference

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Apr 15, 2008 | 09:50 PM

HSTC

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 2

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Trailer weight difference

Have a 01 Expedition EB with 4.6 L. Question....how much of a difference will a decrease of 700 lbs make in MPG when towing?

Here is the deal:

900 lb trailer + motorcycle= 10 MPG
300 lb trailer + motorcycle= ?? MPG (IS IT WORTH BUYING A NEW ULTRA
LITE TRAILER)

Any suggestions...I am not taking into account wind resistance or anything.

Also, my vehicle is stock.

Thanks ahead of time.

Apr 15, 2008 | 09:56 PM

okfarrier

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 113

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From: Oklahoma

I wouldnt think it would make any diff at all. I have found it is more the wind than the weight on smaller loads.

Apr 16, 2008 | 11:28 AM

jim henderson

Postmaster

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 4,968

Likes: 3

From: So Cal

If you do a lot of stop and go or hills the weight may make a difference. If you tow at steady speeds and flat, it probably won't be noticable.

10MPG? seems a bit low. My 94 F250 with 460 4x4 gets 8-9MPG towing 8,000#. Normal mpg is 11-12.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

Apr 16, 2008 | 02:46 PM

Canadian98f1504x4

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 92

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From: Sooke, B.C.

that does seem low, my 98 f-150 4.6l got 14 towing a 6000lb trailer and 24 without.

Apr 16, 2008 | 06:45 PM

grafekie

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 1,496

Likes: 3

From: Simpsonville, KY

I find THAT very hard to believe...

I tow 5000-7000lbs with my 5.4L and I generally get between 8-12 gallons. If I'm extra lucky I may hit 15.3mpg unloaded with a tailwind, over a 1000 mile trip.

Apr 16, 2008 | 08:38 PM

Canadian98f1504x4

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 92

Likes: 0

From: Sooke, B.C.

That is what i got, but I wasn,t pushing it as when I did I ended up having to get some valves replaced in the engine. I also live in British Columbia Canada and the speed limit is 60MPH, so slower speeds equal better milage.

Apr 17, 2008 | 10:27 AM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

Likes: 74

From: Blue Hill Township

I don't see 600lbs of difference in the trailer weight making any difference in fuel mileage, especially with such a small trailer.

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Apr 17, 2008 | 11:22 AM

X_Hemi_Guy

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Florida

I agree with the others that the decrease in weight will not make a substantial difference in mpgs.

I too believe that the WIND is your highest contributor in most of the roads we travel...now if you lived in mountains and had to pull grades ALL THE TIME...then weight will be a factor...but for most of the miles we pull...grades are mostly minimal so the WIND is your highest contributor.

Here's my data to support that theory. TV in both cases is a 2005 V10 Excursion.

In 2006 I towed a 7500# TT 7000 miles. I 'averaged' over all those miles 7.8mpgs. I pulled thru the Black Hills, Big Horns and Rockies in addition to flat lands. I had 3.73's gearing at that time in the Ex.

in 2007 I towed a 9000# TT 5000 miles. I 'averaged' over all those miles 8.3mpgs. I pulled the Appalachians and flat lands. I have 4.30's gearing now in my Ex.

So the point is that even tugging 1500#'s MORE...my mpgs were not greatly affected...I believe my increase is due to the 4.30's and that I can tug in OD much more of the time now.

For what you are going to drop in $$$ for the lighter trailer...I don't think you would see a difference.

BTW...ride the motorcycle and you'll get GREAT mpgs!