Improving MPG performance - best practices

[Wintercamper]

I'm looking for tips and suggestions on improving MPG.

We're getting ready to tow our travel trailer from Florida to upstate NY in a few weeks and the all time high gasoline prices are going to make this a very expensive trip.

I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L engine. My travel trailer weighs in at just over 5000lbs but with everything loaded we will probably be at around 7000lbs. My truck is rated to pull up to 9600lbs.

I know that controlling my lead foot and driving slower speeds is probably one of the biggest things I can do to help improve mileage. I plan to try to maintain 60MPH on the trip.

Any other suggestions? Not going is not an option - haha.

[Phreak480]

Originally Posted by Wintercamper

I'm looking for tips and suggestions on improving MPG.

We're getting ready to tow our travel trailer from Florida to upstate NY in a few weeks and the all time high gasoline prices are going to make this a very expensive trip.

I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L engine. My travel trailer weighs in at just over 5000lbs but with everything loaded we will probably be at around 7000lbs. My truck is rated to pull up to 9600lbs.

I know that controlling my lead foot and driving slower speeds is probably one of the biggest things I can do to help improve mileage. I plan to try to maintain 60MPH on the trip.

Any other suggestions? Not going is not an option - haha.

Sounds like you already know the answer. Make sure your tires are properly inflated too to reduce road friction.

[Touch racing]

If you have any flexibility in your trip planning keep an eye on the weather. Specifically the wind. My last trip showed me wind makes the difference between 12 mpg and 7 mpg.

[Boomerweps]

As was mentioned, run your TT tires at max sidewall pressure if you can.
You know the answer, slower speeds. You are dragging a heavy parachute. As slow as you feel safe. 5 mph can make a big difference over a long trip. Also your driving safety is enhanced. Less weight helps but not as much.
Many swear by using premium gas for more power but, in my case, it isn’t cost effective. Running regular will instantly save you gas money.
Increasing tow vehicle tire pressure also helps. It’s a trade off.

[Brother Les]

Lighten the load.
What can you leave at home that you will not use.
Do not carry a full load of water.
Jack each tire off the ground and spin and grease and also make sure that there is no 'drag', with a slightly tight brake.
With the tires jacked up you can also check for tire alignment or bulging/belts coming apart.

Stay arrow dynamic and make sure your whole unit (truck/trailer) are level.
anticipate your driving, long slow stops and long slow strarts.

[bikendan]

Frontal air resistance is the main factor in towing fuel mileage.
Weight, speed, tire pressure will be minor factors.
There's no changing frontal air resistance unless you tow a popup.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Forest River Forums mobile app

[TowPro]

drive 10mph below the speed limit but stay in the left lane for best MPG, oh I see your in Florida now so you already knew that

[theHookers]

Originally Posted by TowPro

drive 10mph below the speed limit but stay in the left lane for best MPG, oh I see your in Florida now so you already knew that

Nice.

[Wintercamper]

Yeah, I definitely like to stay in the left lane at a slower speed - at least 10mph below the speed limit if I can. But I like to keep my right hand turning signal on as well. It makes for a very interesting ride. Haha

[TowPro]

glad you understand the Left Land was a joke, but slowing down in the only thing that will result in any MPG change you can actually see. and I live about 1 hour NW of you.

[TitanMike]

Every vehicle will have it's own idiosyncrasies but for mine I've found a speed that is the "Sweet Spot". At 58 mph my torque converter locks up and my scan gauge shows peak mpg. I set cruise control for 60 to make sure the converter remains locked and i don't see tachometer fluctuating up and down.

This speed just happens to coincide with the posted "Towing Speeds" where I travel most often.

The earlier "watch weather" comment holds a lot of weight. A good tail-wind can yield 2-3 mpg for my combination.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by Wintercamper

Yeah, I definitely like to stay in the left lane at a slower speed - at least 10mph below the speed limit if I can. But I like to keep my right hand turning signal on as well. It makes for a very interesting ride. Haha

[Bob K4TAX]

Another factor is a very clean truck and trailer. A good wax job on both makes for a slick surface and lowers wind resistance. Every little bit helps.

> Tire pressure measured cold and set for max sidewall rating reduces rolling resistance.
> Empty all tanks. Maybe carry a couple of gallons of water for a roadside toilet flush if needed.
> Keep speed down as safely as possible.
> No peddle to the medal starts.
> Nor heavy foot on the brake for stops.
> Anticipate traffic slowdowns or stops and back off the gas early on.
> As someone said earlier, make sure the truck and trailer are both level. If not adjustment of the WDH, height and tension, is necessary. You don't want the trailer nose up or down. Likewise for the truck.

Good luck with your travels. And travel safely.


As to FL drivers, we lived in Ft. Lauderdale for 15 years, Learn to drive with the left turn signal on for 14 miles, then turn right at some point. Or better yet, make the left turn from the right lane. One can always get 2 more vehicles through a red light. Be sure to use the right foot on the accelerator and the left foot on the brake at the same time. It keeps those behind you trying to figure out what you are up to with the brake light going on and off. Speed up to 40 and then slow down to 30 then back up to 40 and then down to 30. It is reported to be good leg exercise. Always wear a flowered shirt, white cargo shorts, wingtip shoes, and argyle socks to mid-calf.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Another factor is a very clean truck and trailer. A good wax job on both makes for a slick surface and lowers wind resistance. Every little bit helps.



> Tire pressure measured cold and set for max sidewall rating reduces rolling resistance.

> Empty all tanks. Maybe carry a couple of gallons of water for a roadside toilet flush if needed.

> Keep speed down as safely as possible.

> No peddle to the medal starts.

> Nor heavy foot on the brake for stops.

> Anticipate traffic slowdowns or stops and back off the gas early on.

> As someone said earlier, make sure the truck and trailer are both level. If not adjustment of the WDH, height and tension, is necessary. You don't want the trailer nose up or down. Likewise for the truck.



Good luck with your travels. And travel safely.





As to FL drivers, we lived in Ft. Lauderdale for 15 years, Learn to drive with the left turn signal on for 14 miles, then turn right at some point. Or better yet, make the left turn from the right lane. One can always get 2 more vehicles through a red light. Be sure to use the right foot on the accelerator and the left foot on the brake at the same time. It keeps those behind you trying to figure out what you are up to with the brake light going on and off. Speed up to 40 and then slow down to 30 then back up to 40 and then down to 30. It is reported to be good leg exercise. Always wear a flowered shirt, white cargo shorts, wingtip shoes, and argyle socks to mid-calf.

You forgot the "wear a hat and wrap-around sunglasses over your prescription glasses",

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Wintercamper

Any other suggestions? Not going is not an option - haha.

Pray for a southern wind to help push you home?

You already know the answer.... lower your speed, air up your tires and at all costs avoid cities during rush hour.

[mdarmody]

a lot of good advice already posted but I'd like to add traveling during reduced traffic hours (over night) will surely save a bit of stop & go fuel consumption

[Bronco Carl]

Mobile oil and USAC sponsored fuel mileage competitions that took place from 1936 to 1968. Driving techniques and vehicle modifications were developed to get maximum fuel mileage.

[tomkatb]

New air cleaner. Not a big deal.

[old40ford]

I try to drive down hill as much as I can

[TowPro]

he is going from Florida to NY, that is uphill anyway you look at it (unless you hold the map upside down).