MPG towing R POD - Event Date: 27 Apr 2017

I have read (actually I think in my Taco manual) to never use cruise control while towing. Not sure why that is, but I don't use it.

A reasonable calculation would be to divide your normal highway mpg by 2. That result will be typical. (example:  22mpg highway not towing, would be 11 mpg highway towing ). A diesel would not be much higher, but a diesel will tow with less effort, especially in hilly terrain. The diesel usually have considerably more torque at lower engine RPM's. 

Originally posted by TheBum Now, if they'd only engineer a deflector that could stand up to 70-75 mph speeds...

There is one. The Wingmaster Turbowing Air Deflector. It is very nice looking and since it is made of metal, would stand up to high speeds.

The issues with diesel is multiple. First the vehicle is normally more expensive, second the cost of the fuel is more expensive and lastly the maintenance costs for a diesel over gas is significantly more expensive. As an example if you buy a Ford F-350, the diesel engine option is 8K over standard gas. You would have to do, significant traveling over a number of years to get a diesel to pay for its self in mileage alone. Not a good option for a light weight Pod. There is a purpose for diesels, but in my opinion not with a 3500 lb trailer.

We have a 2006 F-150--5.4L, non ecoboost--and we get 9-12 MPG depending on terrain and wind. After reading StephanH's post, I might look into a wind deflector!