Tow Vehicles / Gas Mileage
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6440
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 1:35am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Tow Vehicles / Gas Mileage
Posted By: 1981Tiger
Subject: Tow Vehicles / Gas Mileage
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 6:55am
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We recently purchased a 2015 RP179. I currently tow with a 2007 GMC Acadia, FWD, with a factory tow package. Normal highway driving usually yields around 24 MPG at 70- 72 MPH. Highway towing of the RP is yielding around 9-10 MPG at 65 MPH. Is this type of drop off normal? I had towed heavy trailers before with comparable weight and gotten around 13-15 at 65-70 MPH so I assume it is related to the shape of the camper and the drag of the AC unit. With that back ground, I am considering purchasing a 2014 Ford F150 with the 3.7 V-6 and an integrated towing package. The engine is not any larger that the 3.6 in my present vehicle but it does generate around 60 more HP and the gearing is more in line with where it needs to be for towing. The Ford also has a matching camper shell over on it so it should help streamline the air flow toward the camper. Does anyone else out there tow with this type of vehicle and have any experiences they can share? I want a truck anyway but hate to try to upgrade with this one if there will be no benefits. Thanks, ------------- 2015 RP-179 |
Replies:
Posted By: Marx
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:05am
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I don't have a F150 but the truck overall from the beginning is much more suited to towing regardless than the Acadia. V6's today in all vechicles are much better to begin with too. Power should be ok, just don't expect anything crazy. More info on the F150 will help. Long bed, reg cab ect, 4x4 or 4x2 ect. Your towing setup will help a bit too. On both of my two rigs which I've towed the RPOD with there was a noticeable drop in MPG's. Regardless your not going to get the best in terms of MPGS.
------------- 2014 R-POD 177 |
Posted By: Pooterpod
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:44am
| I have a 2011 f-150 RCSB 5.0 with a 3.55 rear end . I get 13.5 -15.5 mpg at 60 depending on landscape and wind. . I think you will get better mileage with the 5.0 towing as it has a bunch more low end torque than the 3.7 . HP is fine on the 3.7 but torque is was you need for towing. IMO with the 3.7 you will be in lower gears much more often losing any mileage advantage of the smaller engine. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 8:01am
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We tow with our 2013 Grand Caravan, we get between 13.5 and 15.5 depending on the wind. we usually drive around 60 give or take a couple mph. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 11:49am
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We tow with a 2011 f 150 with eco boost 3.7 and absolutely love it plenty of power, our Chevy Silverado with v/6 just was't that great on the hills Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Pooterpod
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 1:13pm
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 3:21pm
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Welcome. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:05pm
When looking at your next tow vehicle, get some more torque. Stronger V6 or V8. The general rule (but not always true, depends on vehicle) it to divide the standard non-towing highway fuel mileage by 2. So If your tow vehicle usually gets 24 mpg, expect around 12 mpg when towing. And towing over 55 mph, pulling the Pod through the wind becomes a big factor. Drop about 1 mpg for every 5 mph over 55. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 9:12pm
Well, we get 20/21 mpg not towing and it drops to 12-14 mph freeway 60/65 mph. Mileage varies quite abit depends on the terran. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 6:35pm
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We just did a 300ile trip and averaged m15.1 MPG in our pre ecoboost F150. All at less than 55 mph with a bunch of the return trip less than 30 mph in heavy rain. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 6:51pm
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Those speeds will get you 15 mpg! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: ChinookPod
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 11:26pm
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Our 5.4L Ford with 3.55 rear end uses 16 L per 100 km. Sorry can't convert to Canadian or U.S. miles per gallon. Lots of power, and love having tow/haul mode for our mountains and strong winds. ------------- 2014 RP171 HRE 2010 F150 |
Posted By: Pooterpod
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 11:34pm
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