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Tow Vehical MPG...

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  • dluddlud Member Posts: 32
    Using a 2018 Honda Odyssey for TV. Averaged 14.8 on a recent trip to Pinnacles NP. Some freeway, some twisty-windy two lane. Averaged 62 mph on the freeway.
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  • rkj__rkj__ Member Posts: 641
    edited October 2018
    I'll give this thread a bump with some numbers for my new tow vehicle.

    We just got back from towing our T@b 320 about 4,000km with our new 2018 GMC Sierra Double Cab, 5.3L V8, 6 speed auto.  Stock street tires installed, and low hanging air dam removed.

    The truck reported about 15.8 L/100km (14.9 mpg US).  Some flat terrain, some hilly terrain.  I did not verify with hand calculations.  I rounded up from 15.7 L/100km, to account for some driving without the trailer. 

    I'm very happy with that.  That is about equal to the best I ever measured with my previous tow vehicle, (lifted 2008 GMC Canyon, 3.7L I5).

    With the 98L (26gal) fuel tank, that yields a great driving range of about 550km (342mi), if you fill up with 10L (2.6gal) remaining in the tank. 
    2016 T@b 320 CS-S - 2018 GMC Sierra - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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  • Michigan_MikeMichigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,861
    I'm towing a T@B 400 with a 2016 Silverado 5.3 liter V8 EcoTecC3 engine and am only getting 10-11 miles per gallon here in Michigan.  You must be driving about 20-25 mph.....   =)
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
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  • rkj__rkj__ Member Posts: 641
    Michigan_Mike said:
    I'm towing a T@B 400 with a 2016 Silverado 5.3 liter V8 EcoTecC3 engine and am only getting 10-11 miles per gallon here in Michigan.  You must be driving about 20-25 mph.....   =)
    If I was going that slow, I'd probably still be driving!  lol

    I was trying to take it easy, especially at the start of the trip, as this was the truck's first ever tow, but obviously the difference here is T@b 320 vs 400.
    2016 T@b 320 CS-S - 2018 GMC Sierra - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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  • Michigan_MikeMichigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,861
    rkj__ said:
    If I was going that slow, I'd probably still be driving!  lol

    I was trying to take it easy, especially at the start of the trip, as this was the truck's first ever tow, but obviously the difference here is T@b 320 vs 400.
    The 400 is definitely more of a load behind my truck than the 320 was.  I could feel it right out of the gate and knew for sure my mileage would go down immediately which it did.  I've pulled many trailers and cargo in the past and inasmuch as I could feel the trailer, it was easy to get use to and pull.  I'll also add that the best tip I received so far as keeping others behind me in perspective was provided by AtlasB.  He noted that keeping the shades up in the 400 both at the front and rear would allow you to see vehicles behind the trailer which has worked great!  Thanks AtlasB, works like a charm!  

    So back on topic, I think if I were to drive below 65 mph (lets say 60-62 mph) I could probably raise the gas mileage up some, but with the Silverado pulling the added weight of the 400 at around 67-68 mph there's no way I'll get much better than 10-11 mpg as even an incremental rise in elevation will kill any noticeable gains achieved.  I guess it's something I'll just have to live with and keep some extra cash in the checking account for them long hauls out west.   =)  
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
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  • TerryV6TerryV6 Member Posts: 1,092
    We keep our speed at about 65 mph.  I upgraded my tires.  I always wonder about people zipping by with their big campers and think is that an accident waiting to happen.  This summer I was following someone pulling an overloaded small flat trailer.  The right tire started to smoke and then boom, he lost it and had to pull over...
    Terry & Jody...  2016 Dodge Ram 1500
    2016 NuCamp 320 T@B Max S
    T@bbey  Road   
    Appleton,  WI





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  • dhaufdhauf Member Posts: 199
    I got 19MPG on my last trip with an inline 6 cyl no turbo.  Kept speed around 65mph where allowed and tried to anticipate hills by speeding up.
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  • N7SHG_HamN7SHG_Ham Member Posts: 1,261
    I think I may keep my 2001 Dodge with a Cummins (that is correct, there is no "g" ) forever, newer vehicles get the same or less MPG and it is very solid. Just had to do a head gasket, BUT that is first major engine work in 18 years and 295000 miles. I get about 17-18 solo and about 16 towing and if I run around 60 MPH I actually get better. In 2008 I drove from upstate NY back to Oregon and just went around 60 (58-62) and got over 20 MPG solo, not bad for a vehicle that weighs around 8000 pounds. I drove long days and kept the driver door shut, made the cross county trip in four days. I have a VW Jetta TDI also old (2005 so way Pre DieselGate) but I don't think I would consider towing with it, but it does get 45+ MPG solo on a road trip.
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
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  • N7SHG_HamN7SHG_Ham Member Posts: 1,261
    @4ncar Cummins now has a 2.8l crate engine for swaps, about $10k for the engine plus labor and maybe fabbing some mounts, etc. I would like to find a good rolling chassis with a roached engine and do that swap, unfortunately costs seem to be about $30k out the door. https://www.cummins.com/engines/repower
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
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  • 4ncar4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    Happy now with my GC with ecodiesel. Still 20 mpg towing at 60-65 MPH.
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
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  • N7SHG_HamN7SHG_Ham Member Posts: 1,261
    4ncar said:
    Happy now with my GC with ecodiesel. Still 20 mpg towing at 60-65 MPH.
    Awesome. I am still a little gun shy of the Ecodiesel, I know most of the reasons Fiat used that powerplant, just wished they had of used a smaller Cummins in their light duty platforms. Right now if I was to get a new TV to replace my ancient Dodge I might lean toward the small GM's with the L4 Duramax.
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
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  • LSkrabutLSkrabut Member Posts: 136
    Still a bit too early to tell, only done a single 900 mile trip to the North Rim from SLC area and back. I average about 14-15.5 mpg pulling a 400 with my Canyon with the 2.8l Duramax. But on the flip side, without the 400, I was averaging over 30-39 (or more) mpg. When pulling, I was averaging 65-75 mph depending on the road and speed limit without going over. Lots of hills, but could not even tell, but the 6 speed tranny did downshift when needed. The GMC Canyon Denali has some nice bells and whistles which the Chevy Colorado does not offer. But both have a great trailer package with trailer brake and tow/haul/engine brake mode which I used mostly for going down hill. Did not seem to be needed in the uphill pulls.


    Taken in Kanab


    Taken near Mammoth Creek, great hidden area to camp between Bryce and Zion


    Taken about 6 miles south of Jacob Lake, north of the North Rim.

    Utah Driven

    2019 T@B 400 (Ex 2018 400)

    2015 MB GLK 250 Diesel

    2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax CCSB

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  • 4ncar4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    I’m 127,243 miles in on the ecodiesel and not a single issue.
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
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  • rkj__rkj__ Member Posts: 641
    edited October 2018
    Nice combo there LSkrabut

    I see you ditched the low profile tires.  
    2016 T@b 320 CS-S - 2018 GMC Sierra - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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  • LSkrabutLSkrabut Member Posts: 136
    @rkj__
    Thanks, You have sharp eye's B) 

    I did a deal on a left over 2018 and insisted on the Z71 rims and tires for better off road tires. Great Dealer...

    But I still have to get some skid plates for my Utah Excursions.

    This setup is a bit lower in "get up and go" and I lost about 2-3 MPG from my MB GLK 250 diesel setup, but much better road handling and off road abilities. Both have about the same ground clearance though.

    Both offer the same torque (369) but the GMC is about 20 ponies less, but a bit broader torque range and it does have 4 gallon bigger tank. On the other hand, the MB rides a whole lot better and besides, the best half will not let it GO!!!!!!

    Utah Driven

    2019 T@B 400 (Ex 2018 400)

    2015 MB GLK 250 Diesel

    2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax CCSB

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  • N7SHG_HamN7SHG_Ham Member Posts: 1,261
    4ncar said:
    I’m 127,243 miles in on the ecodiesel and not a single issue.
    Awesome, I had heard of some serious issues at least early on, BUT glad those seem to be about in the past.
    2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
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  • SharonKSharonK Member Posts: 22
    I just traded my 2013 Ford Edge for a 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD.  First trip out (including Monteagle Mt. in TN), I averaged 17 MPG.  Hoping that continues!!!  I try to keep my speed around 60.
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  • PamandJohnUpNorth2PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 141
    Traveling well stocked for a six week trip pulling a T@B400 on varied terrain with various headwinds/tailwinds from North Dakota to New Jersey  and back by way of uCamp and including much hilly western Pennsylvania (14% grades!) I averaged 14.2 mpg with a 2018 Ridgeline. Speeds generally 55 to 65 mph. No problems with sway -the T@B behaved nicely and the Ridgeline is as comfortable as my living room recliner. ;) 
    Pam and John
    Champlin, Minnesota
    2018 T@B400 and a 2018 Ridgeline 

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  • rcuomorcuomo Member Posts: 319
    2017 Ridgeline RTL-E. Just completed short trip, 85 miles each way. Averaged 17.3 towing 60-70 mph mostly level on Long Island Expressway and 30 miles stop and go through the Hamptons. 
    ‘18 Tab 320S- mfg’d 4/17, acquired 9/17
    Spare & bike rack on tongue, Renogy 100w suitcase connection, cargo & door nets, sway bar, wired rear camera, Norcold aux fan, front window protection, frame mounted sewer & water hose storage, Krieger 1500w inverter w/100Ah LIFePO4.
    ‘17 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E- 5000# tow cap, 600# tongue cap
    ‘20 Honda Pilot Elite- 5000# tow cap, 500# tongue cap
    Huntington LI
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  • LSkrabutLSkrabut Member Posts: 136
    Note on my '18 Canyon with the Duramax.

    Did a 400 mile round trip mostly on interstate (I-15) pulling a car dolly (650lbs). Half trip I did not have a car on it. Going south I average 26 mpg. Coming back with a 3000lb car (1990 Saab SPG), I got 23.3 mpg. I was running at a pretty steady 75 mph (CC on) for the entire trip, note the speed limit was 80 mph. While the load dolly was heavier than a 320 but pretty close in aerodynamics, but closer to a 400 in weight, but not as bad in aerodynamics. Ran top gear all the down south, but the Canyon did down shift twice, but near the crest of the 2 passes on the return run. To me that was a good show in how a diesel 4 cylinder works pulling a trailer. I-15 route I took was around 5k to 7k in elevation. BTW I did that run on the same tank of fuel and had 1/3 left.

    Utah Driven

    2019 T@B 400 (Ex 2018 400)

    2015 MB GLK 250 Diesel

    2018 GMC Canyon Denali Duramax CCSB

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  • OpenSkyOpenSky Member Posts: 30
    Tow a 320S with a 2016 Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L gas V6 and the 8-spd auto.  When not towing, the GC gets 22-23 mpg on the freeway (75-80).  Towing, averaged about 17 mpg Arizona to Wyoming and back last August for the eclipse.   Kept it at 70-75 on the interstates, but most of the route was US highways, with speed limits of 60 or 65.  You don't feel the trailer with the GC, but watching the tach the change in shift points is obvious. 
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  • atlasbatlasb Member Posts: 584
    Just returned from a trip to upper central Missouri.  Rain, wind , winding hills with longer pulls up and down.  Into Oklahoma to return dodging the rain storms, and Tornado warnings just in time to put it all back into our shop.  860 +or - miles running about 2200 rpm in 4th with a NIssan frontier 4.0 V6.  Not good mileage but about 10 to 12 mpg.  Our biggest camping expense has been fuel cost.  Had about 1/3 tank of fresh water ( first time without shore water hook up) and did notice water slosh from side to side.  Opened fresh water drain about 50 miles from home and it had not quit draining when I rolled into the shop.  Love the 400.  this was our 25 trip out so far and getting ready to get out again when the storms move out.

    Glad Michigan Mike, that the thru the cabin view worked out for you!

    2018 T@B 400, 2017 Nissan Titan Crew cab
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  • JdcoupleJdcouple Member Posts: 96
    Heading out next week with the new Tacoma and our Outback on a trip to Memphis, Nashville and then a small campground on the way home. Gonna be gone 10days. 900 miles to Memphis little more on the way back gonna be a lot of towing. Can't wait to see how she dose in the MPG department.

    2017 T@B Outback, 2000 Excursion V10 4x4


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  • treefrogtreefrog Member Posts: 95
    Around 11.5mpg in a 2018 4Runner towing a 400.
    We have hills out here.


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  • pthomas745pthomas745 Moderator Posts: 3,989
    "This is your last warning, and I'm not going to tell you again!!!"
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • cmaccmac Member Posts: 90
    On our recent trip to PEI we traveled a total of 5,822 miles and got an overall fuel average of 15.2 mpg with our Chevy Colorado, 3.6L, and 3.42 rear end ratio.
    John & Cheryl
    2007 T@B ClamShell by Dutchman "Goli@th"
    2018 Chevy Colorado V-6
    Edmond, OK
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  • dsfdogsdsfdogs Member Posts: 605
    @treefrog I know exactly where that sign is and saw it last month.  :open_mouth:
    It was my first time towing over the mountains towards I-5, and I was so nervous, then to see three signs with warnings! Egads. Thankfully I had some friends with a camper behind me. I shifted into 3rd and paid attention to the speed limits on all the curves. No problems! Yeah! ps, the hike at the top to Iron Mtn is beautiful when spring flowers are blooming.
    Debbie in Oregon
    2023 Tab 400 / 2022 F150 XLT Sport 3.5EB
    Traded in - 2018 T@B 320 S/2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5

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  • GeonTracieGeonTracie Member Posts: 27
    2005 Jeep Liberty with 2:8l turbo diésel. I get 21/22mpg towing our T@B Outback. 

    2018 T@B Outback
    2016 Jeep JKU TV
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  • rjgorsrjgors Member Posts: 41
    This past weekend...14-15 MPG with a 2013 Escape 2.0. Not entirely thrilled with that 
    Bob
    Richmond, MI

    2019 T@B 320 S
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  • TKBmoreTKBmore Member Posts: 3
    We tow with a 2009 Volvo XC90 3.2 AWD towing a T@B 400.   Our first trip this past weekend we averaged 11-12 mpg.   Usually on long hauls without trailer we run about 20 mpg.  It is better than the 8mpg I used to get in our Ford Excursion pulling a 30ft travel trailer.
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