Towing to date

Haven't posted here in ages. Just throwing it out there for comparison sake. I've got a 19 sport. Only mod is Kd max tune. I tow very regularly. Couple of jetski's, couple of quads and a 6x14 vnose enclosed work trailer. The work trailer loaded is probably 4000lbs. On any given day, trailer, situation city/highway I average about 12.5mpg towing. I've seen 25 often not towing, but I rarely go more than 4 or 5 days without a trailer. Often think about going back to a Tundra, but disliked driving a tank around by myself all of the time. Can't say I wouldn't go electric next time. For how far I go, that would suit all of my needs.

 

The V8 Tundra aint gonna get better than 12.5mpg towing, and its not gonna get better than the taco while not. However, the new turbo V6 tundra might be a lot better towing and damn close for normal mpgs (i'm not super versed in the specs though)

 

I'm seeing posts of 22 Tundra owners claiming 15mpg towing 5000lbs. I'm going to guess it would do better combined (towing/ not towing) than my Taco.

 

Surprised you're seeing that kind of mileage with the skis. Trailer in good shape? I have 2 four stroke skis (about 750lbs each dry) on an aluminum triton (had galvanized prior) and I still see 16-18 average.

 

I have a Honda aquatrax 15x and a 12x. Probably 2000lbs total when fuelled. Trailer is aluminum tandem Triton, maybe 850. It's just surprising that mpg is basically the same with these as it is with my 6x14 v nose tandem work trailer. Unless of course the wind is smacking the side of it. LOL

 

How are the trailer bearings / when was the last time you serviced them?

Also, are these highway or city miles with a lot of stop/go, and whats the average speed?

 

Keep in mind that trailer weight is only one thing affecting fuel economy. The trailer’s air resistance also matters (maybe even more than weight). My boat tows noticeably different on the hiway with the top on vs the top off.

Oh and don’t forget trailer tire rolling resistance. Keep ‘em aired up.

 

Bearings, everything all good. Ski trailer completely serviced at end of last season, as well as atv trailer. My enclosed trailer is tandem work trailer and has to be certified yearly. As far as what goes where... work trailer usually local, 15-20 miles each way, not a lot of stop and go, 45-50mph. Other 2, similar unless we go up north (highway speeds, very few hills).

 

Yup. Everything's always in check. The only thing I think may throw ski's a little is the fact that one outweighs the other by probably 200lbs. And I don't drive/ brake hard. Coming from an 07 Tundra Limited 5.7, it's fair to say the Taco isn't meant to tow. It does o.k., but she's gotta work for it.

 

You have nearly the same setup as me. Wonder why the huge discrepancy. Skis are an '07 RXP 155, and a '12 Yamaha VXR. On an aluminum triton.

 

Aquatrax 12x is 1200 turbo, 15x is a 1500 turbo. 15x is quite a bit more machine than it's little brother.

 

I'm familiar. My uncle has an Aquatrax.

155 is also 1500 and the VXR is 1800, though both weigh similarly. Both with 16 gallon tanks.

Turbo aint 6-MPG-difference heavy.

The only time I got mileage like you are is when I was towing about 4000lbs through the the Adirondacks from NJ to GA. My MPGs ranged between 11 and 15.

 

I tow an Airstream Basecamp 16X with my DCLB. Trailer weighs close to the 3,500 GVWR. I have 265/75R16 Duratrac tirees in C load, full steel skids, sliders, and an extra 5 gal of water, 5 gal of gas, and 50 lbs of firewood. On our last big trip from SF bay area to Joshua Tree, to South Lake Tahoe, and back to the Bay Area we averaged 14.0 mpg while towing. I try to keep the speed around 60 mph on the highway and sometimes follow the truckers if they are moving fast enough. In April I made two trips up to Long Barn, (elevation 5000') in the Sierra Nevada, one solo with just the truck, and one with my wife towing the trailer. On the solo trip I averaged 19 mpg cruising 5 over the speed limit. 60-70 depending on the highway. With the trailer we averaged 13.5 on that trip including a few miles on forest service roads in the snow. Mu steel bumper and winch go on at the end of the month, and I plan to regear to 5.29 and go to skinny 35s next year, either the Kenda 35x10.50 or the MT Baja AT 255/85R17 (35x10.0R17) both are around 34.8" dia and 65-70 lbs. and I expect to take a mileage hit. For what it is worth Big mike from Marlin Crawler claims to get 20 mpg on the highway on 40s.

 

This is mostly freeway (120km 70mph). Locally 40-50mph, I'll get 18-20mpg

 

These numbers are mostly freeway (about 70mph). Local towing 40-50mph, I'll see 18-20mpg. Steady freeway driving kills mpg. Or should I say going 70 instead of the 60-65 I should be going. And I only do that with this setup because it tracks well with the tandem axle.

 

How do you like that camper? My wife and I saw one the other day while camping and now are interested...

 

wouldn't mind a little walk around maybe??

 

You really get 25 mpg while not towing?

 

They sure look awesome. I need a tour of one.

 

We are still loving the Basecamp. Any national forest fire road I have taken it on has been fine. It is small enough that when we do cam at a campground it can fit anywhere that a second car could as long as you are good at backing it up. Since that previous post of mine we have camped at Loon Lake, Jackson Meadows Reservoir, Eagle Meadows, Gold Lake, Half Moon Bay, and Nevada Beach in South Lake Tahoe.



Couple video tours I found:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJOohvRIxAc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nn13kkwZeE