Might as well towed a parachute

[JRMichler]

I rented a U-Haul 5 X 9 ramp trailer. That thing was a freaking parachute. Mileage at 55 MPH dropped from about 33 down to slightly over 19. Mileage at 30-40 MPH dropped from 30 down to 20 in one direction, and dropped from 36-37 down to 23-24 in the other direction (upwind vs downwind).

I blame that ramp sticking up in the air, possibly aggravated by airflow directed down by the aero topper. Good thing I only needed to drive about 60 miles, but it still messed up mileage for that tank.

[Frank Lee]

I see people pulling flatbed trailers all the time with those ramps sticking straight up in the air, and I just want to slap some sense into them. I mean, at least when it's empty they could be laid down flat right?

[JeepNmpg2]

Completely agree with you Frank. I borrowed one from a friend of mine to move my household and it had one of those "mesh" rear ramps. Don't get me wrong, it was great help loading it up with the hand truck, but it didn't help at all when the trailer was empty. It however couldn't go past the 90° vertical plane and fold into the bed of the trailer due to the fastening points being hardened against the side rails. Other than that it was a great deal as it was rent free.

[KamperBob]

Originally Posted by JRMichler

I rented a U-Haul 5 X 9 ramp trailer. That thing was a freaking parachute. Mileage at 55 MPH dropped from about 33 down to slightly over 19. Mileage at 30-40 MPH dropped from 30 down to 20 in one direction, and dropped from 36-37 down to 23-24 in the other direction (upwind vs downwind).

I blame that ramp sticking up in the air, possibly aggravated by airflow directed down by the aero topper. Good thing I only needed to drive about 60 miles, but it still messed up mileage for that tank.

No surprise. A drag screed undoes all your optimizations and then some. For utility a tilt bed may be another option for some to consider...