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Originally Posted by aerohead
I'm really a newcomer with respect to trailers.I've enjoyed the limited exposure that I've had so far and now keep a 3rd eye open with regards to all things trailers,as so many folks I know are now dealing with them.
Most surprising of all is the limited peer-reviewed documentation on performance prediction capabilities.
With Scan-Gauge capability now,members ought to be able to construct a complete performance profile of their rig,simply by documenting observed mpg under the varied driving environments encountered during travels.
I'm having to deal with eleven simultaneous unknowns while attempting to reduce the data from my Sept/Oct trip with the Viking trailer.What a PITA!
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With Scan-Gauge capability now,members ought to be able to construct a complete performance profile of their rig,simply by documenting observed mpg under the varied driving environments encountered during travels.
Predictability is everything. The problem is always: new roads, with new loads, and wacky weather/wacky traffic (outside of perceived norms).
TX_dj description of Ultra-Gauge capabilities has my attention for what I've been missing in this regard (for diesel trucks).
Outside of critical mechanical issues, the rule of thumb for a cargo trailer ought to be that the trailer is no taller or wider than the vehicle towing it. Length is where the additional cargo space can be found. Aero trumps weight in all considerations for highway use.
The first divider is occasional use versus regular use. The formers impact on annual fuel burn is minimal. The second -- as percentage of miles per year, and anticipated years of use -- is where homework needs be done. In this case,
the trailer trumps the tow vehicle for order of importance. Spec trailer first, then spec & purchase tow vehicle.
As example recently came across a thread on an RV forum where the tow vehicle was a HONDA RAV-4 and the travel trailer a tiny 16' fiberglass egg CASITA. The owner reported mpg figures consistent with my 3/4-T truck
solo & towing a 34' travel trailer. A better chosen TV in that instance would have seen much better fuel mileage. (His overall vehicle costs were actually higher than mine if purchased new).
I'm having to deal with eleven simultaneous unknowns while attempting to reduce the data from my Sept/Oct trip with the Viking trailer.What a PITA!
Never seen anything like it for information-collection (that thread).
Logging every trip will obviously produce a set of reliable datum. But once one changes just terrain (or climatic conditions) it all changes again. Electronic engine controls have made today's vehicles much more consistent in solo use with regard to changes in terrain, climate, and vehicle spec, but towing opens the deficiencies right back up again. A spring-like day on US-287 near Ft. Worth is one thing . . a wintry day on US-287 near Thermopolis is quite another. What is a bit of a hurt while solo is noticeable, but while towing it may mean not making ones destination on time or in budget. (This is where strict trip-planning pays off).
The more closely one can define need and use over time and miles, the better the ownership and operating costs.
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