Figure a gas powered vehicle will lose about 30-40% from steady state solo mpg when towing. But a good combination -- trailer & tow vehicle -- ought to do better than this.
Choosing the trailer first is smart. The tow vehicle is not nearly so important a question to answer.
What is the best vehicle to tow a 2000 pound trailer based on mpg and price (used)? Looking to get about 40 mpg and under $7k. Transmission and body style are not factors. Thanks!
Alto 1713
What is
best really fits what is best when
solo. Two pax is a different load than four pax. A suitcase or two is different than a professional photographer carrying a complete suite of equipment. Etc.
Reliability and ease-of-service on a cheap used car mean more than the last few mpg. Here, as above, an owner with mechanical aptitude + tools is in a different place than an owner dependent on garages for all service. Again,
etc.
Towing does put a strain on a vehicle. New, high quality tires and best brake performance are mandatory, IMO. Same for steering control: zero slop, even it means complete rebuild. Suspension = same.
Expect that all scheduled maintenance must be performed. New battery and primary cabling, etc. Filters, hoses, belts, fluids all need to be new. All new lamps, headlamp housings. Again,
etc.
The best vehicle for the proposed price is one that is a good candidate for a complete go-through. Cosmetic condition or lack of radio, etc, is irrelevant by comparison. Running down the highway means reliability on a finely calibrated scale.
A TEKONSHA Prodigy P3 brake controller is a minimum. Also need best quality trailer wiring harness installed in tow vehicle (
etrailer (800)298-8924).
McKesh Towing mirrors, too.
.