Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - best tow MPG to move 3500lbs

stillsearching · 05-11-2013, 10:06 AM

Under the theory and discussion that vehicles which are overloaded will tend to get poor mpg...

If I had to move around 3500lb trailer loads on a regular basis, do you think I would get the lowest cost per mile using a small vehicle and pushing it's limits (driving slow is fine), or a midsize V6/compact pickup which would be around the middle of it's limits, or a full size diesel pickup which would be understressed and barely feel it?

What about at 5500lb trailer loads, do you think the small pickup (this is about the top for v6 minitrucks i've seen) or the cummins would have a better cost per mile? (not necessarily mileage with diesel costing 30% more around here)

What about for very light loads with utterly horrible aerodynamics? (stacks of styrofoam walk in freezer insulation stacked up 13 feet high on a trailer) I'm trying to get a feel for how different tow configurations have for mileage.

05-11-2013, 10:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
stillsearching EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 201 Thanks: 45 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts	best tow MPG to move 3500lbs - dodge cummins or small car?? Under the theory and discussion that vehicles which are overloaded will tend to get poor mpg... If I had to move around 3500lb trailer loads on a regular basis, do you think I would get the lowest cost per mile using a small vehicle and pushing it's limits (driving slow is fine), or a midsize V6/compact pickup which would be around the middle of it's limits, or a full size diesel pickup which would be understressed and barely feel it? What about at 5500lb trailer loads, do you think the small pickup (this is about the top for v6 minitrucks i've seen) or the cummins would have a better cost per mile? (not necessarily mileage with diesel costing 30% more around here) What about for very light loads with utterly horrible aerodynamics? (stacks of styrofoam walk in freezer insulation stacked up 13 feet high on a trailer) I'm trying to get a feel for how different tow configurations have for mileage.