best tow MPG to move 3500lbs - dodge cummins or small car??

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by 2000mc

This seems familiar... http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ncy-22923.html

That's because stillsearching starts a new thread for every post. No wonder he's still searching.

[pete c]

Originally Posted by stillsearching

It's not a question about vehicle stresses, it's a question about mileage.

I know a guy whose a CAD engineer who made some special one off hitches and vehicle mods so that he's been pulling 3500lbs with a compact for over 50,000 miles of road time with no problems. So the vehicle can do it - the question is at the end of the day who is likely to have the mileage advantage...

Fancy hitches do not change physics. Pulling a 3500 lb trailer with a compact car is dangerous, IMO. Doing it on flat ground in light traffic is OK I suppose, but, it is still asking for trouble. Believe it or not, there are other considerations besides FE.

[bestclimb]

How much would you be using the tow vehicle without and without the load? If it will primarily be used without the load then the Highest FE vehicle that is capable(as in is rated for) of pulling the load seems the best option. If you will only be using it with the load then pick a vehicle that will get good mileage loaded and have a decent margin over that.

When talking about 3500 lbs I don't know of many cars that are rated that high. Think very hard if you are incline to over load. Sure the car may do it (and may be rated for it in other markets). Consider that if you are over the limit for your vehicle and you get in an accident (even if it's not your fault) you will be liable as the load you were pulling was not legal, the manufacture certified their product for a certain weight, you are on your own if you care to exceed it. Then try asking your insurance if they would cover you over loaded.

Stopping ability trumps Mileage. It don't matter how much money you save on fuel if you bend someone else's metal or damage flesh it ain't worth it. It does not matter how much Insurance you have it can not give back their time or take the pain you caused them away.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by stillsearching

I know a guy whose a CAD engineer who made some special one off hitches ...

You don't need CAD to make a custom trailer hitch.

[Ryland]

Bottom line is that different vehicles have different legal weight limits for towing and it's legit to get pulled over for towing what looks like an unsafe load and being taken to a scale to be weighed then paying $1,000's in fines for being over loaded.

I know a lot of people who can design a lot of different things, that doesn't make it safe or legal no matter how good of an idea they say it is.

If you want a small vehicle that can tow large loads get a small truck, something like a 1 ton Toyota, that has a larger trailer load limit and put the hitch close to the rear axle, get a load distributing hitch and have a vehicle that will get 20-25mpg towing and 30mpg without the trailer, but that has a solid frame, good brakes and is legal.