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Some gas mileage observations

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Ratdog View Drop Down
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    Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 10:59am
Hey guys,

I remember that posts about mpg were popular during my years on this forum so I thought I'd pop in and report on the gas mileage we're getting on our motorhome vs. what we were getting while towing our rpod. The motorhome results are based on a recent 3,200 mile trip. The rpod results are based on what we observed over the 3 years we owned it.

2011 177 model rpod towed by 2008 Lexus RX350h hybrid SUV:

Engine/motors: 3.3 liter V6 gas + 2 electric motors
Total weight of car and trailer: about 8,000 pounds

MPG at 65-70 mph: 8-9 mpg
MPG at 55-60 mph: 11-12 mpg

The above 55-60 mph results were replicated on a 2013 model of the same vehicle. We didn't drive the 2013 vehicle at 65-70 so no results for that.

2013 Fleetwood Storm Class A towing 2014 Honda CR-V:

Engine: Ford Triton V-10 6.8 liters 362 HP
Total weight of motorhome and toad: 22,000 pounds

MPG at 65-70: didn't test this
MPG at 55-60 mph: 7.5 mpg

Note that while driving the motorhome, we ran the onboard generator at every rest stop, all night at one stop, and all day for several days while driving (my wife likes to let a roast cook in a crockpot while we drive so we have a hot dinner ready at the end of the day <LOL>). The generator sucks gas from the same fuel tank that feeds the motorhome engine.

So, the rpod combo got the same gas mileage at 65-70 as the motorhome gets at 55-60 even though the motorhome weights 3 times as much and is using some fuel to run the generator. I must admit that I was surprised. I had expected to get around 4-5 mpg based on what we were getting with the rpod and the huge differences in weight and engine power.

Over the years, I've heard several people report that they only get 8 mpg towing their rpods and, rarely, have I heard people say they were getting more than around 12-13 (although a few have). And this is with tow vehicles ranging from small SUVs to big honking pick-ups. This leads me to believe that the huge "wall" on the front of every RV has far more to do with gas mileage than any other factor. And the faster you drive, the more wind resistance you have against that "wall", and the lower your gas mileage.

And so, ultimately, it may not matter what you use as a tow vehicle (at least as far as gas mileage goes) as long as the tow vehicle meets the minimum rating requirement to tow your trailer. In other words, maybe bigger isn't better when it comes to mpg (however, I will agree that bigger is usually more fun <LOL>.

Take care,
-- Steve

Steve, Anne, and Paige the Rat Terrier
2013 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD
2011 RP-177 (aka: The Circus Wagon)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JStrube Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 6:05pm
Hello,

New R-Pod owner here.  I'll add in my mileage figures.

Tow vehicle is 2006 F250 4x4 crew cab with 6.0 Diesel, bone stock.

24' Toy hauler, towing at 60-65MPH:  9.5 MPG on recent 2000 mile trip to Oregon.

Sold it when we returned, bought R-Pod 181G in AZ, towed 825 miles home.

In AZ, I set the cruise control at 80 MPH:  11.6 MPG

When I hit the CA border, set cruise at roughly 62MPH, but had some higher speed sections, as well as some closer to 55, though not many, so I was mostly 60-65MPH, climbed the grapevine, etc:

13.6 MPG!

I was very happy with the results.
2012 181G
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote HuronSailor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 7:29pm
My mileage at 60 MPH is right around 12, give or take a tenth or two. At 70 it drops to 10, give or take the same. Worst mileage ever: on I-77 with a wicked crosswind in the mountains it was around 9 MPG.
.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: My Albums :: OurPod Blog ::
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 3:45pm
It's interesting that no matter what tow vehicle you are driving, the gas mileage is roughly within 10 to 15% with a r-pod. I get about 11 to 11.5 with my F 150 at about 58 to 60

Lark F150 R 171
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lundberg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Oct 2015 at 9:00pm
Well, now I don't feel so bad.  I tow my R177 with a 2007 Toyota Sienna CE (basic 6 cyl).  Normally, I get 20-22 mpg but when I tow, it drops down to 10-13 mpg.  I really notice the biggest gas mileage penalty if I get lead-footed and try to drive as fast as 70mph.  As long as I hold it down to the 55-65 range, I get 12-13 mpg.  That's in the rolling hills of eastern VA.  Haven't tried going over the Blue Ridge yet, but we're looking forward to escaping the to the west next year!Smile
Kent
Kent & Lynn, Fairfax, VA
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