Casita vs Bigfoot MPG

[Tom Trostel]

12 mpg is about the same mileage I get with my 3.3L Toyota Sienna towing at 60 mph. I'm willing to buy the extra gas as a trade for Bigfoot quality and interior size.
Front Dinette Photo by tomNjo | Photobucket

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by andix

3L V6 Escape + 17 Bigfoot @ 2400lb = 12 MPG. Unless there's something horribly wrong with the trailer axle my mileage sucks. I would've been better off with an 40ft motorhome, I believe.

How fast are you going while under tow? Have you tried to improve the MPGs by slowing down? I know 5mph makes a huge difference in MPGs with my combination.

[honda03842]

As a former Motorhome owner use to less than 8 mpg at 55 mph, I believe a Bigfoot is a more economical ride. Theirs a big difference in fuel costs between 8 and 12 mpg. The other problem with a motorhome is that after "n" miles that when the engine/transmission's dead you have major expenses. With a fiberglass trailer you simply update the tow vehicle.

As well Motorhomes, even the best of them, are not structural wonders even with great care except for maybe the Born Free; they seem to be solid rigs.

[andix]

I'm not going over 110 kph (68 mph) and that's usually downslope. Normally the Fordski gives the best mileage at 2300 rpm @ 117 kph (72mph) without towing. With the Bigfoot in tow, I am normally at 95 kph (60mph) for the same 2300 rpm. Can't say that improved the mileage much...

[honda03842]

Andy,

I know very little about your trailer or tow vehicle.

My method of maximizing MPGs is to watch Instaneous MPG on our $60 Ultragauge. I learned it is not simply speed but also engine RPM that is a significant factor in overall MPG.

On our Honda CRV it seems the 3,000-3,500 RP< range is most efficient and that means 4th gear most of the time.

Secondarily, watching the Instananeous MPG modifies how one drives again improving overall MPG.

All in all, towing a trailer means reduced mileage however, it appears to me that it's possible to make a 10-20% difference in MPG by paying attention.

I have located my Ultragauge so it's in the line of site of my standard gauges.

[R Brown]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

If you camp, instead of driving, you find a major improvement in mileage.

That gave me a big laugh!