3124 vs 2720 Fuel Mileage

[rd1960]

Originally Posted by Bill

For most of us, the importance of this mpg thing is highly over-rated. Consider the following example.

Suppose you drive 12,000 miles a year not towing, plus 1000 miles towing a TM.
Suppose you get 20 mpg not towing, and 16 mpg when towing a 2720. How much gas will you use in a year?

12,000 mi / 20 mpg = 600 gallons non-towing

1,000 miles / 16 mpg = 63 gallons towing

Total gas used per year is 663 gallons towing a 2720.

Now suppose you buy a 3124, a heavier TM, and get only 14 mpg while towing. Now how much gas will you use in a year?
12,000 miles / 20 mpg = 600 gallons non-towing

1,000 miles / 14 mpg = 71 gallons towing

Total gas used per year is 671 gallons towing a 3124.

So the heavier TM requires you to buy 8 extra gallons of gas per year. I don't think this should be at the top of your list of considerations.

You can, of course, modify the example to use numbers that are more relevant to your situation. But as you can imagine, the answer won't change much.

Keep your eye on that wind resistance thing, though. That is where a TM (any TM), shines when compared to an upright trailer.

Bill

Bill,

Looks like you're a number cruncher like me. I've gone through nearly the same calculations and I agree. After hearing real life examples of the difference between the larger and smaller TMs, the mileage is a non-factor. Actually for us currently the mileage isn't that huge thing all together. We only tow our trailer about 2000 miles a year now. In 4 or 5 years we hope to be traveling more and may end up towing 8,000-10,000 miles per year. The fuel savings at that point over our current rig could help some. We sure like the floorplans of the TM and the fact I can store it in my shop. We really like our Viking hybrid but I can see at some point we may like a little more interior space. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[Texastrailerguy]

Also remember that when you fill up, if you get pure gas(not 80/20 blend) you will also get better mpg's. Towing or not. Octane plays a part in hunt for mpg's. The less your engine has to strain, the better mileage you are going to get. At least that has been my experience. This is just my for what it's worth.