Fuel Efficiency with a trailer - How can you improve?

A big issue with everyone in the modern day is with gas prices. With the cost of fuel going up and down at different rates, with a lot of depending factors, fuel efficiency and knowing how to optimize is a big way to save your hard earned dime.

On average, you can expect your fuel efficiency to drop 1-2% for every 100lbs being towed, and with many trailers of ours weighing in the thousands, and with your equipment hauled, you can really expect your efficiency to drop substantially. You could see an extra 20 cents being spent per gallon, per fill up on average while towing.

Most of us while towing have accepted this, and understand it comes with the tide. However, there are steps we can take in our towing to maximize on our efficiency while towing.

1) Limit traffic and stops - If you're hauling in a high-traffic area, taking an extra step to haul at limited traffic times in this area, or taking different routes to avoid the slow traffic, as well as gearing up for a one-go trip, rather than stopping can and will maximize your fuel.

2) Change vehicle air filters - Don't let your truck work harder than it has to. Replace air filters regularly to help airflow through the vehicle. The more dirt and gunk filling up the air filter, the harder your truck has to work, the more fuel it will use.

3) Consider a diesel-fuel hauler - While not the greatest, nor the most realistic circumstance for most, as it would be hard to just up and go get a diesel truck, diesel truck's have better fuel efficiency, and can save your dime in the long run.

4) Consider bi-folding ramps - Air resistance is a silent killer for fuel efficiency. For example, open windows can slow a vehicles gas mileage by 20% at 55MPH or above. While not the most dangerous to gas mileage, as the effect is less than significant, a bi-folding ramp can be that extra step towards efficient gas usage.