Many thanks.  I had not considered the bubble drag factor.   My Pod does have a small (thin) spoiler.

I'm getting serious about considering upgrading my vehicle to a Tundra or Titan for more towing power.  Not that the basic problem is solved at that point.  Just more power. 

Tom

Buying a huge truck will likely improve your towing mileage, but it may not be so economical for everyday driving, and in the long run, you may end up paying more for fuel, not to mention truck payments, interest, license fees, and taxes. Same for getting a diesel; it may get better mileage, but the price difference compared to gasoline, in many places, may offset the savings.  

Personally, I like TomBurl's suggestion of always trying to go down hill.  I've tried it and it works pretty well traveling from our home in Nevada to the SF Bay Area, but there's a payback on the way home.  My philosophy is that I'm not going to be in a hurry. My whole reason for traveling with our pod is to reduce stress and hassle. Going slowly, never being in a rush, planning on unplanned stops (when needed or desired), and using the turnouts often all help with the mileage and with my blood pressure. In the long run, no one is going to get "good" mileage when towing due to the laws of physics and thermodynamics. So go slowly and enjoy it while you have your turn on this most interesting planet.

 

Experience will tell, plus I am sure the price will come down as AirTabs become more popular.

I do have a question though, truck sites say that the closer cab aerodynamic devices are to the trailer the more positive the effect.  Would a light tarp between the top of the TV and the top of the Pod work if the dynamics of turning could be figured out.

I find that doing 55-60 on the interstate gets us our best mileage, though it does aggravate a few down south where the speed limit is 70, but oh well we're retired 

Also agree with proper tire pressure and daft of the truckers whenever possible.

My best advice after nine years of 'podding: 55mph is the sweet spot for gas mileage.

I think your advice of driving around 55 is not only best for mileage, it's also best for the TV, and the driver's state of being.  

Agree! And in California (at least), driving 55 while towing keeps money in your pocket that you would otherwise spend on a speeding ticket 

 If towing is NOT thousands of miles a year. Then just ignore the fuel use and cost. Use the tow vehicle you have now, and enjoy camping. No need to agonize over fuel use if it's a low percentage of your overall yearly mileage.

 You could use a lot of math (rate calculations) to justify a new tow vehicle, but you will have to get the right combination of vehicle cost and fuel economy as it relates to your towing miles. Also, do you tow mountains, flat lands, tow weight, etc. So many variables.

 It is difficult (and usually expensive) to achieve small AND measurable improvements in fuel economy. 

Our TV is a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trail Hawk with the 5.7L Hemi engine. We set 60-61 mph in the cruise control, but turned it off for steeper hill climbs. As others have said here, head winds make a huge difference, and 'drafting' behind a tractor trailer can gain you 3-5 mpg. We set back 100-200 feet behind them and they didn't seem to mind.

This model of Jeep is equipped with a stability control system that seems to do a great job in combination with an E2 Trunnion 6K WDH. During one stretch of 20 kt crosswinds, I turned the Jeeps stability system off and found that it made no difference in steering or sway, the hitch providing all that was needed. I'll try the Jeeps system all by itself when the weather clears to see how it stacks up against the E2's trunnions. (It's 28 degrees out now and snowing...in April!!)

All in all the hitch is a good one, works well, but does extend down well below the bumper, as we bottomed out on one gas station entry with a deeper than usual western style 'gutter' along the street.

HTH's Rod