R-pod Owners Forum : Gas Mileage http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Gas Mileage Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:35:29 +0000 Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:33:18 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1347 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Gas Mileage : Cindy & I took a 3000m trip... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=26552#26552 Author: philstat
Subject: 1347
Posted: 03 Aug 2012 at 10:33am

Cindy & I took a 3000m trip this  winter with our 011'  177 and a 011' Grand Caravan. Kayaks on roof and van loaded with bikes, clothes, BBQ, water jugs, etc. Like having another complete room for the Pod. Tranny set to max 5th gear (out of 6), avg 62mpg mostly I road, avg mpg=13.3
High of 15.4 lo of 9 into 30mph= headwinds and driving rain/snow.
Trip this summer, no yaks on roof, all else same avg 13.8mpg. No towing, the Dodge avg mpg hiway is 27mpg.

Phil
]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:33:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=26552#26552 Gas Mileage : Good deal! I'm hoping... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25479#25479 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1347
Posted: 21 Jun 2012 at 10:51am

Good deal!
 
I'm hoping my wife will do the same in the future with our new TV, she said she will.  Still no way she'll be able to back it in once we get where we are going, but I'll just be happy to take some breaks in the right seat on long trips.  Last year we took 2 days going from MD to FL (and 2 days back), then later that summer 2 days from MD to ME (and back), and 100% of it was with me in the left seat.  Tiring.
]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:51:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25479#25479 Gas Mileage : Going from GA to PA. Fully loaded... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25476#25476 Author: Bill-GA
Subject: 1347
Posted: 21 Jun 2012 at 9:48am

Going from GA to PA.  Fully loaded (est. 4300#) I got about 10 mpg through the hills of North GA, SC, NC, VA doing 65 mph using my Tow/Haul(T/H) switch (high xmission shift points) - BTW a pleasure to drive.  As the roads leveled out in Northern Va and Pa I think I'm getting around 13 mpg T/H switch on.  It's REALLY been a joy to tow (TV rated at 9000+).  My wife who had 20 minutes driving on my TV last week (she calls it tne BFT) towed the Pod on the Interstate for 1 hr plus ... No complaints and said she'd do it again.]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:48:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25476#25476 Gas Mileage : In April we went to Kentucky... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25400#25400 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 1347
Posted: 18 Jun 2012 at 6:25pm

In April we went to Kentucky at 70-75 mph and got about 10 mpg.  Last week I went to Washington Island, WI and back at 60 or less and got about 15 mpg.  I am happier at 15 than at 10.]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:25:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25400#25400 Gas Mileage : Originally posted by Foots... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25392#25392 Author: Seanl
Subject: 1347
Posted: 18 Jun 2012 at 3:56pm

Originally posted by Footslogger03


================================

I drive by the "tach" too. Old habits die hard. I also have been able to stay with standard transmission so far (2011 Tacoma 6Cyl - 6 Spd), which makes keeping it rolling at around 2,000 a lot easier.

MJ

I wish I had a 6 speed in my jeep even a 5 speed would be better than the 4 speed I have. The shift from 2nd to 3rd is way to tall. I do well if I keep in 3rd but if the automatic drops to second on a hill it revs the heck out of the engine. 4000Rpm which is in the Jeep's power band but uses way to much gas. 
]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:56:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25392#25392 Gas Mileage : Originally posted by 320back... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25358#25358 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1347
Posted: 18 Jun 2012 at 11:56am

Originally posted by 320

back in the 70's one of auto magazines did a test on vans when converting them was all the rage. they tested body shapes, ground effects, etc. the only mod that achieved a net gain was removing the rear view mirrors.too much frontal area equals less mileage.i try keeping my truck between 2000 and  2500 rpm. in overdrive that's about 70mph and 12-14mpg.in hilly or windy conditions i run in drive...60-65mph and 7-12mpg with an old (2000) chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 350.the sad thing is that when pulling a 24 foot fifth wheel the mileage was the same.considering towing miles versus using miles i don't worry about it very much. i'm lucky to get 15mpg not towing anything.



================================

I drive by the "tach" too. Old habits die hard. I also have been able to stay with standard transmission so far (2011 Tacoma 6Cyl - 6 Spd), which makes keeping it rolling at around 2,000 a lot easier.

MJ]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:56:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25358#25358 Gas Mileage : back in the 70's one of auto... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25355#25355 Author: 320
Subject: 1347
Posted: 18 Jun 2012 at 11:49am

back in the 70's one of auto magazines did a test on vans when converting them was all the rage. they tested body shapes, ground effects, etc. the only mod that achieved a net gain was removing the rear view mirrors.

too much frontal area equals less mileage.

i try keeping my truck between 2000 and  2500 rpm. in overdrive that's about 70mph and 12-14mpg.
in hilly or windy conditions i run in drive...60-65mph and 7-12mpg with an old (2000) chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 350.

the sad thing is that when pulling a 24 foot fifth wheel the mileage was the same.

considering towing miles versus using miles i don't worry about it very much. i'm lucky to get 15mpg not towing anything.
]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:49:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=25355#25355 Gas Mileage : greynomad...don't expect... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24950#24950 Author: TIDALWAVE
Subject: 1347
Posted: 07 Jun 2012 at 10:29am

greynomad...don't expect much of an improvement.  The most important aspect of the aerodynamics of the Pod is the space between the tow vehicle and the front of the Pod.  The curved front roof of the Pod allows a lot of turbulent air to flow between the TV and the Pod.  I tow with a Chevy Silverado.
I first towed the Pod with an open truck box and then with a truck box shell.  I could find no evidence that my mileage increased by having the shell on the truck.
]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:29:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24950#24950 Gas Mileage : I have a Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2011... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24949#24949 Author: greynomad
Subject: 1347
Posted: 07 Jun 2012 at 7:40am

I have a Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2011 6 cyl and I had a Northstar pop-up truck camper and my mileage would average around 15. After buying the RPOD my mileage has dropped to 9-10 miles to the gallon.
The truck is rated to pull 6300 lbs and the model 177 runs weight wise with all of my trash around 3 grand or better. I have a shell that fits on the back of my truck and I am thinking it just might help on the wind resistance when fitted. Wink
]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:40:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24949#24949 Gas Mileage : My wife is the exact opposite.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24939#24939 Author: Seanl
Subject: 1347
Posted: 06 Jun 2012 at 6:46pm

My wife is the exact opposite. I get better gas mileage than her. She only has two throttle positions off and on. She also wears out brakes faster than I do because she breaks hard and late. I told her when we were dating she missed her calling she should a have been a race car driver.  ]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:46:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24939#24939 Gas Mileage : Originally posted by TIDALWAVE... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24930#24930 Author: furpod
Subject: 1347
Posted: 06 Jun 2012 at 8:57am

Originally posted by TIDALWAVE

   My sister's Mercury Grand Marquis consistently gets mid-30s mpg.  Her friend who owns an identical model never gets better than low-20s.


Very possibly just driving style/habits.

After more than 30 years of comparing mileage in the exact same vehicles with the Mrs. She ALWAYS gets 10-40% better than me. Always.

But I have more fun.

She has also never had a ticket.Ouch

I may have gotten a few in my youth.

Our current daily driver is a '12 VW GTI. It does trip and instant mileage. She gets better trip mileage just running around town, than I sometimes get on the interstate.. Angry


]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:57:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24930#24930 Gas Mileage : HerbL...Before I bought my Pod,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24927#24927 Author: TIDALWAVE
Subject: 1347
Posted: 06 Jun 2012 at 8:49am

HerbL...Before I bought my Pod, I talked to Forest River.  One of their big points about the Pod was its aerodynamic shape!  They stated that the shape would help deliver better mileage.  We now how that worked out!!!  I agree that it would nice if someone could run a Pod in a wind tunnel to see just how much improvement the new spoiler provides. I don't think that FR has either aerodynamic software nor run the Pod in a wind tunnel...with and without the new spoiler.  By the way, the newest airliners are all designed by software...the aircraft are too big to test in wind tunnels.
This reminds me of all of the stuff sold to the public stating that it will increase mileage by 2, 5, 50 or 100%.
Anecdotal evidence is terrible in determining aerodynamic efficiency.  I get a 10-20% increase in mileage when I buy non-ethanol gas. Driving with or against a stiff wind makes a big difference in mpg.  My sister's Mercury Grand Marquis consistently gets mid-30s mpg.  Her friend who owns an identical model never gets better than low-20s.
]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:49:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24927#24927 Gas Mileage : Originally posted by BurtYes,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24924#24924 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1347
Posted: 06 Jun 2012 at 8:20am

Originally posted by Burt

Yes, we have noticed the poor mileage also.  However, our newer RPOD 171 Hood River came with some monster mud tires.  We think that it would take about 50 years to wear them out but also believe that by changing them out to standard road tires the mileage will improve.
 
Should be true.  High-mpg cars like the Prius come with special tires designed to squeeze out every extra mpg possible.  For starters they are less "sticky" with harder rubber, and they also have a low-profile tread.  When my wife's Prius needed new tires I intentionally went with a stickier/grippier tire because the factory tires just didn't get enough traction when you really needed it on gravel and snow.  The mpg dropped by 2-3 as a result (a fair trade off for safety IMO).
 
I've seen many posts on other forums where members switch their truck tires from the factory road tires to knobby off-road tires, and get a drop in mpg as a result.  I'm sure you'll see the opposite if you change out the pod's tires.
]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:20:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24924#24924 Gas Mileage : Yes, we have noticed the poor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24917#24917 Author: Burt
Subject: 1347
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 10:38pm

Yes, we have noticed the poor mileage also.  However, our newer RPOD 171 Hood River came with some monster mud tires.  We think that it would take about 50 years to wear them out but also believe that by changing them out to standard road tires the mileage will improve.

We may be looking to do the tire change to find out what happens.

Has anyone else tried this?

Thanks,

Burt
]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:38:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24917#24917 Gas Mileage : Outbound, never known you to be... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24895#24895 Author: HerbL
Subject: 1347
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 5:22pm

Outbound, never known you to be wrong or BS anyone. Computer models, etc. are no substitute for real world experience. At one of the roundups, a Forest River engineer did tell me that part of the reason for adding the spoiler was to improve aerodynamics. I would love to improve our mileage from a crummy 11.4 (over long trips using both side roads and interstates). Maybe others with the added spoilers will note any improvements in MPG and share the information with us.]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:22:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24895#24895 Gas Mileage : I am in 100% in agreement with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24796#24796 Author: cane2
Subject: 1347
Posted: 02 Jun 2012 at 12:20pm

I am in 100% in agreement with Tital Canada fuel has a bigger kick to it, and the biggest factor is the 55- 58 mph. while towing. I am at or was 10-13 mpg with a 3.8 Chrysler van. ]]> Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:20:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24796#24796 Gas Mileage : The Pod-spoiler is so small that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24795#24795 Author: TIDALWAVE
Subject: 1347
Posted: 02 Jun 2012 at 9:39am

The Pod-spoiler is so small that it would make little difference on your mileage.  About a year ago, I did some aerodynamic simulations on the Pod and various tow vehicles.  For the spoiler to be anywhere near effective it needs to be much larger than the OEM spoiler.  I suspect that you are using a different brand and composition fuel.  If you use ethanol, you can expect a much lower mpg than from non-ethanol. Ethanol fuel typically gives 15-25% less mpg, it has less energy per gallon.]]> Sat, 02 Jun 2012 09:39:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24795#24795 Gas Mileage : Makes sense, I am sure there is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24790#24790 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 1347
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 at 9:40pm

Makes sense, I am sure there is a very strong low pressure area behind the pod. some aircraft use vortex generators, little bumps at certain areas behind the leading edge, instead of the air adhereing to the surface and then boiling at the trailing edge creating induced drag, the little bumps cause the air to be distrupted and not "stick" to the surface and it reduces drag at certain velocities, all of us know without looking at the speedometer when we reach that 56 to 60 mph and the drag increases like wow. I try to pull at 50 going up hill (hilly southern indiana) and no more that 55 on level and maybe 60 down steep hills.
]]> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:40:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24790#24790 Gas Mileage : Its my fourth season (bought in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24788#24788 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1347
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 at 8:58pm

Its my fourth season (bought in August 2009) with the r-pod and so far this season, I've been consistently getting 15.6 l/100km (~15mpg), a significant increase over the 19.5 l/100km (~12mpg) I've got for the past three seasons.

Note: I travel at 90 km/h (56mph) when towing my r-pod.

My tow vehicle is the same, the trailer is the same, the amount of gear that I carry is the same, my towing habits are the same.  I've made five trips so far this year and am confident in the numbers.  The only difference is the spoiler kit that was installed last autumn with the Canadian r-pod lighting recall...

Has anyone else seen a similar improvement?
]]> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:58:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24788#24788 Gas Mileage : That's an interesting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24740#24740 Author: kymooses
Subject: 1347
Posted: 31 May 2012 at 12:13pm

That's an interesting read and product.]]> Thu, 31 May 2012 12:13:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24740#24740 Gas Mileage : Somewhere on this long thread... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24739#24739 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1347
Posted: 31 May 2012 at 11:25am

Somewhere on this long thread I think something like these things were mentioned, but just came across this and wanted to pass it on.  http://www.psmag.com/environment/leonardo-of-the-deep-42405/]]> Thu, 31 May 2012 11:25:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=24739#24739 Gas Mileage : I wish the Pod had a more aerodynamic... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21702#21702 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 8:52pm

I wish the Pod had a more aerodynamic shape, how ever, factor in the neat shape, the graphics, all the things that brought us all to the Pod, the weight, interior layout. It all boils down to we saw it, we like it, we bought it, and we are going to have FUN in it. Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead. I can live with 11 to 13 mpg. The free feeling of "heading out" and whats around the corner off set a few miles per gallon. but I still like the science of lift over drag, induced drag and parasitic drag. Throw another log on the fire.]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:52:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21702#21702 Gas Mileage : I had a feeling when I first went... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21697#21697 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 5:10pm

I had a feeling when I first went into the R-pod that mpg would be a problem (if it really is a problem).  As I was looking in 2007-2009 for the right camper there was not much out in the size and features the r-pod has. I'm ok with what I get on the mpg.  I have switched around TV's several times due to life getting in the way (Car accidents, Car Breakdowns and trade-ins)  I pulled mine with a Jeep Liberty, Ford Ranger, Chevy Trail Blazer, and now a Dodge Ram 1500 and they all got about the same mpg just depended how much power i had to go with it.]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:10:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21697#21697 Gas Mileage : When we first started towing a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21694#21694 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 3:01pm

When we first started towing a camper I had one of those vinyl roll-up bed covers on the Tacoma. That helped a little when I was just operating the truck   ...but it left a huge gap between the cab of the truck and the forward edge of the camper roof. By adding a hard cap/topper I believe I did away with a lot of the wind turbulence that was eating up my fuel economy.

Of course now I'm pulling an R-pod, which has greater height so I will probably regain some of the resistance I lost.

Time will tell   ...

MJ]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:01:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21694#21694 Gas Mileage : Sad how the distinctive shape... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21693#21693 Author: g4royce
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 2:56pm

Sad how the distinctive shape of the pod contributes to reduced mileage.  Still the pod has everything we want in a lightweight package.  There really wasn't anything else in this weight category when we bought ours.  Sometimes we think that we would want a square roof when we're inside and dealing with the top bunk, but once outside we love the curved shape. 

We average 12mpg but have on occasion seen 13 mpg. Not sure how we did that.  We do travel dry and have a 152 which is the lightest model.  Does the length of the pod affect mileage?

-T 
]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:56:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21693#21693 Gas Mileage : The final aerodynamic simulations... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21690#21690 Author: Tidalwave4455
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 11:06am

The final aerodynamic simulations I ran were putting spoilers on the TV.  I placed a rooftop spoiler midway on the TV and then at the rear...I also changed the angle of attack.  There was only minor variations in turbulence.  Again the deciding factor was the open gap between the TV and the Pod roof.  There really is no way to smooth the airflow between the TV and the Pod because of the curved frontal roof of the Pod. That long gap really causes a lot of turbulence and pressure fluctuations.
It seems that you can gain 2+ mpg if your trailer has a rectangular 'breadbox' shape.  The roofline
helps eliminate that open turbulent gap always present in the Pod.
]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:06:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21690#21690 Gas Mileage : We're towing with a 2011... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21689#21689 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1347
Posted: 12 Jan 2012 at 9:19am

We're towing with a 2011 Toyota Tacoma 4dr, short bed with a Leer hard cap on the back. Used to have another brand of teardrop and averaged 16-18 mpg. Bought our 177 R-pod at the end of last October so don't have updated mileage info - - but now I'm curious !

MJ]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:19:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21689#21689 Gas Mileage : I had the same problem on my 03... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21686#21686 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 1347
Posted: 11 Jan 2012 at 8:16pm

I had the same problem on my 03 Trailblazer, they corrected the problem in later models and it is no longer an issue, I really like my 08 Trailblazer, my 03 was totaled by an Idiot running a red light and hitting me in the left front wheel dead center, I had small cuts, abrasions and light case of concussion, If she would have got me 3 feet further back I may have been killed, Thank God for 4200 lbs of american steel. I think we will have to live with less than desireable fuel economy, Come on Tail Wind ]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:16:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21686#21686 Gas Mileage : On our 2006 Trailblazer when we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21676#21676 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1347
Posted: 11 Jan 2012 at 3:59pm

On our 2006 Trailblazer when we had it gave about 12 mpg  I did play with kayaks on the roof and found some improvement putting them in a V shape running to the same state park.  We no longer have thew Trailblazer as it kept destoring the fan clutch and we could not trust it anymore.  Other than that we do miss that one.]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:59:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21676#21676 Gas Mileage : We have only pulled ours twice... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21668#21668 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 1347
Posted: 10 Jan 2012 at 7:56pm

We have only pulled ours twice since we bought late in 2011. My 08 Trailblazer with 4.2 L6 did 11.5 the first pull and then I lowered my tow speed to 50 to 60, I then got 13.5 I was slightly disappointed. It is really Hilly in southern Indiana. I have seen over the road tractors with a sharp angled spoiler on the tractor, I assume this kicks the air up and over the trailer behind. I would like to see wind tunnels results of the Pod. Like an earlier post I bet if you put air pressure sensors in various areas between the TV and the pod you would see vacuum/turbulance between. double the velocity and you quadruple the drag. I guess we could reduce our tow speed to 40 or 45, but I guess we would have to get used to multiple middle finger gestures. Donna and I have been talking about finding old lazy 2 lanes roads to go down where the speeds are lower and the scenery is better, there has to be a balance somewhere between mpg and getting there.]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:56:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1347&PID=21668#21668