R-pod Owners Forum : MPG towing R POD https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : MPG towing R POD Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:42:16 +0000 Sat, 13 May 2017 16:59:27 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9818 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ MPG towing R POD : I tow my 180 with a F150 3.5... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93192#93192 Author: voisj
Subject: 9818
Posted: 13 May 2017 at 4:59pm

 I tow my 180 with a F150 3.5 ecoboost longbed extended cab With a shell I get 12-13, without i get 10-11. For the 2.7 I would like to here what real world mileage is.

]]> Sat, 13 May 2017 16:59:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93192#93192 MPG towing R POD : recent 2300+ mile trip avg 13.1... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93070#93070 Author: hogone
Subject: 9818
Posted: 11 May 2017 at 6:21pm

recent 2300+ mile trip avg 13.1 with tow haul mode on in 2010 f150.  hogone]]> Thu, 11 May 2017 18:21:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93070#93070 MPG towing R POD : Just returned from maiden voyage,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93069#93069 Author: rkreeves
Subject: 9818
Posted: 11 May 2017 at 6:16pm

Just returned from maiden voyage, 14.2 mpg.
]]> Thu, 11 May 2017 18:16:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=93069#93069 MPG towing R POD : I just got home from about a thousand... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92473#92473 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 9818
Posted: 02 May 2017 at 12:51pm

I just got home from about a thousand mile round trip with my 2010 F150 Supercrew, 5.7V8 and automatic.  I used the tow/haul mode and averaged 12.9 MPG.  I am sure the trip south was better for mileage being all down hill.
]]> Tue, 02 May 2017 12:51:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92473#92473 MPG towing R POD : My 2014 F150 Supercrew just finished... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92458#92458 Author: grand beaver
Subject: 9818
Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:15am

My 2014 F150 Supercrew just finished a 600 mile trip down and back on the Oregon Coast. 11.3 was the average with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I lock it in 5th gear going thru hilly sections or on backroads and it never shifts unless I want it to. The power, torque and acceleration of these twin turbo engines is impressive. I pass anytime I want going uphill @ 70mph. My driving style is aggressive but this lightweight trailer, solid WDH and a powerful truck make it safe. My truck will average 18mpg unloaded cruising @ 70mph in no wind conditions (rare out here). If I had to order a truck today I would downsize to just a Supercab 2wd with the smaller 2.7 Ecoboost and get one with the highest payload rating I could (read stripped down XL version). The unloaded mileage of the 2.7 would be better and it would still fit my style when towing.]]> Tue, 02 May 2017 11:15:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92458#92458 MPG towing R POD : Zactly, experience tells you when... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92213#92213 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 4:52pm

Zactly, experience tells you when to take control and when to let the vehicle control.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:52:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92213#92213 MPG towing R POD : I was using cruise driving 60... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92212#92212 Author: RichC
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 4:40pm

I was using cruise driving 60 with tach steady between 1800 - 2200 --not searching for gear. Worked fine. Felt comfortable.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:40:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92212#92212 MPG towing R POD : It all depends upon conditions.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92205#92205 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 4:17pm

It all depends upon conditions. If you have 100 miles of flat road, why would you not use the cruise, nothing is changing. Really about how much control you want, based upon terrain. If I am in an area with hills and valleys , I want to anticipate the drive. Cruise doesn't do that.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:17:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92205#92205 MPG towing R POD : Yes, I agree, and probably would... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92203#92203 Author: RichC
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 4:11pm

Yes, I agree, and probably would only use it in ideal conditions. I was told by my mechanic that the frequent shifting meant "turn it off" -- hill wind or flat.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:11:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92203#92203 MPG towing R POD : Originally posted by GLBCamperI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92198#92198 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 1:47pm

Originally posted by GLBCamper

I have read (actually I think in my Taco manual) to never use cruise control while towing. Not sure why that is, but I don't use it.


Probably because it's hard on the transmission. The cruise control has no way of knowing that there's a hill coming up, which means that it won't start trying to compensate until the vehicle is already on the hill. In its attempt to catch up, it may violently downshift. That's been my experience anyway.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 13:47:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92198#92198 MPG towing R POD : I have read (actually I think... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92194#92194 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 12:51pm

I have read (actually I think in my Taco manual) to never use cruise control while towing. Not sure why that is, but I don't use it.]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:51:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92194#92194 MPG towing R POD : Just back yesterday from our second... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92193#92193 Author: RichC
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 12:42pm

Just back yesterday from our second 171 shake-down trip. Last time with a heavy cross wind much of the way and, not familiar with towing this trailer (I have an enclosed utility trailer, have driven semis and all kinds of work trailers)we got 12.25 mpg with our Toyota Sienna.

This time, with somewhat less wind, going 60 we got 12.8 mpg. The main difference between first trip and this was that on trip one I tried to use cruise control at 65+. Toyota was shifting like crazy. This time cruise control worked great -- 60 was the sweet spot.

Plan to make next trip with a good tail wind.Wink
]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:42:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92193#92193 MPG towing R POD : A reasonable calculation would... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92174#92174 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 5:32am

A reasonable calculation would be to divide your normal highway mpg by 2. That result will be typical. (example:  22mpg highway not towing, would be 11 mpg highway towing ). A diesel would not be much higher, but a diesel will tow with less effort, especially in hilly terrain. The diesel usually have considerably more torque at lower engine RPM's. 

 Newer turbocharged gas engines are becoming impressively more powerful. The 3.5 twin turbo ecobooost is really amazing. Not sure what fuel economy would be but it's powerful.

My 3.0 liter diesel gets 29 mpg not towing on highway, and I was getting 15 mpg towing a 177 from Connecticut to northern Vermont (240 miles each way through very hilly highway). On relatively flat highway sections (RARE in Connecticut) I would see 22 mpg towing on I-84 east for 20 miles. The nicer thing about a diesel is setting cruise and leaving it in Drive. No hunting for gears even at 65mph.

]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 05:32:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92174#92174 MPG towing R POD : Using premium fuel seems to have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92172#92172 Author: podrunner
Subject: 9818
Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 12:04am

Using premium fuel seems to have increased my mpg by about 20%. It is worth the extra cost.

Happy trails....]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:04:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92172#92172 MPG towing R POD : Originally posted by TheBumNow,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92167#92167 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 7:00pm

Originally posted by TheBum

Now, if they'd only engineer a deflector that could stand up to 70-75 mph speeds...

There is one. The Wingmaster Turbowing Air Deflector. It is very nice looking and since it is made of metal, would stand up to high speeds.
]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:00:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92167#92167 MPG towing R POD : Originally posted by furpodNO... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92155#92155 Author: jato
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 4:50pm

Originally posted by furpod

NO ONE tows a travel trailer for mileage. If you are towing with a gas engine, regardless of what you get not towing, you will get 10-12 towing a Pod. This discussion has been gone over many many many times.


So let's make that many many many many times now.  My 1994 Ford F-150 5.0L V-8 with 309,000 miles and 31 deer kills, 10 mpg.  2008 Ford Explorer, now sold, 12 mpg.  Current 2013 Ford 3.5L V-6  12.5 mpg.
As others have said, mpg doesn't count here, enjoy the camping experience, enjoy God's creation, enjoy others company you meet along the journey. 
]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:50:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92155#92155 MPG towing R POD : The issues with diesel is multiple.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92154#92154 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 4:43pm

The issues with diesel is multiple. First the vehicle is normally more expensive, second the cost of the fuel is more expensive and lastly the maintenance costs for a diesel over gas is significantly more expensive. As an example if you buy a Ford F-350, the diesel engine option is 8K over standard gas. You would have to do, significant traveling over a number of years to get a diesel to pay for its self in mileage alone. Not a good option for a light weight Pod. There is a purpose for diesels, but in my opinion not with a 3500 lb trailer.]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:43:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92154#92154 MPG towing R POD : The mileage with our 2012 V6 Highlander... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92144#92144 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:50pm

The mileage with our 2012 V6 Highlander pulling a 179 is consistent with what others are getting: 11-13. If you really want better gas mileage, a diesel is about the only way to go. It's not an option for me because I'm highly sensitive to diesel fumes.]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:50:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92144#92144 MPG towing R POD : We have a 2006 F-150--5.4L, non... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92140#92140 Author: TylerK9
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:47pm

We have a 2006 F-150--5.4L, non ecoboost--and we get 9-12 MPG depending on terrain and wind. After reading StephanH's post, I might look into a wind deflector!]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:47:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92140#92140 MPG towing R POD : Now, if they'd only engineer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92115#92115 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 11:38am

Now, if they'd only engineer a deflector that could stand up to 70-75 mph speeds...]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:38:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92115#92115 MPG towing R POD : One caveat to the above mileage... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92109#92109 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 9:11am

One caveat to the above mileage figures: If you limit your speed to 60 mph, you may get better mileage. If you use a wind deflector in conjunction with limiting your speed, the mileage increase can be significant. I used a wind deflector on our Escape and went from 8-13 to 13-16 mpg. After our accident, we purchased a Nissan Frontier. We were getting around 11-12 mpg when we towed the trailer home. I finally figured out how to mount the AeroPlus to the Frontier. The next trip we take with it, we will be able to see if it helps even though it will be mounted further from the trailer than with the Escape. We have a Tonneau cover on the bed. If it were a full cap, I would have mounted the AeroPlus toward the back of the cap and closer to the trailer.

An additional advantage of the AeroPlus is that there is a lot less bug splat residue on the front of the R-Pod when I am using it. Big smile
]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 09:11:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92109#92109 MPG towing R POD : +2 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92103#92103 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 8:58am

+2 ]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:58:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92103#92103 MPG towing R POD : +1....10-12 average no matter... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92101#92101 Author: Guests
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 7:54am


+1....10-12 average no matter what you tow with (gasoline engine). Don't fret about the extra dollars at the pump, enjoy the experience.]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 07:54:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92101#92101 MPG towing R POD : NO ONE tows a travel trailer for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92098#92098 Author: furpod
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 7:44am

NO ONE tows a travel trailer for mileage. If you are towing with a gas engine, regardless of what you get not towing, you will get 10-12 towing a Pod. This discussion has been gone over many many many times.]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 07:44:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92098#92098 MPG towing R POD : We love the POD 180; We do a lot... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92096#92096 Author: Tarsie
Subject: 9818
Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 7:06am

We love the POD 180; We do a lot of miles (11000) last year, so MPG is very important to us. Our tow vechile is an F150, 2.7L ecoboost. Can anyone with this or similar vechile report their Mpg. Thanks to the group, we hope to be poders soon!
Joe]]> Thu, 27 Apr 2017 07:06:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9818&PID=92096#92096