Pulling A Camper: How Much Extra Gas Will You Need?

Pulling a camper will decrease your gas mileage. The average vehicle loses around seven miles per gallon when towing a camper, but this number varies depending on factors such as the weight of the camper, aerodynamics, and vehicle size. For example, a small four-cylinder car may lose 10 miles per gallon when towing a small popup camper, while a truck that gets 15 miles per gallon may not experience a significant change in fuel consumption when pulling the same load. The decrease in gas mileage when towing is due to the increased force required to tow a heavier load, as well as the additional drag created by the bulkier setup.

Weight of the camper

The weight of the camper is the most important factor in determining the impact on gas mileage. The heavier the camper, the more force is needed to tow it, and the more gas the engine will consume.

The impact of weight on gas mileage is directly proportional to the weight being pulled. Car manufacturers calculate fuel efficiency with about 300 pounds (136 kg) of weight in the car, including passengers. This is quite unrealistic, as it doesn't account for two fully grown men, let alone additional passengers or luggage. According to the US government source fueleconomy.gov, every 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of extra weight in your vehicle decreases fuel efficiency by 2%.

When considering the weight of the camper, it is important to take into account not just the weight of the camper itself, but also the weight of the luggage and cargo that will be carried inside it. Overpacking can significantly decrease fuel efficiency.

To improve gas mileage, it is advisable to buy a lightweight camper made from superior lightweight materials. A smaller camper will generally be lighter, but it is also important to consider the building materials used. For example, a camper made from fiberglass will be lighter than one made with a lot of wood. When comparing camper weights, it is important to look at the dry weight, as one camper may weigh more simply because it has a larger water tank.

When towing a camper, it is also important to consider factors beyond just the weight. The aerodynamics of the camper, the size of the tow vehicle, and the engine size will all impact gas mileage. A more aerodynamic camper, a larger tow vehicle, and a bigger engine will all help to reduce the impact on fuel consumption.

Aerodynamics of the camper

The aerodynamics of a camper play a significant role in fuel efficiency. The more aerodynamic a camper is, the less it will affect fuel consumption. This is especially true when towing longer campers at higher speeds.

There are several ways to improve the aerodynamics of a camper. One way is to shape the camper so that air easily flows around it. This can be achieved by having a rounded shape at both the front and the back on all sides, with the camper being smaller at the back than at the front. This shape reduces drag and increases gas mileage. Another way to improve aerodynamics is to make the camper smaller, as a smaller camper will be exposed to less wind. A third way is to use a larger tow vehicle so that the camper fits behind its wind tunnel, reducing drag.

Additionally, there are products on the market that can be attached to a camper to improve its aerodynamics. These include wind deflectors, protective guards, vent covers, and antenna designs that help smooth out any edges that can catch the wind, giving the trailer a more sleek and streamlined appearance.

Overall, improving the aerodynamics of a camper can help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, especially when towing at higher speeds.

Size of the tow vehicle

The size of the tow vehicle is an important factor when considering how much gas mileage you will lose when pulling a camper. A larger tow vehicle will generally be more efficient when it comes to fuel consumption as it can cover more of the towed camper, reducing drag.

The height and width of the tow vehicle also play a role in determining fuel efficiency. A tow vehicle that is taller and wider than the camper will result in less drag, as the camper is fully situated behind the tow vehicle, allowing it to cover for the camper. This reduces the overall surface area exposed to wind resistance, making it more aerodynamic and reducing fuel consumption.

Additionally, the engine size of the tow vehicle is a significant factor. A larger engine will be less affected by towing a camper, while a smaller engine will experience a more substantial decrease in fuel efficiency. For example, a truck with a larger engine that gets 15 miles per gallon may not see much change in fuel consumption when pulling a small camper. On the other hand, a small four-cylinder car may lose 10 miles per gallon while towing the same camper.

It is worth noting that the weight of the camper, aerodynamics, and other factors also contribute to the overall fuel efficiency when towing. However, by choosing a tow vehicle that is appropriately sized, with a suitable engine and dimensions, you can help minimize the impact on fuel mileage.

Engine size

The engine size of the towing vehicle is a key factor in determining the impact on fuel efficiency when pulling a camper. A larger engine will be more powerful and therefore more fuel-efficient when towing, whereas a smaller engine will be less economical.

A truck with a large engine may not experience a significant change in fuel consumption when towing a small camper. For example, a truck with a powerful engine that gets 15 miles per gallon may not see much difference when pulling a lightweight camper. On the other hand, a smaller engine may lose a significant number of miles per gallon while towing the same load. This is because a more powerful engine is designed to handle the extra load without having to work as hard, thus maintaining relatively good fuel efficiency.

The engine size also influences the payload capacity of the vehicle. A diesel engine, for instance, typically weighs between 400 and 500 pounds more than a gasoline engine. This weight difference directly affects the payload capacity of the truck. Therefore, when considering a diesel engine for hauling a truck camper, it is advisable to opt for a one-ton pickup truck to compensate for the heavier engine weight.

In addition, the type of fuel used also plays a role in engine performance and fuel efficiency. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel economy than gasoline engines, with an advantage of 30 to 35 percent. They can extract 12 to 15 percent more power from a gallon of fuel. As a result, diesel engines are more efficient and have greater pulling power, making them better suited for towing heavier loads.

In summary, when it comes to engine size, larger and more powerful engines tend to be more fuel-efficient when towing campers due to their ability to handle the extra load without a significant drop in performance. However, it is important to consider the weight of the engine itself, as this will impact the payload capacity of the vehicle. Additionally, diesel engines typically offer better fuel economy and pulling power than their gasoline counterparts.

Fuel type

When it comes to fuel type, diesel is the most recommended option for pulling a camper. Although diesel is more expensive than gas, it is more efficient for pulling. Diesel engines get 12 to 15% more power out of a gallon of fuel, making them more efficient than gas engines. They also have more pulling power, which makes them better suited for towing.

If you are looking for a fuel-efficient truck to pull a camper, you might want to consider a diesel engine. However, keep in mind that diesel engines can be more costly to maintain and repair. Another option is to look for a truck with a small engine, as a lighter engine means less weight on your vehicle, resulting in better fuel efficiency.

The type of fuel you use is just one factor that affects fuel efficiency when pulling a camper. Other factors include the weight of the camper, aerodynamics, size of the tow vehicle, and driving habits.

To improve fuel efficiency when pulling a camper, you should also consider the weight of the camper and pack only what is necessary. The heavier the load, the more fuel is needed to move it. Additionally, maintaining proper tire pressure and planning your route to avoid windy conditions and heavy traffic can also help improve fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions