fuel mileage

[ALLENY66]

i have a 2024 tahoe z71 when pulling a tandem 16ft trailer with a sub compact tractor on it running 70 miles a hour got 10.5 miles to gallon does this sound normal?

 

[wjburken]

i have a 2024 tahoe z71 when pulling a tandem 16ft trailer with a sub compact tractor on it running 70 miles a hour got 10.5 miles to gallon does this sound normal?

Yes

 

[West 1]

You do not state how much weight you are pulling. When towing 4,000 pounds or more my MPG drops to a little over 10.
I towed my car trailer with just a frame on it so maybe 2800 pounds total on a 900 mile trip with my Escalade 6.2L, drove 70-75 the entire trip and got 13.3 but the car trailer was light and had little wind resistance unlike a box trailer.

 

[ALLENY66]

1500 lbs

 

[wjburken]

1500 lbs

It’s not so much the weight, it’s the drag.

Sub compact trailers are not aerodynamic and if your utility trailer has a dropdown ramp that rides vertically, you’re basically pulling a sail.

I go from 18-20 mpg in my truck to 8-10 as soon as I hook up my 16ft utility trailer, no matter what the weight is.

 

[ALLENY66]

It’s not so much the weight, it’s the drag.

Sub compact trailers are not aerodynamic and if your utility trailer has a dropdown ramp that rides vertically, you’re basically pulling a sail.

I go from 18-20 mpg in my truck to 8-10 as soon as I hook up my 16ft utility trailer, no matter what the weight is.

ok thanks just figured with the 10 speed transmission it would be better

 

[JKeller]

I get about the same pulling a Kawasaki Mule on a 14x6 open trailer and when pulling my airboat trailer - both packages weigh in the 4,000lbs range. Like has been said, it's more a product of the wind drag than the weight of the trailer. I towed the Mule trailer empty once. With the rear lift gate up, I got 11-12mpg; when I lowered the life gate into the trailer and reduced drag, I went up to 16mpg.

 

[viven44]

Pulled 8200 lbs recently, got 12.4mpg, you can see it here

Fuel efficiency drop in newer models ?

I get about 32 with the cruise at 60 or so, on level ground. 2022 5.3 Tahoe, 4x4. I am not sure I believe that...you have the distance set at 25 miles, so computer calculating your BEST 25 mile score and your AVG over the last 25 miles driven. Flip the page to the screen on the current drive...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[West 1]

This week I towed my car trailer empty 100 miles on way out, got 14.3 MPG, car trailer is maybe 1500-1800 pounds. On the return trip I had a GMC Denali on the back so total weight now 7,000 +, held speed to 60-65 mph max and got 10 on the return trip. I find MPG drops a lot if I go faster. My tow rig is older, a 2003 Yukon has the 4 speed automatic, 3.73 gears and the 5.3L engine rated at 295 HP I think.

 

[Marky Dissod]

ok thanks just figured with the 10 speed transmission it would be better

Once you figure out how to make it less like pulling a parachute, fuel consumption will improve.

 

[jfoj]

Wind resistance/drag has almost more to do with killing fuel economy than the weight.

I pulled a 14 foot enclosed trailer with a fairly flat front vs the pointed front with my 2005 Yukon XL Denali 6.0l and was getting about 10 MPG. Filled the same trailer and loaded the back of the truck on the return trip and there was really no change in fuel economy. Seems like the added weight did not really decrease the fuel economy any more, the sail/parachute that I was pulling had the biggest impact on fuel economy. Seems 10 MPG often tends to be a bottom value to expect on a lot of gasoline vehicle unless you are driving in the mountains, have head winds or exceed 70 MPH.

 

[DenaliCountry]

i have a 2024 tahoe z71 when pulling a tandem 16ft trailer with a sub compact tractor on it running 70 miles a hour got 10.5 miles to gallon does this sound normal?

Yep, I pull a 7x18 Inline Snowmobile trailer and I about 8.5-9 mpg with the cruise set at 72 mph on the highway. I have the 6.2l engine.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I believe aerodynamics are indeed key.
I tow a 4500lb boat regularly and get 13-14 MPH at 70 MPH while doing it.

 

[adventurenali92]

I believe aerodynamics are indeed key.
I tow a 4500lb boat regularly and get 13-14 MPH at 70 MPH while doing it.

I pull a 4300lb sea ray V hull behind my 2006 XL Denali with a 6.0 and I see about the same mileage. But dang you guys hit some serious speed when towing lol. I keep it 65 or below……. But then again the southern California freeways are kinda a nightmare when towing lol.