BIG Caravans - Towing MPG ?

[redgriff500]

Hi,

Just back from our first weekend away in our 27ft 5th wheel caravan.

I suspected the mpg would be rubbish but at a constant 55mph we only got 15mpg from our 3.1 Turbo Isuzu.

I'm wondering whether a less stressed yank might be better (diesel or LPG) and what people got with a more aerodynamic caravan.

[Rich K]

hi
we tow a twin axle Swift with a ML430 (petrol) .... we get approx 13 mpg
on a mixed journey ........dont get far on a tankfull

[Chrisgr31]

Currently only have a small 5 berth single axle caravan, but towing it results in a better fuel consumption than day to day driving. Mainly because day to day is short local journeys, when towing its long motorway journeys.

[volks al]

Coachman 520/4 towed with my e430 petrol merc, 18 mpg over 200 miles on m4 to Wales, 60 mph all the way.

[PugwasHDJ80]

My 4.2tdi landcruiser usually averages 18mpg with 3tonne of wood behind it

admittedly there is less of an aerodynamic problem, but its a triple axle trailer and absolutely fully laden

[redgriff500]

Thanks so 15 looks about right as mine is circa 3 tons and has a huge frontal area.

I did wonder about making aero improvements but for it's relatively small mileage and low speeds googling shows it's not worth it.

[twiglove]

Don't suppose you could post a few piccys could you?

[redgriff500]

twiglove said:

Don't suppose you could post a few piccys could you?

Already have in about 5 threads but here you go, in all it's aerodynamic glory:

[jagracer]

redgriff500 said:

Already have in about 5 threads but here you go, in all it's aerodynamic glory:

I think 15mpg is pretty good for that. I get 20-22mpg from my Landcruiser and loaded car trailer. Aerodynamically your rig would be akin to towing a block of flats .

[DavidY]

Petrol Shogun 3.5GDi, normal cross country MPG about 20, towing 640 caravan (1700kg) letting autobox do the work 14mpg, changing manually 18mpg

[Stu 9-5]

D5 2.5 Auto (163bhp) Volvo XC90 with Bessacarr 645GL Twin Axle (1854kg) = Average 17-20 mpg at cruise controlled 60mph depending on undulations.

[Tyre Smoke]

RRS S/c solo - 12 mpg

RRS S/c towing Sterling Amethyst T/A - 10.2mpg

[Rich135]

Nissan Pathfinder 2.5TD and 5 berth single axle, 19 mpg, only about 24 without the the 'van.
Ford Galaxy with the same 'van, about 24mpg with and 40mpg without.
Under 20 mpg hurts me a little bit, but I live in Dubai now, so I don't pay for petrol, I just tip the attendant ;-)