06-18-2002, 05:58 PM
I can now report on the apples and oranges of towing a TM2720 vs a full size travel trailer.
Maybe I should say "apples and watermelons" 8) cause towing the new trailer is more like hauling a rolling billboard.
I recently hauled the new trailer north from Phoenix up Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff, about 120 miles each way. The elevation change is from 1,200 feet to about 5,000 feet and back down to 4,100 feet. The return trip had a serious (about 25-30mph) quartering headwind. Mileage numbers are round-trip for the new trailer, total average for the TM.
The tow vehicle is a Diesel 4x4 Excursion, with 45,000 miles at average mpg just under 15, including 3,000+ towing miles. (I hit 20mpg average once on a non-towing trip from Phoenix to Denver).
TM2720Full Size TT
Towing Length21 feet32 feet
Towing Weight~3,000 lbs~8,000 lbs
Total Rig Weight9,000 lbs14,000 lbs :o
HitchEAZlift equalizingHensley Arrow
Towing Fuel Mileage13-14mpg9-10mpg
6% Grade Speed65mph (easy)45mph (pedal to the metal)
# of "Moments"noneone (so far)
Driver's Stress Factor (0-9)27
My one moment was on that 6% descent. Just felt a little strange being pushed downhill. :P
I most definitely would not tow this large a trailer without some sway control. My 15 mile tow home before I installed the Hensley was enough to convince me. I wouldn't have known of the headwind, though, without passing a flag pole. There's no way you can forget this large a box is following you down the road!
The TM was quite another thing. There are times I'd go for miles on these southwest two lane back roads and forget the TM was behind me. That's with just the equalizing hitch.
I only lost about 10% - 15% fuel economy with the TM, now it's about 40%-50% loss with the full size trailer. Still, 10.2mpg is better than I'd expected.
BTW, we just outgrew the TM, with two toddlers running amok. My better half is a lot less stressed with the new trailer. I suppose I am, too. After we arrive and I'm unhitched, that is! ;)
Maybe I should say "apples and watermelons" 8) cause towing the new trailer is more like hauling a rolling billboard.
I recently hauled the new trailer north from Phoenix up Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff, about 120 miles each way. The elevation change is from 1,200 feet to about 5,000 feet and back down to 4,100 feet. The return trip had a serious (about 25-30mph) quartering headwind. Mileage numbers are round-trip for the new trailer, total average for the TM.
The tow vehicle is a Diesel 4x4 Excursion, with 45,000 miles at average mpg just under 15, including 3,000+ towing miles. (I hit 20mpg average once on a non-towing trip from Phoenix to Denver).
TM2720Full Size TT
Towing Length21 feet32 feet
Towing Weight~3,000 lbs~8,000 lbs
Total Rig Weight9,000 lbs14,000 lbs :o
HitchEAZlift equalizingHensley Arrow
Towing Fuel Mileage13-14mpg9-10mpg
6% Grade Speed65mph (easy)45mph (pedal to the metal)
# of "Moments"noneone (so far)
Driver's Stress Factor (0-9)27
My one moment was on that 6% descent. Just felt a little strange being pushed downhill. :P
I most definitely would not tow this large a trailer without some sway control. My 15 mile tow home before I installed the Hensley was enough to convince me. I wouldn't have known of the headwind, though, without passing a flag pole. There's no way you can forget this large a box is following you down the road!
The TM was quite another thing. There are times I'd go for miles on these southwest two lane back roads and forget the TM was behind me. That's with just the equalizing hitch.
I only lost about 10% - 15% fuel economy with the TM, now it's about 40%-50% loss with the full size trailer. Still, 10.2mpg is better than I'd expected.
BTW, we just outgrew the TM, with two toddlers running amok. My better half is a lot less stressed with the new trailer. I suppose I am, too. After we arrive and I'm unhitched, that is! ;)