19 replies to this topic

[SCCA_Racer]

Hey Guys,

I just did a tow of my race car on my open trailer and got right around 14 MPG. I am trying to come up with ways to reduce the drag to increase milage. I read this artilce on NASA(aerospace) website. Do any of you have the Airtabs installed? It says they can increase you milage on tractor trailers and RVs. If any of you have them installed, I would like to know if you have any comparison data that shows any benefit. I am considering making my flat bed trailer into a semi enclosed trailer by making my own custom nose for it, but I am not sure what shape to make it: round, wedge, match truck body width, match bed height, match cab height. My other consideration is my truck currently has an open bed so I am also thinking a bed cover would be benificial. Lastly I am thinking side skirts and or belly pan on the truck mught be a good idea. Recently I have noticed big rig trailer are running side skirts, so are they for stability or mpg? Anyway I am looking for some more ideas that are either proven or have yet to be proven.
Oh and I already try my best not to exceed 60mph.
Thanks,
Joshua

[Kyle Burkhardt]

14's pretty good. Be tough to improve significantly on that. Pulling an open trailer (v. enclosed) doubles your mileage.

[Johnny D]

Spec Miata Archives.
http://forum.specmia...26;t=001076;p=0
J~

[SCCA_Racer]

Spec Miata Archives.
http://forum.specmia...26;t=001076;p=0
J~

Umm, is there a way to setup the current search parameters to include the old threads on specmiata.com? This is the second time I have searched for a topic and then it is brought to my attention that it has already been posted in the old website threads.

[Johnny D]

Better off seaching in the old site unless it's a real current topic.
(Bottom of Spec Miata)
This site is only a couple months old and doesn't have that much.
J~

[wheel]

I think 14 mpg towing is pretty darn good. I also think that adding all of the items you mention might bump you up to 16 mpg.
wheel

[cam]

Umm, is there a way to setup the current search parameters to include the old threads on specmiata.com? This is the second time I have searched for a topic and then it is brought to my attention that it has already been posted in the old website threads.

What is funny is that "SCCA_Racer" AKA Joshua is in that thread, posting on Nov. 4 2010.

[Cy Peake]

Open trailer
Tonneau cover
Cold air intake kit (like K&N)
Free-flow exhaust

This combo nets me 15.5mpg towing at 75mph in my Cummins Dodge 2500. FWIW, I get around 21mpg daily driving it around town with the shifter stuffed into 6th gear at anything over 40mph.

[Ron Alan]

Spec Miata Archives.
http://forum.specmia...26;t=001076;p=0
J~

The Information/Search master strikes again

I think you should change your screen name to G. Wiki Pedia Oogle

[Johnny D]

The Information/Search master strikes again

I think you should change your screen name to G. Wiki Pedia Oogle

All the good ones are gone. I am a "Beta tester".

How about "Master Beta" (I know, really bad)
That doesn't sound right for some reason.
J~

[Protech Racing]

14 on gas is really good. I use the vortex generators on my (50 mph) airplane, and they work well. I think that they could help connect the flow on a tow rig. Maybe worth 1/2-1 mpg.
MM

[Blake Thompson]

Any tips for a 454 chevy? Unmodded I'm getting 9 mpg.

Chevy 3500 silverado. Dually. Pulling open trailer with two cars stacked and a full size slide in truck camper. Empty and nothing behind me I get 9.5 mpg...

[joeg5982]

Plan your routes...slow down.

Best advice.

[Blake Thompson]

Plan your routes...slow down.

Best advice.

55 gets me 9. 70mph gets me 7. Even empty. I do 55 max. Way safer anyway.

I was researching propane hybrids for a while. At the time it wouldn't pay for itself for 50k miles but now I wonder.

[trey]

I'm towing my Miata on a 14ft steel open trailer with a 2011 Toyota 4 Runner V6

Yesterday I picked up my car @ MSRH and filled up right before I got to the track & reset the mileage

I towed home @ 55 - 65 MPH , was downwind most of the time and tried to keep the engine in 4 cyl. mode as much as possible

When I got home I checked the Toyota computer , my jaw dropped when I saw 18.1 MPG , on another trip to MSRH I saw over 17 MPG , on a round trip to TWS I got over 15

I'm beginning to like the Toyota more every day

[trimless]

I'm towing my Miata on a 14ft steel open trailer with a 2011 Toyota 4 Runner V6

Yesterday I picked up my car @ MSRH and filled up right before I got to the track & reset the mileage

I towed home @ 55 - 65 MPH , was downwind most of the time and tried to keep the engine in 4 cyl. mode as much as possible

When I got home I checked the Toyota computer , my jaw dropped when I saw 18.1 MPG , on another trip to MSRH I saw over 17 MPG , on a round trip to TWS I got over 15

I'm beginning to like the Toyota more every day

Trey, not doubting what your computer showed but you may want to fill up the tank after your trip and do the math to check the actual mileage. The trip computer on my dodge diesel routinely states 1.5 to 3 MPG better than the actual mileage when I check it at the pump after filling up.

[trey]

Gale , I not sure I want to know the truth ... If I confirmed , and it was lower , I might not race as much.

[wheel]

That's just Dodge's version of the NASCAR "they're making fuel" comments, when guys are trying to stretch the laps between pit stops.

wheel

[Keith Novak]

My Chevy 1500 will go 170 miles on 1/4 tank. Unfortunately once I turn it off, starting it back up again goes through half a tank.

[Blake Thompson]

I'm towing my Miata on a 14ft steel open trailer with a 2011 Toyota 4 Runner V6

Yesterday I picked up my car @ MSRH and filled up right before I got to the track & reset the mileage

I towed home @ 55 - 65 MPH , was downwind most of the time and tried to keep the engine in 4 cyl. mode as much as possible

When I got home I checked the Toyota computer , my jaw dropped when I saw 18.1 MPG , on another trip to MSRH I saw over 17 MPG , on a round trip to TWS I got over 15

I'm beginning to like the Toyota more every day

My dad and I towed from Kentucky. My double trailer, his 24' box. At 70 our mpg was about equal