Differences in mileage towing

[Rev Den]

Anybody towed with a enclosed trailer and a open trailer? I am looking for differences in mileage between the two.

Rev

[JohnX]

Behind an XJ specifically? How big of trailer are we talking?

[Rev Den]

Carrying an XJ.

Size don't matter, as long as they are comparitive lengths.

I am trying to find out if towing an enclosed trailer will get me better mileage then a open trailer, and how much better, or worse, to expect.

Rev

[IllianaXJ]

I don't know about mileage, but an enclosed loves to act like a big sail in windy conditions.

[BlueCuda]

My only comparison is about a 4mpg difference. This was with a 2000 Ram 3500 Dually Cummins. Towing a mustang on an Open trailer 13-14mpg 80-85mph. Towing an 24' Enclosed Loaded, tools, cabinets, coolers, generator, truck bed loaded as well, 3400lb car inside(10K approx over truck empty wieght) 10mpg@70-75mph.

[Muad'Dib]

I towed a 5x8 covered fully loaded uhaul trailer 1800 miles just recently. It really seemed heavy...
Gas mileage really sucked. I did drive faster then i probably should have (kept the speed limit or a little more all the way 75-80mph). I got about 220 miles to a tank. (16-17 gallons). Usually without towing this is about what i get when i drive in-town. The 1800 miles to our destination without the trailer (we towed the trailer on the way back) i got about another hundred miles or so each tank.

Hope that helps.

[HaleYes]

Rev, I talked to some older guys that I know who used to haul cars across country for something to do. They're retired, bought a Duramax dually, and went wherever a load needed to go. They've hauled open and enclosed trailers. They claim you'd be better off with your usual setup. Take that for whatever it's worth.:dunno:

[BlueCuda]

There are other things that come with the enclosed trailer. Much less visability, more affected by wind etc, usually wider as well, its alot more work for the truck. While my dually hauled the above mentioned enclosed just fine it wasn't near as care free as an open trailer. I had no problems setting the cruise at 85 with an open trailer, with either my jeep or my car on it. The enclosed is a different story as its definatly back there and requires a little more caution and effort.

[DrMoab]

I have done both. I had an enclosed trailer (OK it was my brothers) V-nose, about 22 feet long. I sold it to XJ4Moab who had a 16 foot flat bed.

The mileage difference is huge. About 2-5 MPG depending on wind. Even with the V-nose the wind would bring you almost to a stop with the enclosed trailer. HTH.

[BlueCuda]

I have done both. I had an enclosed trailer (OK it was my brothers) V-nose, about 22 feet long. I sold it to XJ4Moab who had a 16 foot flat bed.

The mileage difference is huge. About 2-5 MPG depending on wind. Even with the V-nose the wind would bring you almost to a stop with the enclosed trailer. HTH.

I have pulled both a V-nose and a flat nosed trailer with rounded corners and top edge. IMO the flat nose trailer did better, it was heavier even. This wasn't real good back to back testing but I ran less boost on the highway pulling the flat nosed trailer.

This is what the front of the flat nosed trailer looks like. JMO
http://www.classicmfg.com/photos/img0026.jpg

[DrMoab]

I have pulled both a V-nose and a flat nosed trailer with rounded corners and top edge. IMO the flat nose trailer did better, it was heavier even. This wasn't real good back to back testing but I ran less boost on the highway pulling the flat nosed trailer.
Still bet its worse then a flatbed with a jeep on it.

On a side note. Last year I left all my crap on the roof rack of my jeep. Behind my Dodge it made a HUGE difference in the way it pulled. So much so that I stopped and took everything off. It seriously felt like I added a couple thousand pounds.

[Rev Den]

Thanks Doc.

I vaule your opinon more then almost anyone else.

Thanks guys....now if I can only find a way to lock the Jeep on a flatbed.

sigh

Rev

[BlueCuda]

Chain it and use locks? Or are you refering to the interior?

[HaleYes]

Thanks Doc.

I vaule your opinon more then almost anyone else.

Thanks guys....now if I can only find a way to lock the Jeep on a flatbed.

sigh

Rev

You're not going to be able to make anything inside the Jeep very secure with that soft top.

I thought Suzie was going to purchase a topper for that truck of yours?

[Rev Den]

How would a topper help lock the Jeep??
:D

Rev

[HaleYes]

How would a topper help lock the Jeep??
:D

Rev

You put the stuff you want to secure in the topper?

There isn't going to be anyone mess with that Jeep......have you looked at it?:D