Gas rig TOAD weight increase vs. performance

[Paul T]

For you folks with gas rigs I have a towing question. I’ve been towing a Honda CRV now for nearly 4 years with no real problems. As many of the rest of you I chose it due to its relatively low weight and convenient tow procedure set up. I’m thinking of switching to a Ford Explorer TOAD which is right near the maximum weight specs for towing with my rig. Do any of you think or have experience with adding 1000 pounds behind your gas rig? Could you really tell any difference with a 3% to 4% weight increase? I would expect to notice a big difference in mountain driving but hope it’s insignificant for more routine travel routes. Appreciate your thoughts.

[Cousin Ed]

We towed our Colorado (4200 lb) all over the country without a problem with our Suncruiser 37B (W22). Going south for the winter we added our golf cart which put us right at MAX for the hitch. I tried to drive slower and more gently, but I never noticed any difference in MH preformance.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T I would expect to notice a big difference in mountain driving but hope it’s insignificant for more routine travel routes. Appreciate your thoughts.

Paul T, The W-24 is going to unaffected by a 5,000 toad. Just get a hitch that is rated for the job. Look to buy or trade in for an BO Alpha with a 6,500 pound tow rating.


Blue Ox Alpha

[John Hilley]

We normally tow a Jeep Wrangler 4-down, however, when we take our handicapped son, we use a tow dolly to tow the Ford Windstar van. This brings things to near maximum for the towing rating. I do notice the difference, although it isn't significant. Don't really see any difference in mileage.

[Hikerdogs]

We changed toads a few years ago and got a bit of a surprise. We towed our 97 Buick LeSabre on a dolly (4200 lbs combined weight) for 25,000 miles and got a steady 8 - 8.5 mpg.

In 2005 we started townig or 04 Jeep Wrangler (3740 lbs) 4 down. From the day we started towing it (61,000 miles ago) we have been averaging 6.5 - 7.2 mpg. Go figure less weight but poorer mileage. We still drive the same speeds (58-62 mph), carry the same weight, yet can't seem to get anywhere near the mileage we were getting with the heavier car in tow.

About the time we started towing the Jeep most oil companies were phasing in 10% ethanol. Now some have upped the ethanol to 15%. Occasionally we do get better mileage when we can find gasoline without the ethanol. The trouble is places that sell pure gasoline are few and far between.

[Finhawk]

I towed my Jeep for the first time on a trip. The W-24 did great. The only thing I really noticed was taking off from a standstill. It was a bit doggy but as soon as it got up to speed, there was no real difference between that and my 06 Subaru. I still got on the freeways at about 55 to 60.
Even going up the hills between Vegas and Tacoma on Highway 93, 318 and I-84 was just about the same. The shocker was that my gas milage increased by about 1.2. I kinda figured it was because of that "Fat" Jeep pushing!!! I won't mention the weight with my golf clubs in the rear