Community Forums

Tigrou · 03-22-2015, 01:46 PM

1-When you tow a suv with awd is the mileage counting
I have an Escalade 2009

2-Is it different with a caddy

3-When you tow , Does it change a lot for the fuel mpg on the RV

Thank you

Denis

vsheetz · 03-22-2015, 01:51 PM

Typically most newer cars with electronically driven speedometer/odometer do not count up the mikes when towed. Older vehicles with mechanicals do usually count up the miles.

I would say on the two Motorhome I have had I experience a 1-2 mpg reduction in fuel economy when towing. I tow 5000 lb keep. YMMV due to weight of the toad, weight of the motorhome, etc.

**TonyDi** · 03-22-2015, 01:53 PM

The odometer should not be registering towed miles. As to your question about mileage. I notice very little difference in mpg towing my Grand Cherokee. If you can give us a bit more info on what type of MH you will towing with, you may get a different answer.

denlock · 03-22-2015, 02:22 PM

I tow '04 S10, and it does not register miles.

Tigrou · 03-22-2015, 02:31 PM

I have a 1998 Monaco diplomat 38A motorhome Roadmaster chassis, Cummins 275HP diesel pusher with allison 6spd transmission.

Do you think that it will tow easily.

**TonyDi** · 03-22-2015, 02:40 PM

You should be able to tow easily with that configuration except in hilly/mountainous areas. But you will get there.

Geaux Tigers · 03-22-2015, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigrou

I have a 1998 Monaco diplomat 38A motorhome Roadmaster chassis, Cummins 275HP diesel pusher with allison 6spd transmission.

Do you think that it will tow easily.

I'm thinking the Escalade might be too heavy. You probably only have 4000 or 5000 pound towing capacity with a 275HP motor. My1997 MH was from different manufacturer but had the same motor and it was limited to 4000 pounds.

donandmax · 03-22-2015, 03:33 PM

Tow a Smart Car and you won't even know its back there and neither will the moho. I get 8mpg with or without a toad..

UsualSuspect · 03-22-2015, 03:34 PM

I tow a Jeep and a 3/4 ton diesel truck. While the truck weighs twice what the Jeep does, I get the same MPG with both, about a loss of 1 MPG. You won't win any land speed contests on grades, but it is not a race car either. Neither of mine accumulate miles when I pull them along.

Arch Hoagland · 03-22-2015, 04:10 PM

No the milage won't register.

As far as gas mileage...I've averaged 7.1 mpg calculated over the past 70,000 miles.

Recently I did a 1,200 mile trip over mountains and across the desert without my toad. Hit some good winds too.

So it was an average trip and I got exactly 8.1 miles per gallon.

So my best guess is 1 mile per gallon penalty for pulling a toad.

JFXG · 03-22-2015, 07:25 PM

1) No, an electronic odometer does not register while being towed.

2) In the three years we've had our coach, I have not driven it enough without the towed to calculate mileage.

jondrew55 · 03-22-2015, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigrou

1-When you tow a suv with awd is the mileage counting
I have an Escalade 2009

2-Is it different with a caddy

3-When you tow , Does it change a lot for the fuel mpg on the RV

Thank you

Denis

Being as I'm just getting started I have very limited data. But at least from the computer on my Excursion there might be a slight decrease in MGP towing my 3700 pound Murano. I notice the engine runs slightly hotter, but the computer (not actual how much fuel I use vs miles I drive) milage is virtually the same. We're going on our first long trip next week so I'll have better info then.

Sky_Boss · 03-22-2015, 08:18 PM

Regarding the odometer....

It shouldn't rack up any miles on your toad UNLESS you forget to turn the engine off when towing. Don't ask how I know THAT!

The good news is that you get some really great MPG figures when you do that.

Tigrou · 03-22-2015, 08:34 PM

Thank you very much for your answers.
So if I understand well.
If the switch is off and the transmission at neutral there is no mileage recorded.
My Escalade at 6,000 pounds is a little bit too heavy but it is possible to trail it without damage.
There will be around 1 mpg with my suv at the back

But there is a question unanswered :is it better to tow with a caddy or not. I understand that with a caddy you don't need a special harness installed every time you tow a different vehicle