Optimal Tongue Weight
 

"Steve Schertler" wrote in message
...
I am towing my 29' Donzi with 325-350 lbs tongue weight. I am using the
SenZbar Class III drawbar to weight it. On a Suburban this is giving me
the
best mileage curve.


I don't understand. Are you saying that the hitch configuration is
effecting your gas mileage?


Rod

Optimal Tongue Weight
 

I have never heard of any kind of relationship between a hitch setup and
mileage. What I do know is that the recommended tongue weight is between
10 and 15% of the trailer gross weight (Trailer + load).
Good luck and good boating,
Jim

Rod McInnis wrote:
"Steve Schertler" wrote in message
...

I am towing my 29' Donzi with 325-350 lbs tongue weight. I am using the
SenZbar Class III drawbar to weight it. On a Suburban this is giving me

the

best mileage curve.



I don't understand. Are you saying that the hitch configuration is
effecting your gas mileage?


Rod

Optimal Tongue Weight
 

Actually, the stability of the towing vehicle has a definite effect on
mileage. If the trailer is horsing the car around, causing all sorts of
sideways motion, the engine's going to work harder to keep things steady.
May not be a major thing unless the situation is WAY out of whack, but if
you glance at car/trailer combos on the highway, you WILL see some that are
definitely wrong.

"Jim Brinson" wrote in message
...
I have never heard of any kind of relationship between a hitch setup and
mileage. What I do know is that the recommended tongue weight is between
10 and 15% of the trailer gross weight (Trailer + load).
Good luck and good boating,
Jim

Rod McInnis wrote:
"Steve Schertler" wrote in message
...

I am towing my 29' Donzi with 325-350 lbs tongue weight. I am using the
SenZbar Class III drawbar to weight it. On a Suburban this is giving me

the

best mileage curve.



I don't understand. Are you saying that the hitch configuration is
effecting your gas mileage?


Rod

Optimal Tongue Weight
 

On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 15:10:48 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:
Actually, the stability of the towing vehicle has a definite effect on
mileage. If the trailer is horsing the car around, causing all sorts of
sideways motion, the engine's going to work harder to keep things steady.

==================================

I agree that there is a possible relationship but it's mostly minor
and irrelevant. Tuning the tongue weight for directional stability of
the entire rig is the main priority. Too little tongue weight and the
trailer will start to fishtail at some point; too much and the tow
vehicle goes nose high with light steering and an overloaded rear
axle. I went through all of this last year with a new trailer and it
took several iterations before it was right. Fuel efficiency never
entered the discussion at any point.