Towing Fuel Cost Calculator
Towing cuts your truck's MPG by 25-50%. Budget your trip correctly by calculating the real fuel cost with and without your trailer attached.
Enter Trip Details
Round-trip or one-way distance
Your truck's normal highway MPG
MPG drop when towing: 35% (typical: 25-40%)
Why Towing Kills Your MPG
A truck that gets 18 MPG on the highway might only get 11 MPG towing a travel trailer. That's a 39% drop — and it hits your wallet hard on a long trip. The three biggest factors are aerodynamic drag, weight, and rolling resistance.
| Setup | Typical MPG | 500-mi Fuel | Cost @ $3.89/gal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty truck | 18 MPG | 27.8 gal | $108.19 |
| Small trailer | 14 MPG (−22%) | 35.7 gal | $138.87 |
| Large trailer | 11 MPG (−39%) | 45.5 gal | $176.99 |
Example figures for illustration. Your actual MPG depends on truck, trailer, speed, terrain, and weather.
Towing Fuel Cost FAQ
How much does towing a trailer reduce MPG?
Towing a travel trailer typically reduces fuel economy by 25-40%. A truck that gets 18 MPG empty might get 11-14 MPG towing. The exact drop depends on trailer weight, aerodynamics, speed, terrain, and wind. Fifth wheels and large trailers cause bigger drops than small lightweight trailers.
What is the most fuel-efficient speed for towing?
55-60 mph is the sweet spot for towing fuel economy. Every 5 mph above 60 mph costs you roughly 1 MPG. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed, so slowing down is the single biggest thing you can do to save fuel while towing.
Does a weight distribution hitch improve MPG?
Not directly. A weight distribution hitch (WDH) redistributes tongue weight across all axles for better handling and braking, but it doesn't change aerodynamics or reduce fuel consumption. However, by keeping the trailer level, a WDH can prevent poor aerodynamic angles that would otherwise hurt MPG.
How can I improve my towing MPG?
1) Slow down — 60 mph saves significantly over 70. 2) Keep tires properly inflated (truck and trailer). 3) Pack light — every 100 lbs costs 1-2% MPG. 4) Use tow/haul mode to avoid excessive downshifting. 5) Plan routes with fewer steep grades. 6) Keep windows closed at highway speed to reduce drag.
Does diesel get better MPG than gas when towing?
Yes. Diesel engines produce more torque at low RPM, which is ideal for towing. A diesel truck typically gets 2-4 MPG better than a comparable gas truck when towing, and the gap widens with heavier loads. However, diesel fuel costs more per gallon, so calculate the actual cost difference before choosing.