In 2022, gas prices hit record highs in the U.S. As a result, business owners and haulers of all types of trailers are looking for ways to save on costs as much as they can. When your trailer is hitched, there are a lot of factors that can influence the fuel economy of your tow vehicle.
Allow Yourself Extra Time – Take Things Slow
Though it may be tempting to drive as fast as it’s legally possible to get to your destination, it will pay off to pay attention to your speed. That in combination with small changes in your driving strategy can increase your mpg averages. For instance, coasting down an incline and using cruise control if you are driving on a nice, flat road.
While you will have to sacrifice getting there faster, many veteran towers agree that driving at a lower speed is a game-changer. Consistency is key, so the fewer stops the better. If possible, you will want to avoid areas with high volumes of traffic or stop signs. Take advantage of phone apps that can help you find the best route for your tow by informing you about construction, accidents, and traffic jams.
Stay Up to Date on Maintenance
This is a highly important step because when you’re trying to save money on gas, the last thing you want to worry about is paying for maintenance of your tow vehicle and trailer. Perform required maintenance tasks, like watching your tire pressure, when directed. Doing so will keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and improve its fuel economy.
Your trailer’s material also plays a factor in how much maintenance is needed. Aluminum is a great material because it requires less maintenance than other materials, such as steel or wood. There are many great aluminum trailers on the market today like Primo Trailers.
Watch Your Weight
Weight can be a big factor in fuel efficiency. Take a look at the tongue of your trailer and make a note of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). As you load your trailer, you’ll need to keep the GVWR in mind to avoid overloading your trailer. Repair facilities and truck shops have scales where you can check your weight if you suspect it may be a problem. You also want to keep your weight evenly distributed in your trailer.
If it is more convenient for you, think about taking a smaller load. If you are using your trailer for work, are there tools you can leave in a safe place when they are not needed for a job?
Think About Your Tow Vehicle
Before even considering hitching up your trailer to your tow vehicle, check the specs. Your tow vehicle and your trailer need to be compatible. Your vehicle needs to tow not just your empty trailer but your loaded trailer, too, so choose the right vehicle. If you’ll be towing heavier loads, you need a tow vehicle with enough power and adaptability to take on the challenge.
If you need to pull a trailer often, a diesel engine may help cut down on fuel cost. Of course, a big truck may not be the most practical option for you. The most important factors to consider are what you want to tow, how far, and how often.
We Make Lighter Trailers
Material matters, so if possible, consider an all-aluminum trailer. Aluminum is a lightweight material making it much easier to pull. This means you could potentially use a vehicle with a lower tow capacity and with better gas mileage to get the job done. Aluminum trailers also possess other good qualities, such as corrosion resistance. Not only is it lighter, it will typically save you on long-term costs for maintenance.
Primo Trailers offers a wide variety of aluminum utility trailers fit for any of your needs including our very popular Predator line. We encourage you to visit the Primo Trailers website at www.primotrailer.com to find out why we’re rated the best aluminum utility trailer manufacturer.
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