Long trip - Extra weight (generator etc) - Fuel mileage

[quicker]

Folks,

We are looking tow approx 2000 miles (round trip) this summer for a big kids summer vacation trip.

As we plan the trip we are realizing that there are some places we want to stay that don't have power hookups so we'll be dry camping or boon docking.

We have access to a generator,(i.e. that we don't have to buy a very quiet honda 3000) but its fairly heavy at 130lbs.

Is there any formula for figuring out how much "added" weight affects your fuel mileage?



Thanks in advance for any advice.

[AnnArborBob]

You will not notice any difference in mileage because you have an extra 130 lbs. as it represents an immaterial % of your total weight.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Pump your tires up 3psi and forget about the 130lbs.....

Bob

[Rgentum]

General Rule: An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle reduces your MPG by 1 to 2 percent, with lighter vehicles being more affected that heavier ones.

[VT Wanderer]

I always have my Honda 3000 in the cap of my F250 - no big deal. My biggest mpg differences come with big head winds and mountains, like the Big Horns.

[GammaDog]

Ditto above comments. For us the best predictor of our fuel economy is speed. With or without the silver wagon in tow our mileage drops dramatically if I drive 70 vs 55. The generator should have little effect. How quickly you move it from point to point will.

[Bruce B]

That Honda is my favorite generator....ever!
They are powerful, quiet and they run well, although I suppose all Hondas run well.
We just sold ours though as I had one of my "he man moments" and really hurt my back lifting the thing into our truck.
Remember that the 130 pound weight is empty! Add 3.5 gallons of gasoline and you are closer to 150 pounds...
Not much to worry about as far as the tow vehicle is concerned (I'm assuming your vehicle is ok with the load) but watch your back!
Bruce

[VT Wanderer]

Bruce B - I put my honda on wheels - strap it to the back of the truck bed (with a cap). When I use it, I just roll to the gate and go.

[Air83]

Bring the genny....I was camping with full hookups and a storm knocked out power. Turned on the generator and had a/c. Would have been a hot sticky night without it. Worth its weight in gold.

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by VT Wanderer

Bruce B - I put my honda on wheels - strap it to the back of the truck bed (with a cap). When I use it, I just roll to the gate and go.

That's because you are more intelligent than I am!!!

Bruce

[quicker]

thanks guys. much appreciated.

[Keith Gantt]

Before any trip I go through EVERYTHING and take out what is not needed on this particular trip, beach or mountains,boondocking or hookups,warm or cold weather, it does matter plus you know what is in there and where to find it.
We leave in eight weeks on a 7000 + mile trip with five people and I have ( with my children's help ) have made the list, what goes what needs to be purchased what service needs to be done. On shorter trips we are not as fanatical. But it's nice to know what you have before you go.


The Streaming Gantt's