Is this even Possible???
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
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Is this even Possible???
Wife and I took a 300+ mile trip this weekend over to Alabama, pulling the trailer. (piggybacker) It weighs 170 and I had about 100 lbs in it. 18 lbs on the tongue. Trailer tires at 20 psi. Bike tires at 36 front and 40 rear.
Gas mileage was only 33 mpg! Running 70-75 for the most part.
We have made this trip two up before, without the trailer, and gotten 46 mpg.
Is this even in the realm of possibility? Or is there some other factor?
I recently replaced the SE paper filter with a K&N filter. Can't think of anything else I've changed.
Should I be looking for a problem...or is my mpg going to suffer that much pulling the trailer?
Gas mileage was only 33 mpg! Running 70-75 for the most part.
We have made this trip two up before, without the trailer, and gotten 46 mpg.
Is this even in the realm of possibility? Or is there some other factor?
I recently replaced the SE paper filter with a K&N filter. Can't think of anything else I've changed.
Should I be looking for a problem...or is my mpg going to suffer that much pulling the trailer?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 4
RE: Is this even Possible???
Whoa!!!!!!!!! A 13 MPG Drop that's a lot.. You might want to check it W/O the trailer just to be sure. I would think and have been told about 5 is the norm.
Other than that how did it pull do you like it ?
Other than that how did it pull do you like it ?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
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From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: Is this even Possible???
Not really uncommon - a lot a factors involved.... AVG.Engine RPS (if your pulling the additional weight to maintain the speed as stated your RPM will be higher then the best fuel range - Type of fuel (if they run a winter grade or even where you buy your fuel can make a differance on MPG) - Outside Temp & Wind - Road Conditions\Type of roads...
I have always maxed out the trailer tires as a harder tire rolls easier....
I have been in some wind that dropped mileage 50% with a good headwind...
Pull your plugs and see how well they're burning....
I have always maxed out the trailer tires as a harder tire rolls easier....
I have been in some wind that dropped mileage 50% with a good headwind...
Pull your plugs and see how well they're burning....
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
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RE: Is this even Possible???
I have found cruising at about 60mph I get around 40mpg when I towmytrailer,so I loose about 10% fuel economy, my trailer weighs about 250lbs loaded. I try to have about 30lbs on the coupling and the trailer tyres which are 10" radials at 14lbs maximum pressure.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Is this even Possible???
That is a heavy trailer, Most run about 130 lbs empty, That is going to have an effect, Mine is Heavy also, 160 lbs, although I haven't pulled it with the Ultra yet, I did get drastic gas reduction when I pulled it with the wing. I got much worse gas mileage than riding friends who were pullling lighter trailers. That little bit of extra weight makes a big difference. I got the same mileage they did when not pulling trailers. I am not sure if it will make any difference in mileage but your trailer will probably pull better if the tongue weight is about 10% of the total weight. at 270 lbs your tongue weight should be at about 27 lbs. Less than that puts to much weight on the rear of the trailer and can result in fishtailing. As mentioned earlier Wind can have a big effect on gas mileage when pulling a trailer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
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RE: Is this even Possible???
I haven't pulled my Bushtec behind my Ultra yet, but do know that pulling it behind my 96 Royal Star and 02 Dyna cruising speed made a big difference. I could really tell a difference in milage between cruising 65 or cruising 75. The Royal Star was the worst because it was geared so high I would often be running in 4th insead of 5th.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 974
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From: Morrisville NC
RE: Is this even Possible???
I have pulled a trailer many times and the mileage does vary quite a bit depending on weight and wind and amount of stop and go driving i went down as low as 100 miles to a tank
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Northford, CT
RE: Is this even Possible???
We have a Bushtec and milage goes down but not that much. Without the trailer get 40mpg or a little better 2 up. With the trailer around 36-37mpg. Trailer is 130lbs weight in trailer 50-70lbs.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
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RE: Is this even Possible???
Thanks for all the input.
I will get out and take it on a long ride (as soon as the weather cooperates) without the trailer and see if my mpg is still up in the mid 40's, or if there is something else going on.
Trailer pulls great, completely happy with handling, braking, of course with all that weight back there it does not have quite the zip, but still plenty of power. Wife loved it...we stopped at a big swap meet and she was able to get a bunch of stuff without wondering how it would all fit in the bags.
Next time out with the trailer I will keep the tongue weight closer to 10%. I did notice a tiny bit of trailer wag when I was approaching 80 mph. Interesting thing about that...I saw it in my mirror, but did not feel it on the bike at all. (no, I was not cruising at that speed on purpose....just sorta crept up to it without noticing)
Will also try more psi in trailer tires.
It was a real shocker when I had to switch over to reserve at 145 miles on the trip meter....I usually can go 200 easily without hitting the reserve.
I will get out and take it on a long ride (as soon as the weather cooperates) without the trailer and see if my mpg is still up in the mid 40's, or if there is something else going on.
Trailer pulls great, completely happy with handling, braking, of course with all that weight back there it does not have quite the zip, but still plenty of power. Wife loved it...we stopped at a big swap meet and she was able to get a bunch of stuff without wondering how it would all fit in the bags.
Next time out with the trailer I will keep the tongue weight closer to 10%. I did notice a tiny bit of trailer wag when I was approaching 80 mph. Interesting thing about that...I saw it in my mirror, but did not feel it on the bike at all. (no, I was not cruising at that speed on purpose....just sorta crept up to it without noticing)
Will also try more psi in trailer tires.
It was a real shocker when I had to switch over to reserve at 145 miles on the trip meter....I usually can go 200 easily without hitting the reserve.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
RE: Is this even Possible???
Figure on mid 30's on fuel mileage. All the factors play a big role with the trailer on. I pull about the same weight, maybe more. Always get 30-38mpg while trailering.
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