How To Improve Your Gas Mileage When Towing a Utility Trailer
It's no big secret that gas prices are high, which makes fuel efficiency all the more important. Attaching a heavy utility trailer full of cargo to your tow vehicle is inevitably going to affect its gas mileage, but there are steps you can take.
Below, we cover the key ways to boost your fuel efficiency when towing a utility trailer. For more tips or to explore utility trailers for sale, contact the experts at Mountain West Trailers. Our dealership is based in Heber City, Utah, and we also serve those in Salt Lake City and Provo.
Properly Load the Utility Trailer
First, make sure your utility trailer is properly loaded and evenly balanced. For example, make sure the weight is evenly distributed from left to right. An improperly loaded or unbalanced trailer can cause your tow vehicle to work harder, which will use more fuel.
Be Selective When Loading the Utility Trailer
Extra weight will hurt a tow vehicle's fuel efficiency. Focus on only packing the essentials, which will help maximize gas mileage. Remember to only pack the essentials in your tow vehicle as well, not just the utility trailer. Take the time to look in the trunk or truck bed to see if there are any non-essentials that you can remove in order to lighten the load.
If you can, you could even buy the needed cargo closer to your destination. This will keep the utility trailer as light as possible for as long as possible. That way, you'll burn less gas on the drive and save money.
Avoid Stop-And-Go Traffic
Whenever possible, avoid driving in traffic that will frequently stop-and-go. This type of driving can really hurt your gas mileage. Try to avoid towing your utility trailer during rush hour traffic and instead hit the road at a less popular time of day.
If you must drive in stop-and-go traffic, try to accelerate gradually and brake slowly to help conserve fuel.
Keep Your Utility Trailer Well-Maintained
A poorly maintained utility trailer can increase drag and negatively impact your gas mileage. Make sure the tires on your utility trailer are properly inflated, the bearings are well-greased, and so on.
Buy a Lightweight Utility Trailer
When it comes time to buy a utility trailer, choose a model with fuel efficiency in mind. A lightweight trailer will have a reduced impact on a tow vehicle's gas mileage. Fortunately, there are plenty of utility trailers that are lightweight yet still durable.
In the market for a utility trailer? Mountain West Trailers offers a wide selection of options. Check out the models online or stop by our dealership in Heber City, Utah. We also proudly serve those in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah.