Saving Money on Gas While Towing
Tips for Saving Money on Gas While Towing Your Boat Trailer
With gas prices climbing every day…literally…you may be tempted to hunker down and cancel or cut back on vacations and trips to the lake. Especially since your vehicle uses more gas when you’re towing your boat trailer. Understandable in the current environment—but a seriously catastrophic result for outdoorsmen and women—and their families—who love spending time on the water in the Great Outdoors. So, the tire experts here at Treadworld have put together a few tips you can use to conserve fuel consumption, get better mileage on the road while you’re towing your boat, and soothe some of that pain at the gas pump.
Plan Your Route Efficiently
Check to see that you’re taking the shortest, most efficient route from your driveway to your cabin or vacation destination. Obviously, less miles means less money spent on gas. But beyond that, whenever possible, avoid high-traffic areas by timing your drive. Leave earlier or later if necessary to avoid rush hour and getting stuck in traffic, stop-and-go traffic, excessive idling—all of which wastes fuel. You may also want to keep an eye on weather since rain and high winds can negatively impact your mileage.
Maintain a Constant, Slower Speed
Maintain as constant a speed as possible to maximize each gallon of gas. Use your cruise control. Don’t start up like a jackrabbit—accelerate slowly and steadily from a complete stop so as not to waste fuel. Though some think that faster speeds are better for fuel consumption because they lead to less time on the road, the opposite is true because at higher speeds, engine performance efficiency drops. In fact, tests show that most vehicles are at peak performance between 50 and 60 miles per hour, and 80 miles per hour can lead to as much as 20-miles-per-gallon higher usage.
When Possible, Limit the Load on Your Boat Trailer
A lighter trailer will lead you to reduced resistance and better mileage. So, when you can, leave the kitchen sink at home. Sometimes, however, you don’t have options when it comes to load. In that situation, make sure that you’ve loaded your trailer smart, streamlined to reduce wind resistance, with no loose ends flapping in the wind.
Maintain Your Vehicle
No surprise—a smooth-running engine uses less gas, so perform any needed repairs before you start on your trip. Change your oil regularly, something that has been proven to improve gas mileage.
Check Your Boat Trailer Tires and Vehicle Tires
Before you hit the road, and whenever you stop along the way, give your trailer tires a quick check to be to be certain they are properly inflated to maximum PSI (pounds per square inch) since PSI that is too low provides gas-guzzling resistance. Also, be sure your tires have a tread that is suitable for highway use because chunky treads that are better-suited for off-roading can also decrease your fuel efficiency. Finally, look for signs of wear, cracking on the tread surface or bulges in the sidewall that may have developed while you’re on the road.
When You Need Trailer Tires, Treadworld Can Help
If you’re not sure you have the best trailer tires for you, or you’re looking for replacement trailer tires or boat trailer wheels and tires, count on us here at Treadworld to provide you with the trailer tires you want, in a wide range of styles and a huge selection of sizes. All our RubberMaster Trailer Tires are manufactured to strict tolerances from top rubber compounds, then triple-tested for quality, balance and uniformity before being X-rayed to be sure they’re perfect. Easy ordering, fast shipping plus your satisfaction is guaranteed with our no-hassle Ultimate Advantage Warranty. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal trailer tires —or the perfect ATV tires, UTV tires, lawn and garden tires, and many others—from our tremendous selection.
