It sound like we are in similar circumstances. I am the owner of one
1999 Nissan P/U V6 4x4 w/ Automatic, one 6x12 enclosed trailer and one
F125 shifter kart. Here are my experiences. The truck is rated to tow
5000#. For the last two years, I have towed my MR2 on a flatbed trailer
behind the Nissan. That was probably 4000-4500# between the extra stout
trailer, MR2 and gear. We got 8MPG w/ head wind, 12mpg on open road in
overdrive at about 75MPH. Over major passes out west (like Baker
grade), we will get down to about 35-40 MPH uphill at 4000 RPM in 2nd
gear.
Now, I have a 6x12 kart trailer. It weights maybe 2000#-2500# with two
karts inside and gear. Less weight but more drag. Now at 75 MPH we
consistently get 8 MPG ( as compared to 12 MPG with the MR2 ), and if
there is a head wind, you can kiss 75MPH good bye. I basically run the
truck at WOT in 3rd gear. That is normally some where between 55 and 75
MPH. On the big passes, I can now do 45 MPH, a full 5 to 10 MPH
faster.. . big deal. I think the poor fuel economy mainly has to do
with the fact that I can't run in over drive with this trailer. I only
run in overdrive if the torque converter will stay locked. Once it
unlocks, that's when your transmission life starts getting very short.
So, what have I learned. A major part of fuel economy and top speed has
to do with drag, not weight. Forget about getting a V-Nose and get a
shell for your truck instead. Why break the wind twice, when you can
break it once. Also, don't plan on going very fast. Also, I real like
trailer brakes. It just makes life that much easier. A ramp door is
also good as it makes for easy loading and unloading.
Hope that helps. I was kind of surprise how poorly the truck did with
the trailer. I going to give it a tune up before the next event to see
if economy and performance improve. With 47K miles, it probably time
for some work. If you have any other questions, feel free to write.
Also, since you have a shifter, there is an SCCA F125 list. To join,
send a subscribe message to 'F125@listbot.com' (I think. If not, just
e-mail me).
-Tom
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