MPG: trailer vs. deck

[RMKcowboy]

Is there any difference in MPG's pulling a trailer vs. hauling a deck? I just pulled my 2 place open with 2 sleds on it ~600 miles and was surprised how much the weight of the trailer and sleds pulled my mpg's down. This was behind a 99 F250 PSD going ~65 mph on the highway (right under 2K RPM, the MPG sweet spot for the PSD).

 

[steveo10]

I notice a difference. My sled deck/2 sleds on the back MPG isnt much different than me rolling down the hi-way empty

 

[SnowSnob]

Good question.

I have a 2-placer and was wondering the same thing.

I think wind resistance plays a big part between the 2, especially if you have a salt sheild.

 

[farmboy84]

also think about the extra friction from the extra rubber on the road. i have wondered this for a while too. someone with both go test it for the rest of us!

 

[Sled169]

There is a pretty big difference, you will not get the same mileage as if you are empty, but it should be fairly close. One of the biggest advantages of the decks is the MPG savings over pulling a trailer, not to mention there is less maintenance, no license issues, better for turning around in tight parking areas.

As far as the actual difference in mileage that all depends on the pick up and the trailer style and size. For example I get a lot better mileage with the deck vs. my four place enclosed and I get better mileage with the deck vs. my two place open also.

Sled decks are really coming on in the states, they have been very popular in Canada and even in some of the northern parts of the US. But with he fuel prices and the quality of the decks going up, they are getting more and more pupular every year.

 

[sledskiing]

friend with a dodge V10 said his improved 2mpg when he went from a trailer to a deck.

 

[Blk88GT]

Is there any difference in MPG's pulling a trailer vs. hauling a deck? I just pulled my 2 place open with 2 sleds on it ~600 miles and was surprised how much the weight of the trailer and sleds pulled my mpg's down. This was behind a 99 F250 PSD going ~65 mph on the highway (right under 2K RPM, the MPG sweet spot for the PSD).

Not sure who told you 2k was the spot, but 1700-1800 is what you're looking for.

 

[RMKcowboy]

I've been told that above 2K and you're killing MPG. I usually set my cruise at 65, or just under the 2K mark on the tach. I'm that much closer to off-ing the trailer now... anyone want to buy a 2 place open trailer?

 

[PLUMR]

I have both a deck and a three place enclosed. Mostly use the deck unless three or four are going (4 long tracks fit tight). '02 Dodge dually w/cummins gets 17-18 w/deck and 14-16 w/trailer (more sleds, peps, gear). All said, it's pretty even.

 

[Rush44]

I always thought the deck was the absolute way to go. You could put 2 sleds on the deck and pull a friends 2 sled trailer. Voila, a 4 sled truck. Really easy to save on gas money if your truck is a 4 door and you split the gas 4 ways. That's my next plan.

 

[Scott]

Much better mileage between a deck and 4 place enclosed. Moving a LOT less weight.

 

[Wade]

Sled deck and a two place trailer, and a four door truck, that is the way to go. Sled deck, you can always find a parking spot. Two place can be added on anytime you need to carry three or more, I usually pull a friends trailer, that way we don't have to start the sleds in the Albertsons parking lot. I've even pulled a four place, and a deck, and piled five guys in the truck. You talk about splitting the gas bill.

 

[christian]

wind does make a factor if you travel higher speeds in longer distance for sure....I never thought it made much difference but it does kill a little. I drive a dually crew duramax and I recall doing something like 16-17 doing 75ish on the way to MO this winter and like 14 coming back but not many of anything passed me.... Made good timimg thought!!!!

I wouldn't be to suprised if a small open v-nose two place aluminum trailer would do as good on long trips but driving locally cant beat the deck.

 

[PistonBroke]

keep 'em clean boys

I don't want to threadjack, but is MPG all that matters? I run a clamshell 2-place but am thinking about a deck.

clamshell pro's:
-still pulls easy
-sleds stay 100% clean. This means a LOT to me.
-no foogin' with covers. I HATE covers.
-easier loading - no parking lot drama with loading sleds
-truck and trailer fit in garage night before we leave to sled.

deck pros
-good mileage
-great for spring riding! I might get a deck one day just for this. makes turning around in tight places so mch better, plus you can push farther up the hill when snow gets spotty.

there's my 0.02 FWIW.

cheers
PistonBroke

 

[Supplicate]

if I had a garage, or even better, a shop that I could park the pickup w/ deck on it I would be going that way.

As it stands though, I'm not going to be driving my pickup around the refinery with a deck and two sleds on it. This means its still an enclosed for me. Oh well, planning on getting a deck eventually anyway.

 

[Blk88GT]

Anyone know how much door height you need to put a deck with sleds on it in a building? I've got a 10 foot door, but I'm not sure if that's enough.

 

[sledjunkies]

From my house to Revelstoke and back with a 3 place (20ft) enclosed = $300
From my house to Revelstoke and back with a deck (2 sleds) = $200

Painful on fuel, but worth the extra money just to have the trailer...add the third sled, and the fuel costs the same (split three ways).

Matt

 

[steveo10]

I just like the idea of the sled deck with a 2place behind for spring riding instead of a 4 place

 

[Tec]

PSD'd don't get vary good mileage anyway, my buddies 01 is a real pig, let alone pulling 1,200 lbs

 

[RMKcowboy]

I calculated 14 mpg when I filled up to come home, that was with about 400 miles pulling the 2 place open trailer behind me and about 200-300 miles of running around. Can't complain too much, but I was expecting better.