Fritz

I've been curious about towing mileage of various vehicles. So, I did a search for gas, diesel, and mpg in the forum archives for reference since 1/1/16. The graph below shows the minimum mileage, average (mean) mileage, maximum mileage, and the number ("n") of references. For vehicles with only one reference, the maximum, average, and minimum values are the same. The references that I found cover a range of conditions (speed, terrain, temperature, etc.). Because of this, and because of the small number of listings for most vehicles, the results are anecdotal and not statistically significant. Nonetheless, in aggregate they provide some indication of what one might expect for towing mileage. The results are probably not surprising: (1) half-ton diesels (e.g., ecodiesel) or diesel SUVs did best, (2) gas generally engines fall into the 10-13 mpg range, (3) 3/4 ton diesels seem to get 13-16 mpg. And, of course, towing mileage is only one consideration for selecting a tow vehicle. It is unlikely that I found all mileage references in the forum archives -- the search function doesn't seem to be entirely consistent in picking up the same references over multiple searches. I can expand this mileage compilation with additional data if the results would be useful to enough of you. If you'd like to submit mileage, please respond with the following information: trailer (i.e., LE1 or LE2), tow vehicle, year, engine, gas/fuel mileage while towing, gas/fuel mileage while not towing, the number of miles over which you are estimating the gas/fuel towing mileage, typical travel speed, and the region of the country in which you travel (e.g., NE, SE, midwest, west). I realize that there are lots of other variables (e.g., transmission, axle ratio, vehicle modifications, etc.), but accounting for these becomes too complicated.

So how inefficient would you expect it to be if you're driving anyway, and just charging while traveling?

So, would this be a reason to order the 30-amp convenience connection? The heavy gauge cable could run from the alternator (via relay or switch) to the back for the bumper and then be plugged into the 30-amp connection (assuming it could be done in some sort of weather-resistant manner).

I started this thread a couple of years ago, but given the recent twin vs standard bed discussion, and the fact that there are many new OLE2 owners, I'd like to check again: How many of you are 6'2" or taller, and do you find the twin beds comfortable (with heads toward either the front or back of the trailer)? Thanks!

For those of you with composting toilets, how difficult is it to turn the crank as the chamber begins to fill (i.e., after using the toilet for a couple weeks)? The context here is one of arthritic hands. In advance, thanks for your comments...

Thank you everyone that contributed to this thread. If we order I'm sure we'll be happy with the the Girard (especially in that it can't be deleted from the build). But perhaps today's posting about a dead Dometic awning illustrates the benefits of a simple, sturdy, high-quality manual-crank alternative -- a simpler awning that gets the job done with less risk of failure...

Along these same lines, an app that I really like is Windy (https://www.windy.com/). The app shows world-wide wind patterns; you can zoom into local areas and look at projections for 7+ days into the future. It may not show local events (for example, it did not show the derecho that we drove through in eastern Iowa this week on our way to Idaho), but it does a pretty good job projecting general wind direction and intensity. We use it to plan travel days (or times of the day) to avoid strong headwinds or take advantage of tailwinds.

While it may be possible to manually retract the awning in an emergency, I believe that extension and retraction of the Girard awning is intended to be done electronically with the remote. Although Oliver or those of you with electronic awnings might still convince me that the electronic awnings are better, I think my current preference would be a simpler, manual awning with side support arms. Seems like it would be more stable in wind, could be set at more of a tilt to shed rain better (to provide cover for a least one partially open window in the rain), etc.

Yes, I understand they are going to Girard, but I don’t know which model. I also understand that there will not be a manual option; the only options will be electric or auto-electric with wind sensor.

No, the Girard does not appear to come with support legs. There was an earlier thread about adding support poles (e.g., adjustable REI poles) and guy lines to secure an awning, and perhaps this could somehow be made to work with the Girard.

Perhaps better stated, in your experience does the convenience of electric operation and auto retraction in wind outweigh the stability that comes with older-style awnings having support arms and the ability to tilt for shedding rain (but that require manual operation)? Fritz

I’m curious about your experiences with the electric awnings that Oliver is using (I understand that 2020 awnings are Dometic brand, and that the 2021 models will have Girard awnings). Do they provide sufficient shade, do they retract reliably, do they seem stable? Do you use them in the rain, and if so, does water pool in the awning? Given your experiences, would you prefer an automatic electric awning or go back to a manual awning with trailer-side support arms for stability? Thanks! Fritz

Thanks for the report. How fast are you typically driving to get to the 17.6 mpg average? Is the 50+/- mph going up passes truly comfortable (or is the engine straining)? Last week we drove our 9,000 lb Sprinter up a long driveway with a 10-12% grade — do you think your combo make it up the hill? I realize the 3/4 ton would likely not strain at all, but I’m highly encouraged by the fuel mileage and the range that you’ve achieved with the half-ton. Thanks again.

BigTexas, I’m curious about your experience in towing with the ecodiesel. Has it provided sufficient power? Do you have sufficient payload? Do you have sufficient engine braking on syeep downhills? Have you tracked average towing mpg? If you were purchasing a new tow vehicle, might it be a new ecodiesel (or the Ford equivalent)? In advance, thanks for your insights.

Carl, I apologize for the delayed reply. It looks like you are doing your homework. My only point was that Sprinters come in many sizes and weights, and ours (2500, and outfitted as a camper) is close to 9,000 lbs when loaded for a typical trip with passengers, water, gear, food, etc. (I stop periodically at closed weigh stations to check axle weights). This van weight and an Ollie in tow would exceed the CGVWR of 13,500 lbs. (so no, we do not tow an Ollie with it). However, your van, if substantially emptier, or configured differently, could be just fine with regard to weight limits. Good luck! Fritz

To clarify, I meant a combined weight limit of around 12,000 lbs. Ours has a gvwr of about 8,500, which is approximately what the van weighed when outfitted. We've upgraded suspension to safely handle the 9,000 lbs. Point is, all of these numbers may be substantially different with your van, but there are other criteria than the simple 5,000 lb towing capacity. Good luck! Fritz

As others have mentioned, just as important as towing capacity is gross vehicle weight and hitch weight. The size of your Sprinter (e.g., regular wheelbase, extended wheelbase, etc) influences these other criteria. Our Sprinter, (2008, extended wheelbase, has a gross vehicle rating of around 12,000 lbs (if memory serves), but weighs about 9,000 lbs when traveling (with RV interior, water, normal amounts of food and gear). This, in your case, would leave about 3,000 lbs for towing, insufficient for any Oliver. Fritz

Thank you, Bill and John, for your comments. I've seen one LE2 (thanks to Carol and Stan) on a trip back east last fall, but it was not a twin bed version. I recognize that the bed length is the same, but the twin bed version has less space to hang one's feet over the edge. So yes, we'll look for an opportunity to see a twin bed model in the future.

I'm curious if you tall folks (e.g., 6'2" or 74" +/-) find the the "twin" beds comfortable, given the 75" (6'3") bed length. Do you end up sleeping slightly sideways? Does the rounded corner feel like a space constraint? I apologize if this has been asked and answered, but a search on this topic didn't result in an answer for twin beds... In advance, thanks for your insight. BTW, I've enjoyed lurking in this forum; I've been impressed by the number of thoughtful, engaged owners and the abundant, useful information. Fritz