HAULING WITHOUT
THE HIKED COST:
SAVING GAS WHILE TOWING
Towing a trailer creates a massive amount of drag and weight. However, with the right strategic adjustments, you can reclaim 15–20% of your lost fuel economy.
The Physics of Towing Efficiency
When you hitch a trailer to your vehicle, your engine has to overcome two major forces: **mass** and **aerodynamic drag**. In 2026, most modern trucks are designed for maximum efficiency when empty, but that efficiency disappears the moment you add a boxy trailer to the back. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to minimize the “towing tax” on your wallet.
1. The “65 MPH” Efficiency Wall
The single most effective way to save gas while towing is to slow down. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed. For most towing setups, there is a “fuel economy wall” at 65 miles per hour. Increasing your speed from 65 to 75 MPH can result in a 20% to 30% drop in fuel efficiency. By maintaining a steady 60–62 MPH, you allow your engine to stay in its optimal torque range while significantly reducing the drag caused by the trailer’s front profile.
2. Mastering Aerodynamics
If you are towing a flatbed or utility trailer, how you load it matters. Keeping the load low and centered reduces the “sail effect.” For enclosed trailers, ensuring the trailer is level with the truck is critical. If the front of the trailer is higher than the truck’s roofline, it acts as a giant air brake. Furthermore, keeping the front of your trailer “clean”—meaning no extra toolboxes or bicycles bolted to the tongue—can smooth out the airflow and improve your MPG by 1–2 miles per gallon.
3. Tire Pressure and Weight Distribution
Underinflated tires are a fuel-killing disaster when towing. The extra weight of the trailer increases the “flex” in your tire sidewalls, which creates heat and friction. Always inflate your rear truck tires and all trailer tires to the maximum PSI listed on the sidewall before a heavy haul. Additionally, ensuring your load is balanced (with 10-15% of the weight on the hitch) prevents the trailer from “porpoising” or swaying, which forces the truck’s engine to constantly adjust and waste fuel.
USE TOW/HAUL MODE WISELY
Most modern 2026 trucks have a Tow/Haul button. While many believe this uses more gas, it actually protects your transmission by preventing “gear hunting.” By staying in a single gear longer on hills, you maintain momentum more efficiently. However, once you are on flat, open highway, switching back to standard mode can allow the truck to reach its highest overdrive gear, saving you money during long cruising stretches.
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