Views: 123 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-24 Origin: Site
Towing a trailer can significantly impact your vehicle’s fuel economy—but how, and what can you do to reduce the extra fuel costs?
Whether you’re hauling a flatbed, fuel tanker, or low-bed semi-trailer, the weight, aerodynamics, and mechanical setup of your trailer all play a role in how much fuel your truck consumes. Here's what you need to know to stay fuel-efficient on the road.
When towing, your engine has to work harder to move the added weight. That means it burns more fuel. Even small increases in trailer weight can reduce miles per gallon (MPG). For example, every 100 lbs (≈45 kg) of extra weight can drop fuel efficiency by about 2%.
This effect becomes even more pronounced when you're towing heavy-duty equipment or fully loaded semi-trailers like flatbed semi-trailers or low-bed trailers, which naturally add significant mass to your vehicle setup.
Apart from weight, wind resistance (drag) is a major factor. Trailers have a larger surface area that catches air, especially at highway speeds, forcing your truck to use more power just to maintain speed. Taller and bulkier trailers such as van trailers or fuel tankers face greater drag, impacting mileage further.
Did you know that worn or low-quality parts increase fuel use? Outdated suspensions, leaf springs, or axles cause imbalance and resistance. At Wondee, we recommend upgrading to reliable suspension systems and durable leaf springs to ensure smoother towing and better fuel efficiency.
Likewise, maintaining landing gears and axles in good condition ensures that the trailer rolls properly and doesn’t add unnecessary strain to the truck engine.
While diesel engines are usually more expensive upfront, they tend to be more fuel-efficient under load and offer better torque. If you're towing regularly, especially long distances with heavy trailers, a diesel-powered truck may provide significant savings in fuel costs over time.
Drive at a steady speed. Avoid rapid acceleration or high-speed driving, which increases wind drag and fuel use.
Check your tires. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance.
Use aerodynamic trailers. If possible, select semi-trailers with low wind profiles.
Maintain your equipment. Keep suspension, brake, and axle components in top condition.
Towing will always reduce your fuel economy—but with smart choices in trailer components, careful driving habits, and regular maintenance, you can minimize the impact.
Explore Wondee’s full range of semi-trailers and components on our website to optimize your towing setup:
For expert suggestions on choosing the right trailer parts to improve fuel performance, contact Wondee Autoparts.
