With today's gas prices, I'm tempted to ride my Paint Horse gelding to Starbucks to save fuel. We've all had to change our habits to pay for fuel. I've reviewed a host of accessories that purportedly increase fuel mileage, but none guarantee increased mileage, as mileage varies based on your elevation, vehicle configurations, and driving style.
However, you can save fuel by investing in a more efficient tow vehicle, and choosing a lightweight, aerodynamic horse trailer. Look for a trailer made from lightweight aluminum with a V-nose front, which cuts down air resistance.
One company that makes lightweight, aerodynamic trailers is Brenderup Real Trailers (www.brenderuprealtrailers.com); the trailer's unique shape and roofline forces air upward at the back of the trailer. Featherlite (800/800-1230; www.fthr.com) also offers a nice array of easy-to-tow aluminum models.
Road Test
I tested a two-horse bumper-pull aluminum trailer with a hay rack, plus drop-down doors on both sides. I compared this model to a three-horse, gooseneck, steel trailer without vents or a hay rack, and smooth sides. Both trailers weighed about the same.
My test showed the gooseneck trailer got three more miles-per-gallon than the bumper-pull, because the bumper-pull's hay rack, drop-down feed doors, and roof vents created drag. Gooseneck trailers deflect air over your truck cab better than a bumper-pull trailer that receives air at full force off the end of your truck's tailgate.
Drag affects fuel efficiency less so on large, heavy trailers: Moving a larger mass will reach only a certain efficiency level. Also, larger trailer-wheel bearings (ball bearings designed to reduce friction) and oil bath hubs (trailer hubs that use oil for lubrication, rather than grease) roll more easily than smaller ones.
Also consider truck accessories. A truck wing, mounted on the roof, can help lift the air above a gooseneck trailer's nose, which creates less drag. Make sure the wing is a fold-down or removable model to save weight when you're not towing your trailer. Mount it within five feet of the trailer nose for maximum benefit.
Some accessories can increase your fuel mileage by 10 percent. These include a larger exhaust system, pipe, and muffler; a cold-air intake system (which replaces the factory air filter, box, and pipe to increase air flow); and a power programmer (a computer that reads your truck's computer and changes the perimeters for more fuel pressure, injector, and engine timing). But factor in these accessories' cost vs. fuel savings.
One accessory I do recommend is a second fuel tank, which will allow you to avoid filling up in states where fuel costs are high and buy more fuel when you find a deal.
