CenCalOilBurnin

Hey all. I tried finding specific towing mpg for our model (2021 GLE350 RWD) but haven't been successful. I'd be happy to accept a redirect and apologize in advance if I'm repeating.
Anyways, we have a Geo Pro G16BH (3200 dry/about 4000 gross). We average about 20mpg regular driving and when we were purchasing it, I was stoked to read most only experienced a 2-3 mpg drop when towing. But most are towing with a 4matic. However, my experience is that it cuts fuel economy in half-to about 9.5-10.5 mpg. We are new to the travel trailer world and we love both the Mercedes and our trailer, however we'd enjoy a lot more if we didn't take such a mpg hit when towing. If this is normal, so be it. But just putting it out there to see what others are experiencing.

Thanks in advance!
Steve

Ron.s

I can’t speak to your exact situation but have towed a lot with different vehicles. 2-3 mpg loss while towing would be a very rare exception, IMO. A large block gas powered vehicle with lots of Torque or a diesel will be more efficient than your 4 cylinder in a heavy vehicle.
Speed, hills, wind, aerodynamics and your driving style will also be a factor. I get better mileage than your 20 with my GLE 53 around town or on the Highway so I wonder about that…I don’t drive for economy.

CenCalOilBurnin

Thanks Ron! I definitely see what you’re saying, it’s not really powered for towing. An old coworker of mine said he got better mileage towing with his Duramax than regular driving with his half ton lol!

DavidBN

I've towed a light (~4,000 lbs.) travel trailer several thousand miles in both an ML350 and now with my GLE 450, and typically get between 11-12 MPG. Will be slightly higher or lower depending on mountains and headwinds. Seems like most everyone I talk with at RV parks gets about the same MPG in their tow vehicle.

TexAg91

At what speed? Towing a big box at 75 MPH consumes a lot more fuel than towing that same box at 55 MPH — aerodynamic drag is a function of velocity squared.

mikapen

That's so true.

Example, from towing with our last two ML Diesels, towing a 27', 6,000# Lance travel trailer:That's with Cruise Control set at those speeds, to save gas, but mostly because it's too easy to creep up into higher aero drag.

Gas engines, when working hard, seem to fall off sooner, and they shift a lot more on hills.
Haven't towed with the new GLE yet, but expect 12mpg at 62mph, based on trailer forum feedback.

DavidBN

If the question is to me, my typical freeway speed is 67 mph. The 450 can (as my ML also could) keep that speed up on most all normal freeway hills. I usually watch the gas consumption gauge when towing and note of course that dropping the speed by 10-15 mph will result in higher mpg, but not a whole lot on an average trip. Maybe 12 instead of 11.5.