Fuel Consumption & Towing

Understanding why it happens and what you can do about it can make a real difference to your travel budget and stress levels!

The main reason fuel consumption rises is simple physics. You are asking your vehicle to do more work. According to research, towing adds extra weight, wind resistance and strain on the engine, all of which increase fuel use.

Key factors include:

• Weight: More load means more energy required to move it
• Aerodynamic drag: Caravans act like a wall of air at highway speeds
• Speed: Wind resistance increases dramatically the faster you go
• Terrain: Hills, sand and rough roads all push fuel use higher

Real-world figures back this up. A typical SUV that might use 10–12L/100km solo can jump to 14–18L/100km or more when towing.

Many drivers unintentionally burn more fuel than they need to. The most common culprits are:

• Driving too fast: Fuel use rises sharply with speed. Even dropping from 110km/h to 90km/h can save several litres per 100km.
• Poor aerodynamics: Roof racks, bikes, and boxy vans increase drag and can noticeably reduce efficiency.
• Incorrect tyre pressures: Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and force the engine to work harder.
• Unbalanced loads: Poor weight distribution increases drag and reduces efficiency.
• Poorly serviced tow vehicle. Regular servicing helps keep tow vehicles safe, reliable and more efficient.

Slow down and drive smoothly.

This is the single biggest win. Cruising around 85–95km/h instead of pushing the limit reduces drag and fuel use. Drive with a light throttle and avoid aggressive acceleration. Small habits make a big difference over long distances.

Reduce drag wherever you can.

Think about how your setup moves through the air:

• Remove unnecessary roof loads
• Choose more aerodynamic vans or campers where possible
• Consider wind deflectors for full-height caravans
• Even small improvements can cut fuel use by around 2L/100km in some cases.

Get your tyre pressures right.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves efficiency:

• Check both vehicle and trailer tyres
• Adjust pressures for load and terrain
• Monitor regularly during long trips

Low pressures can quietly add litres to your fuel consumption without you noticing.

Keep weight under control.

Every extra kilogram costs fuel. Practical tips:

• Pack only what you need
• Empty water tanks when not required
• Distribute weight evenly across the setup

A well-balanced load also improves safety and handling.

Maintain your vehicle and trailer.

Mechanical drag wastes fuel. Simple checks can help:

• Ensure brakes are not dragging
• Keep wheel bearings and hubs in good condition
• Service your engine regularly

A poorly maintained trailer can increase fuel use more than you expect.

Let your vehicle do the work efficiently.

Modern vehicles are designed to manage load:

• Avoid unnecessary manual gear changes
• Stay within the engine’s torque range
• Use towing or eco modes where available

This helps the engine operate more efficiently under load.

Plan ahead to manage costs.

Fuel costs add up quickly when towing. Even small changes in consumption can have a big impact:

• A difference of just 2–3L/100km over a long trip can save hundreds of dollars
• Fuel use can increase by up to 40 percent on steep terrain

Planning routes, speeds and fuel stops helps avoid surprises, especially in remote areas.