Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

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April 23, 2018, 11:25:47 am

We returned from a 1100 mile trip last week and towed the Wrangler for the first time. As is our habit, we keep our speed between 55mph and 60mph and calculate mileage by miles traveled divided by fuel used and fill the tank full each time. Elevations varied from below sea level at Death Valley to 4000 plus feet at various passes on the trip. Winds encountered varied from light to 30kn. The Wrangler weighs a little over 4Klb, depending how many tools I put in the back.

Towing the Wrangler yielded 8.2mpg over the 1100 miles. I was amazed how well the Lazy Daze handled the hills with the Jeep in tow. As a multi-decade trailer hauler, it was a bit of a paradigm shift to make sure I didn't get in a situation where I might have to back up, but my bride is good at "reminding" me of things. I was really surprised by this mpg and ease of towing.

We have towed our enclosed motorcycle trailer over 10,000 miles with the Lazy Daze and have averaged 7.8 mpg with this lighter load. It weighs in at +/_ 2500lb, has a frontal area of 6.5 ft X 8ft, and our driving style remains the same.

I'm not sure that the .4mpg difference is really significantly different with only 1 trip and comparing 10,000 to 1100 miles. I expected to see worse mpg with the Jeep considering the 4 larger tires on the ground and the increased weight, and I was surprised by the results. This does cause me to wonder if the difference can be attributed to the increased wind resistance of the frontal area of the trailer vs. the lower profile Jeep.

I really like being able to back the trailer at will, fill it with misc. stuff, and use it for secure storage. The motorcycle and bicycles are always a pleasure. On the other hand, towing the Jeep allowed us to use shorter camp sites, easily take convenient trips while at camp, opened up exploration of interesting unpaved areas that would be inaccessible with the 600lb motorcycle, riding 2 up, and taking the German Shepherd on day trips was much easier in the Jeep than on the motorcycle.. We covered 110 miles of sandy and rocky trails on this trip that we would not have attempted on the bike. As much as I enjoy riding motorcycles, it was nice to not have to wear all of the gear and be able to go hiking comfortably when we reached a destination in shorts and hiking boots compared to MC boots and protective gear.

We will tow the motorcycle trailer for the month of June (Colorado back roads) and it will be interesting to see how we feel about it it after having towed and enjoyed the Jeep.

Harold

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #1 – April 24, 2018, 12:29:59 am

Well, that just sounds like more choices available on a per trip basis. As they say, "and the problem is...?"
Thanks for the stats.
(Disclaimer 32K on the LD, 32.5 w/o a towd. Nowhere else to keep the ladder, rope & beehive).

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #2 – June 24, 2018, 10:14:39 am

Thanks for your post, curious if you can put bikes inside Jeep or on top. I’m avid cyclist as well. Never owned a Jeep though. You taking road or mtb bikes? Thanks in advance Corky ( hoping to get same set up when I retire.)

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #3 – June 24, 2018, 01:47:18 pm

A great post Harold, thank you so much for the detailed information. I tow many different trailer configurations behind my Lazy Daze... here is the coastal setup I use along the Western Seaboard...allows space for many extras on a long trip..

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #4 – June 24, 2018, 02:41:43 pm

"...here is the coastal setup I use ..."

I can visualize and almost limitless list of uses for an arrangement such as that... with the exception of having to take cover under the boat in a hail storm.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #5 – June 24, 2018, 03:43:12 pm

8.2mpg seems about right to me. We got 8.5 when the LD was new, now 8 towing the JK.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #6 – June 24, 2018, 04:06:16 pm

Quote from: Corky Ewing - June 24, 2018, 10:14:39 am

Thanks for your post, curious if you can put bikes inside Jeep or on top. I’m avid cyclist as well. You taking road or mtb bikes?

it's best to store better bikes inside the MH or Trailer. My brother and SIL's MBs were stolen off the back of their trailer last week, in Colorado.
They were well secured with two sets of big, high end locks and cables, can't stop the professionals when they want your stuff.
Bikes and generators are always on the 'to steal' list.

Larry

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #7 – June 24, 2018, 06:42:48 pm

It’s frustrating to think that all our efforts to deter bike and property theft are in vain.

I’ve recently considered using a cable alarm to sound an alert if our bikes are monkeyed with.

I have an alarm attatched to my catalytic converters on my Sequoia that sets off two 300 dB horns when an attempt is made to cut the straps that comprise the alarm components (basically a strap that travels the length of the catalytic converters).

I’ve searched online to located a similar device to run through the bikes when locked to the back of the rig. Just curious if one even exists. Could be another useful deterrent to preserve my relic of a 10 speed and my DW’s Townie.

Any ideas or leads?

The search continues...

Kent

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #8 – June 24, 2018, 07:14:45 pm

In regard to an alarm system for bikes and other high value and easily stole property I found this.

https://youtu.be/XbBsQzLysEk

The YouTube shows what appears to be the Alarm Center of the device I found on Amazon which shows a cabled device.

Available on Amazon. Both pieces for about $300.00 Could be interesting.

Kent

Then again: With both devices and the Control Center in the LD, tracking a stolen Lazy Daze May be possible.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #9 – June 24, 2018, 09:18:40 pm

I cover my bikes with tarp or big blanket and cable lock when on rear hitch rack since they cost more than some used cars. What they can’t see they may not be curious. Also years ago when I had my old breaking bad bounder (same model in show) i would have my wife hand bikes up to me on roof over night to discourage thief’s. Sine they weight so little it was no problem.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #10 – June 24, 2018, 11:28:51 pm

We just returned from a 3 week trip in the Lazy Daze pulling the enclosed trailer. Motorcycle and bikes go in the trailer, all mounted to their respective chocks and mounts. Nothing moves inside the trailer as we drive. At night, I put everything in the trailer and lock the doors. I sleep well that way.
Sometimes we take the road bikes and sometimes the mountain bikes. We are certifiably weird: our road bikes are recumbent.
It works for us.
The motorcycle is our 09 BMW R1200GS. 100,000 miles between this one and the last one. (there were 14 before these 2) It is a fine exploring vehicle and takes us to back roads. gravel and dirt, etc. It has been an excellent motorcycle, but I don't recommend motorcycles for my friends, my children, or anyone else I care about. Cars are what makes motorcycles too damned dangerous.
Great Colorado trip. Other than two flat tires, one on the MH and one on the trailer, it was a great trip.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #11 – June 24, 2018, 11:33:59 pm

Your mpg difference between towing a trailer (14ft tandem axle v nose) and a Jeep Wrangler (2011, 4 door) matches mine. I do not understand why.but I'm sure a wind tunnel test would make it obvious. Maybe it is the large flat backside of the trailer that causes the increased drag.

Re: Observations from towing an enclosed trailer vs. a Wrangler

Reply #12 – June 25, 2018, 12:39:16 am

A place for everything, and everything in it's place.

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Lazy Daze Owners' Group

April 23, 2018, 11:25:47 am

Reply #1 – April 24, 2018, 12:29:59 am

Reply #2 – June 24, 2018, 10:14:39 am

Reply #3 – June 24, 2018, 01:47:18 pm

Reply #4 – June 24, 2018, 02:41:43 pm

Reply #5 – June 24, 2018, 03:43:12 pm

Reply #6 – June 24, 2018, 04:06:16 pm

Reply #7 – June 24, 2018, 06:42:48 pm

Reply #8 – June 24, 2018, 07:14:45 pm

Reply #9 – June 24, 2018, 09:18:40 pm

Reply #10 – June 24, 2018, 11:28:51 pm

Reply #11 – June 24, 2018, 11:33:59 pm

Reply #12 – June 25, 2018, 12:39:16 am

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