First "Long" Trip in Hybrid

[campdaddy]

Just got back from our first long (I realize long is relative) 1000 mile round trip 10 day camping adventure in our new Cirrus 190 hybred. We went from Springfield Ohio to Mammoth Cave Ky for 5 days and then over to Warrior's Path SP in eastern Tennessee for 5 days before returning home. For the most part everything when well. The only problem we had was with the TV but it had nothing to do with towing the Cirrus -fuel pump.

Observations about the difference between the popup and the hybrid. The first thing is that, not surprisingly, it tows a lot harder. With the pup I averaged 16-18mpg, with the HB I averaged 10-12mpg. While the hemi did great, you could definitely tell it was working much harder to pull the HB. We towed the first leg of the journey with the water tank empty but from Mammoth Cave to Tennessee  the tank was about 1/3 full and I could tell no difference in towing or handling. We did notice a huge difference though in convenience, being able to pull over for potty breaks or to use the stove, or fridge. And while the stove and fridge are not dependent on whether or not we have water in the tank, we'll be traveling "wet" from now on because of the convenience of the potty with a 5 year old. We also had the threat of severe storms one night in Ky, so we turtled it up and rode the storm out in relative security without worry of damaged canvas.

I did learn one thing about towing; a 19ft trailer sure is a lot longer than a 14ft pup. I had to be really be cognizant of my surroundings when pulling in for fuel. I never hit anything but I did irk a few people once when I couldn't pull through the pumps far enough to avoid blocking access to another pump. Also I figured out -when towing up the grade heading northbound out of Jericho Tn with an outside temperature of 98deg. The water temp began to rise just a little so rather than work the hemi harder than necessary, I just dropped in behind a semi-truck chugging along at about 50mph. Temperature came back down -it never really got too hot to begin with-and everything went well.

So the bottom line is that while it sure is a big difference from towing the pup, it more than makes up for that facet in convenience and security.

[Darrell T]

Glad you had a great time.
One thing I try to do if convenient is use truck stops for fuel. They have auto islands that are generally more generous than 7-11's with the isles so that people towing trailers with gassers have an easier time getting in and out.
DT

[catworker]

I've recently purchased a new hybird.  Like you I've noticed a differents between my popup and the hybird with towing and gas mileage.  We went from 14 mpg to 11.  When it comes to filling the TV's gas tank.  I try and fill up the night before we leave the campground, while I'm unhooked.  We don't travel more than a tank full per day.  Like Darrel I will use truck stops if we are traveling through.  The hybird is much nicer to travel with.   We don't eat out near as much.  Which helps on the pocket book with the gas prices the way they are.  I wish you well with you new camper I hope it serves you well.

[GeneF]

I've recently purchased a new hybird.  Like you I've noticed a differents between my popup and the hybird with towing and gas mileage.  We went from 14 mpg to 11.  When it comes to filling the TV's gas tank.  I try and fill up the night before we leave the campground, while I'm unhooked.  We don't travel more than a tank full per day.  Like Darrel I will use truck stops if we are traveling through.  The hybird is much nicer to travel with.   We don't eat out near as much.  Which helps on the pocket book with the gas prices the way they are.  I wish you well with you new camper I hope it serves you well.

You are getting around the expected mpg with the hybrid.  You have a lot more drag than with a popup.  Now if you want to feel better, I just got 9.2 mpg towing my 30 foot trailer and was extremely happy.  I usually get 8.6.

I find trying to get one of the gas pumps on the outside to be better.  Generally gives me a better exit than if I get one of the middle pumps.

Happy Camping

[SheBantam]

If they are on the way I try to use Flying J truck Stops for gas, most have an RV lane and the gas is usually a few cents cheaper.  If on I 81 there are 2 at Wytheville, the one to the North does not have the RV lanes. and minimal pumps.

I too try to fill up before leaving home and before hitching up to come back, whenever possible.  I have been known to drop the trailer at the campground and find a station before setting up, as all the gas stations on the way were too tight for me to feel comfortable.

If you do not have a WDH (I do not), make sure you use a sway bar, that really really helps with the sling shot effect that passing vehicles can have on the trailer (take my word for it, after a while you barely notice it).  
I have been behind trailers with no sway control and it is not comfortable back there.  Some, like the Jayco popup I used to own, bounced happily along the highway and I did not have a sway problem unless it is my own doing (too fast on downhill curves).  But the Bantam, had to drive home without it one time and it was white knuckes all the way.  The Cabin A I also make sure I have a sway bar.
If on an express way, I make sure it is "woman tight", since i am not as strong as a man (and still have to get it to loosen up), it is tight for me, most guys could get it tighter, I am sure.

people who pull popups only do not realize it is not only the drag, but a good wind makes it a challenge at times.  In a stiff breeze, I have to back off the gas pedal.