final drive ratio, gas mileage, other wear

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fork - 02 Aug 2006 21:38 GMT

Anyone have an idea of how much a typical towing package reduces
highway gas mileage and adds to engine wear, when not towing anything?
I'm talking about on a full sized truck or SUV with a V8. My thinking
is that the lower final drive ratio revs the engine more, increases
wear, increases noise, and lowers mileage on the highway. But maybe I
have it wrong, I'm hardly an expert.

The motivation behind my question is that I'm looking at buying a new
vehicle. The towing package is not an expensive option and even though
I don't to tow anything right now, it might be worth having over the
long run. But if it takes a noticeable toll on (the already terrible)
mileage, and/or adds to engine wear, then I'll pass on the towing
package.

Thanks for your advice.

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Kenneth J. Harris - 03 Aug 2006 18:18 GMT

I'm not an expert either but from what I know, everything you have said
is correct. The change in the final drive ratio (lower gearing=higher
numerical drive ratio) does increase wear and lower mileage because of
increased engine rpm's at a given speed. To what degree I can't even
guess. The engine stayed quiet and doesn't have an oil consumption
problem. Noisier--I really never compared it. I got the package on my
98 Mountaineer V6 when I bought it new and the mileage rating was listed
as a pretty sad 15/19 mpg. Well that's just about what I got--I checked
it a lot in its first couple of years. So, it couldn't have cost more
than 1 mpg or I think I would have seen it. I guess I considered myself
lucky that it got what was advertised so I'm not complaining.

Ken

> Anyone have an idea of how much a typical towing package reduces
> highway gas mileage and adds to engine wear, when not towing anything?
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Thanks for your advice.

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