MPG lost when hitching a car behind and towing...?

Question

My husband and I are moving about 800 miles away and we are trying to figure out if it is a smart option hook my car up on a tow dolly or drive separately. We aren't sure which would be cheaper in the end - - But my question is - does anyone know how many miles per gallon you "lose" when towing another car behind? I read that my husbands car gets 20 MPG highway (and those are always over estimated) - so about how many miles would he get pulling my car (an Alero)? If anyone has some insight that would be great! Thanks!!!!!

Answer 1

It will definitely be cheaper to tow the Alero.

Answer 2

Well weight will make anything get worse fuel economy since the engine has to do more. What kind of car does your husband have though? Cars generally aren't designed for towing heavy loads(such as another car) so you should be more worried about damaging the frame on his car.

Answer 3

Actually your mileage will be less affected than you might imagine as once you are rolling there is little resistence as the close coupled towed vehicle is fully in your cars slipstream so there is minimal wind resestence. The main thing for you to worry about is the combined weight of your car and the tow dolly. If this is more than 80% of the weight of your husbands vehicle you could get snaking and lose it !