Towing a party barge

[Rockyroad217]

Anyone else tow a party barge? Pulled our 18 foot for the first time around 200 miles with a few steep hills running from 55-75 depending on the road. I averaged around 8-9 mpg. Thank goodness for the 33 gal tank. Just wondering what everyone else averaged. Id guess ours weighs around 3k including the trailer, maybe a little more with fuel and misc. I guess the fact that the boat is a huge air dam has alot to do with the poor mileage. I can let off the gas and feel the truck slow down like a parachute lol. I had to lock it out of 8th since it wouldnt be able to hold it long. (This is with 3.21 gears)

 

[Edsram2019]

I average about 11 / 12 mpg with my 6,100# 33ft TT. I lock out in 6th. I got the 3.21.

 

[Finn5033]

I’ve taken two trips with my 17’ Cherokee grey wolf RV fish house. It’s 4,700 lbs dry 25’ total length. First trip was 9hrs total towing, mpg averaged 8.5. Second trip was 3-1/2 hrs total towing averaged 9mpg. I have 3.21 gears and always use tow haul mode.

 

[devildodge]

Okay. I have heard both these terms. But I got to ask...what is a fish house and what is a party barge?

 

[Rockyroad217]

Okay. I have heard both these terms. But I got to ask...what is a fish house and what is a party barge?

A party barge is a pontoon boat. I'm not sure about a fish house lol

 

[Shootin' Nuke]

I think you're doing pretty well. I've been pulling an 18 foot Hurricane deck boat around this summer and I averaged about 11 MPG. It's a little bit heavier (at 5000 lb) but it's also a bit more aerodynamic than the party barge. Wind resistance adds drag very quickly, specially at freeway speed.

BTW, I'm right there with you on the 33 gallon tank. I'm glad I optioned for that when I bought the truck.

 

[Finn5033]

Okay. I have heard both these terms. But I got to ask...what is a fish house and what is a party barge?

I have an RV fish house, it is a camper that is also made to use on the frozen lakes in the winter time for fishing. They have a frame that allows the axle to be detached from the suspension so it can sit flat on the ice. It is also very heavily insulated. I know at least for mine the tongue weight is heavier than usual for a camper of that weight. Mine is roughly 4,600lbs dry weight but my tongue weight is 675lbs. My buddy has a 32’ bumper pull camper that weighs 7,700lbs dry and his tongue weight is a little over 700lbs.

 

[devildodge]

Thanks for the answers. Now I am educated.

Awesome.