A Brenderup Real Trailer is light enough to be towed by a small sport utility vehicle, such as this Toyota 4Runner. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the lighter the better.

With today’s gas prices, I’m tempted to ride my Paint Horse gelding to Starbucks to save fuel. We’ve all had to change our habits to pay for fuel. I’ve reviewed a host of accessories that purportedly increase fuel mileage, but none guarantee increased mileage, as mileage varies based on your elevation, vehicle configurations, and driving style.

However, you can save fuel by investing in a more efficient tow vehicle, and choosing a lightweight, aerodynamic horse trailer. Look for a trailer made from lightweight aluminum with a V-nose front, which cuts down air resistance.

One company that makes lightweight, aerodynamic trailers is Brenderup Real Trailers (www.brenderuprealtrailers.com); the trailer’s unique shape and roofline forces air upward at the back of the trailer. Featherlite (800/800-1230; www.fthr.com) also offers a nice array of easy-to-tow aluminum models.

Road Test
I tested a two-horse bumper-pull aluminum trailer with a hay rack, plus drop-down doors on both sides. I compared this model to a three-horse, gooseneck, steel trailer without vents or a hay rack, and smooth sides. Both trailers weighed about the same.

My test showed the gooseneck trailer got three more miles-per-gallon than the bumper-pull, because the bumper-pull’s hay rack, drop-down feed doors, and roof vents created drag. Gooseneck trailers deflect air over your truck cab better than a bumper-pull trailer that receives air at full force off the end of your truck’s tailgate.

Drag affects fuel efficiency less so on large, heavy trailers: Moving a larger mass will reach only a certain efficiency level. Also, larger trailer-wheel bearings (ball bearings designed to reduce friction) and oil bath hubs (trailer hubs that use oil for lubrication, rather than grease) roll more easily than smaller ones.

Also consider truck accessories. A truck wing, mounted on the roof, can help lift the air above a gooseneck trailer’s nose, which creates less drag. Make sure the wing is a fold-down or removable model to save weight when you’re not towing your trailer. Mount it within five feet of the trailer nose for maximum benefit.

Some accessories can increase your fuel mileage by 10 percent. These include a larger exhaust system, pipe, and muffler; a cold-air intake system (which replaces the factory air filter, box, and pipe to increase air flow); and a power programmer (a computer that reads your truck’s computer and changes the perimeters for more fuel pressure, injector, and engine timing). But factor in these accessories’ cost vs. fuel savings.

One accessory I do recommend is a second fuel tank, which will allow you to avoid filling up in states where fuel costs are high and buy more fuel when you find a deal.

Fuel-Saving Tips
If you’re happy with your current rig, you can still save fuel by maintaining your truck and trailer, watching your driving habits, and lightening your load. Here’s what I mean.

• Inspect wheels and tires. Check the air pressure on all tires — truck and trailer. Inflate your tires to the maximum tire pressure. (On your tow vehicle, find the "safety compliance" sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb; on your trailer, look for the sticker near the hitch’s VIN plate.) Have a qualified, trained tire dealer or mechanic balance the wheels on both vehicles; balanced tires experience less vibration than unbalanced ones, which saves fuel and makes for a less tiring ride.

• Change the filters. When the air and fuel filters are clean, the engine works less, which translates into a more efficient use of fuel.

• Wash and wax. A clean rig will experience less air resistance than a dirty one.

• Check the belts. Make sure the belts (fan, air conditioning, and power steering) are in good shape and aren’t slipping. Replace belts that show wear and tear, or ask a qualified, trained mechanic to do so.

• Watch water levels. Make sure the radiator and battery have enough fluid to get their jobs done efficiently. Low antifreeze levels in the radiator can lead to overheating, which makes the engine work harder; low water levels in the battery increases the alternator’s charge, which makes the engine work harder. (The alternator generates electricity for the starter, lights, etc.) The more the engine works, the more fuel it requires.

• Slow down! Fuel consumption increases dramatically above 60 miles-per-hour. In fact, 55 miles-per-hour is an ideal speed for improved mileage. The faster you go, the more energy it takes for your rig to move through the air. If your truck has a fuel-economy gauge, determine the speed at which the economy maxes out, and don’t go any faster than that. If that means you’re in the slow lane while everyone’s passing you, so what? You can save $60 per day — or more — in fuel expenses by taking it easy!

Expert tip: Watch the tachometer on diesel and V-8 gas engines; at highway speeds stay below 2,000 rotations-per-minute, if possible. This is the fuel-efficiency sweet spot.

• Turn off the A/C. Switch your fan to fresh air on days that aren’t too steamy. And drive at night when the air is cooler and the wind dies down. You’ll save a bundle!

• Lighten your load. Only haul the items you and your horse truly need. Every extra pound you haul means lowered fuel efficiency. Note: Just one gallon of water weighs eight pounds.