How the towing fuel estimate is calculated
Start with the distance you expect to tow and the fuel economy you actually see while towing. Base fuel use is trip distance divided by towing MPG. TowAtlas then applies the planning buffer you enter and multiplies the planned gallons by your fuel price.
For a 600-mile trip at 10 MPG, the base estimate is 60 gallons. With a 10% planning buffer, the calculator plans for 66 gallons. At $4.25 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost is about $280.50, or roughly $0.47 per mile.
Why towing MPG matters more than empty-truck MPG
Trailer frontal area, speed, wind, elevation change, traffic, tire pressure, engine load and weather can all materially change fuel economy. If the trip is round-trip, enter the full distance. The planning buffer increases the fuel estimate; it does not change the mileage entered.
This is a budgeting tool, not a fuel-range guarantee. Keep a normal reserve and plan stops around the vehicle's actual usable tank capacity and conditions along the route.
