Energy Efficiency Analysis of U-Haul Truck and Trailer Systems: Impact of Tongue Weight and Load Variations

The demand for improved energy efficiency in real-world vehicle operations continues to grow with technology enhancement. When transporting large cargos with passenger pickup trucks and rental trailers, the interaction between vehicle payload, towing configuration, and fuel consumption becomes a key factor in overall system efficiency. Understanding how towing configurations and trailer loading influence fuel consumption and vehicle performance is critical for both consumer guidance and vehicle system design. This study investigates the energy efficiency of U-Haul truck and trailer systems, with a particular focus on the influence of trailer tongue weight. U-Haul truck and trailer simulation models were developed using AVL Vehicle Simulation Model (VSM) software, with an F-350 engine brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) map integrated to represent realistic engine performance. Two configurations with equal payload were evaluated: (1) a U-Haul truck alone, and (2) a U-Haul truck towing a trailer. Within these configurations, multiple scenarios were analyzed, including variations in payload levels and tongue weight distributions. Driving cycles were selected to capture common moving conditions such as urban stop-and-go traffic and extended highway operation. Simulation outputs quantified the interactions among vehicle dynamics, powertrain load, and fuel consumption. Results show clear differences in energy consumptions between standalone and towing configurations, with tongue weight distribution exerting a significant influence on both efficiency and stability. The findings provide practical insights into the energy tradeoffs between independent vehicle operation and towing scenarios. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of load distribution and drive cycle considerations in optimizing fuel consumption, offering a framework that can be extended to rental, commercial, and consumer towing applications where energy efficiency and vehicle performance are important.