Towing gas milage

[C424]

We just completed our first long trip with the new camper and tv. We traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas and Southern Missouri with the 30ft bumper pull Springdale. I am pulling it with a 2015 GMC 2500 4x4 gas motor and the loaded trailer weight is 6600lbs. The trip up I got 7.5 mpg and the trip back I got 6.5mpg. During the trip there were lots of hills and a pretty good head wind on the way back. Of course I did not buy the truck for milage but I did not think it would be that bad towing. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to improve milage other than get a diesel? I did not go faster than 65mph towing, typically between 60-63 except in the hills and I filled up with low grade gas. Do things like a bed cover or camper shell help with milage? Any other suggestions would be much appreciated?

[sconner]

I have a Keystone Passport 2920 which is 32.8ft long and weighs in at about 6000 miles. With my 2000 Silverado 5.3L gasser I got about 8-9MPG. I got a new 2016 Silverado 2500 with the duramax last year. I got between 13 and 14MPG on a 3000 mile trip up through the north east. On both trucks, keeping it as close to 60 would yield the best mileage. I admit most of my 3000 mile round trip was closer to 65-70. That diesel just tows like crazy.

Empty my new dmax gets between 20-22 on the highway just average driving. I know you aren't interested in a diesel, just thought I'd share my experiences as my TT is close in size and weight to yours.

[C424]

I have a Keystone Passport 2920 which is 32.8ft long and weighs in at about 6000 miles. With my 2000 Silverado 5.3L gasser I got about 8-9MPG. I got a new 2016 Silverado 2500 with the duramax last year. I got between 13 and 14MPG on a 3000 mile trip up through the north east. On both trucks, keeping it as close to 60 would yield the best mileage. I admit most of my 3000 mile round trip was closer to 65-70. That diesel just tows like crazy.

Empty my new dmax gets between 20-22 on the highway just average driving. I know you aren't interested in a diesel, just thought I'd share my experiences as my TT is close in size and weight to yours.



I’d love to have a diesel but couldn’t justify the expense for something that gets driven about 4 times a month. We usually only do short weekend trips within a couple of hours of the house about once a month and then 1 week long trip a year. Unloaded the thing gets about 13 which isn’t great but not a whole lot worse than my 1/2 ton. My next truck will be a diesel though.


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[sconner]

I understand! I used my 1/2 ton gasser for over 200,000 miles! I keep my vehicles until they are ready for he recycler. ;-)

[SummitPond]

We have a 2012 Ford gas F250 crew cab long bed (about 21' long) and pull a 19FBPR (about 23' long tongue to bumper). The trailer, fully loaded, is about 6500#. Pulling, we average 10 - 12 mpg, and a headwind can really hurt! It can bring us down to 8.5 mpg. We typically travel between 55 - 60 mph, more towards the lower end.

[C424]

I understand! I used my 1/2 ton gasser for over 200,000 miles! I keep my vehicles until they are ready for he recycler. ;-)



I’ve never had a 2500 before but didn’t care for how the 1/2 ton pulled the new trailer.


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[C424]

We have a 2012 Ford gas F250 crew cab long bed (about 21' long) and pull a 19FBPR (about 23' long tongue to bumper). The trailer, fully loaded, is about 6500#. Pulling, we average 10 - 12 mpg, and a headwind can really hurt! It can bring us down to 8.5 mpg. We typically travel between 55 - 60 mph, more towards the lower end.



Don’t tell me I need a Ford lol. What size motor is in it?


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[SummitPond]

Don’t tell me I need a Ford lol. What size motor is in it?

It's a 6.2 L.

Edit:

I should have mentioned the rear axle gear ratio: 3.73. That also affects mpg. Do you know yours?

[C424]

It's a 6.2 L.

Edit:

I should have mentioned the rear axle gear ratio: 3.73. That also affects mpg. Do you know yours?



That’s a good point, I think they are 4.10, that’s probably part of the problem.


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[sourdough]

You've got 4.10s but what engine do you have? I have a 6.4 Ram pulling my bumper pull that runs 93-9600 loaded. In terrain similar to yours (much in the same states) I average 8-9 mpg - generally toward the upper end. I a have 3.73 rear end. My previous year model Ram 1500 w/5.7/3.92 got about a mpg less pulling the same trailer (2013). Looks like you may just have to bite the bullet and switch to a Ram or Ford....LOL :hide:

[C424]

You've got 4.10s but what engine do you have? I have a 6.4 Ram pulling my bumper pull that runs 93-9600 loaded. In terrain similar to yours (much in the same states) I average 8-9 mpg - generally toward the upper end. I a have 3.73 rear end. My previous year model Ram 1500 w/5.7/3.92 got about a mpg less pulling the same trailer (2013). Looks like you may just have to bite the bullet and switch to a Ram or Ford....LOL :hide:



It’s a 6.0. I used to be anti ford but my f159 work truck has 190,000 miles on it and has been a good truck. Still can’t say I want to own one lol.


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[LarrySharon]

With my Tundra I avg. about 9 mpg. I am happy with that. I tow a 2017 Hideout that weighs about 6500 with load. I have a 4.7 with a 3.whatever gear.

[08quadram]

I got about 8 1/2mpg pulling my Passport 2920bh with my 08 Ram 1500. 5.7 nemo and 3.92 rear axle. Traded for a new model, upped the tow limit and hopefully slightly better mileage, but pulling campers isn't a done for mileage.

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[C424]

I got about 8 1/2mpg pulling my Passport 2920bh with my 08 Ram 1500. 5.7 nemo and 3.92 rear axle. Traded for a new model, upped the tow limit and hopefully slightly better mileage, but pulling campers isn't a done for mileage.

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True, it is not.


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[Sherwolfe]

My Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost with 3.55 gears pulling a Cougar 28RLSWE at a tow weight of 6890 lbs, gets 9-10 mpg when I average 60 mph. Worst I've gotten is 8.3, the best, was 10.2. It seems pretty consistent with 9.7 mpg.

Plenty of power in the mountains here in Oregon. Empty gets between 19-21 mpg. Did take a trip where mostly flat roads and got 22.9 mpg.

[Ken / Claudia]

You asked about a bed cover, removal of tailgate, have a canopy or not to increase mpg. My own tests none will help enough to make much difference. Gas or diesel 4x4 or 4x2. Same trip, same roads, same speeds as much as possible. By doing the math by hand or the vehicle computer. Some might say .2ths better is better, OK so you spend a thousand for a canopy when is the payoff even. Get a canopy for bed cover not to save your gas budget.

[notanlines]

I just love these discussions.....
With just a little help from Mr. Computer I did manage to find this article on Tundraheadquarters.com.
Basically they said the following:

"1) The largest reduction in aerodynamic drag (7.8%) was observed at 85mph. If the truck averages 18 mpg at this speed, then reducing engine workload 6% would improve fuel economy 1.08 mpg. SO, at 85 mph, expect to see about a 1 mpg improvement with a tonneau cover.

2) At a more realistic highway speed of 65 mph, drag is reduced about 5.5%. Using the same math as above but assuming that only half of the engine’s power is being used to overcome drag at this lower speed, fuel economy is improved by 0.5 mpg.

3) At 55mph or below, the fuel economy benefit basically disappears. Aerodynamic drag isn’t significant until you reach speeds of about 55-60 mph. Technically there would be a fuel savings, but it would be small. Less than a tenth of a mpg.

Driving your tonneau cover equipped truck at 65mph for 20 minutes per day would save you 0.04 gallons of gas, or about $0.14 per day. Under these circumstances, we figure it will take about 30 years of workday commuting to save enough to earn back the cost of a $1000 tonneau cover."

Thanks to the fine folks at http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/the-tonneau-cover-fuel-economy-myth/

[C424]

I just love these discussions.....

With just a little help from Mr. Computer I did manage to find this article on Tundraheadquarters.com.

Basically they said the following:



"1) The largest reduction in aerodynamic drag (7.8%) was observed at 85mph. If the truck averages 18 mpg at this speed, then reducing engine workload 6% would improve fuel economy 1.08 mpg. SO, at 85 mph, expect to see about a 1 mpg improvement with a tonneau cover.



2) At a more realistic highway speed of 65 mph, drag is reduced about 5.5%. Using the same math as above but assuming that only half of the engine’s power is being used to overcome drag at this lower speed, fuel economy is improved by 0.5 mpg.



3) At 55mph or below, the fuel economy benefit basically disappears. Aerodynamic drag isn’t significant until you reach speeds of about 55-60 mph. Technically there would be a fuel savings, but it would be small. Less than a tenth of a mpg.



Driving your tonneau cover equipped truck at 65mph for 20 minutes per day would save you 0.04 gallons of gas, or about $0.14 per day. Under these circumstances, we figure it will take about 30 years of workday commuting to save enough to earn back the cost of a $1000 tonneau cover."



Thanks to the fine folks at http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/the-tonneau-cover-fuel-economy-myth/



Doesn’t seem like much of a benefit. Sounds like something I’m going to have to live with. I figured it up and only spent about $350 on gas, not as bad as I thought.


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[yolo2rv]

Replacing your factory cold air intake with an aftermarket intake, ie: K&N or Airaide, will help your fuel mileage a little. Disengage the cruise when you're into pulling the hills and mountains. A 4 wheel drive will also use a bit more fuel. I have a 2014 Chev Silverado 6.0 L vortec, 2 wheel drive, 4:10 rears, and replaced the air intake. Pulling a 38ft 5th wheel at 60-65mph, I'm averaging 7-9 mpg.

Have fun, Cheers.

[C424]

Replacing your factory cold air intake with an aftermarket intake, ie: K&N or Airaide, will help your fuel mileage a little. Disengage the cruise when you're into pulling the hills and mountains. A 4 wheel drive will also use a bit more fuel. I have a 2014 Chev Silverado 6.0 L vortec, 2 wheel drive, 4:10 rears, and replaced the air intake. Pulling a 38ft 5th wheel at 60-65mph, I'm averaging 7-9 mpg.



Have fun, Cheers.



I may do that. I had cold air intakes on my older trucks but haven’t done it in recent years. It’s worth a shot.


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[rhagfo]

The only thing that will greatly improve you fuel mileage towing and empty is getting a diesel. That said the payback on fuel cost savings is now well north of 100,000 miles.

[Canonman]

I think the biggest milage killer is the frontal sail area created by the TT in addition to the TV. Our Cougar is a little under 10k loaded for travel. Our previous TT was smaller and weighed 7.5k ready to go. The old Dodge gets right at 10mpg with either unit traveling many of the same highways. I have a little fun estimating how much fuel we'll take on just by looking at the trip meter. 250 miles = 25 gallons. DW thinks I'm clairvoyant:)

[gearhead]

Near impossible to get above 10mpg towing with a gasser.
I went from a GMC 6.0 4x4 2500 to a Ford F350 diesel to a Ram 3500 diesel CC 4x4.
With the 3.42 rear gear it just loafs along at low RPM. Sometimes I lock out 6th gear in hills, but sometimes I even forget to turn on "tow/haul".
I'm getting 10-12 towing the 12,500GVW 5th and 17-21 empty at freeway speeds.

[C424]

Near impossible to get above 10mpg towing with a gasser.
I went from a GMC 6.0 4x4 2500 to a Ford F350 diesel to a Ram 3500 diesel CC 4x4.
With the 3.42 rear gear it just loafs along at low RPM. Sometimes I lock out 6th gear in hills, but sometimes I even forget to turn on "tow/haul".
I'm getting 10-12 towing the 12,500GVW 5th and 17-21 empty at freeway speeds.



That brings up another question. What’s the best way to tow hills? Someone mentioned turning cruise off, the truck would tach out at over 5000rpm at times pulling big hills with cruise and tow on.


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[Desert185]

Pretty close to my experience. 3.55 gears with 285/75R16 tires nets 3.42 gears. I figure 10 MPG towing and its a good wag. I just clocked 22.5 on my last fillup yesterday. Manually calculated. Not the automated liar Dodge provides.

I have a Smarty tuner with a boost elbow, cold air with an R2C Black Hex filter, Magnaflow 4” mandrel bent exhaust...and the big mileage increase winner besides the Smarty mileage mode...a FASS Titanium fuel/air separator (1 MPG increase). Also have a tonneau and no draggy mud flaps, unless towing, then Towtectors. I do have an aftermarket front bumper that adds some drag.

The truck is making more power, running better and getting better mileage.

[RLo]

Mileage on my f350 with a 6.oh, that 7.9 was bucking a strong head wind using cruise control with camper and boat. If I keep it 55 to 60 and don't use the cruise in the hills I can run right around 10 mpg all the time.


My tow tune doesn't do much for mpgs, which I pretty much run all the time. The 18mpg at the bottom was no tows on the tank with the street tune. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171015/6c2956721d1f7103f6217c32b10f1eee.jpg

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[sourdough]

I may do that. I had cold air intakes on my older trucks but haven’t done it in recent years. It’s worth a shot.


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A caveat, to me, on the cold air intake is noise. I put one on my first hemi trying to increase power and mileage pulling my boats. Took it off after a couple of months because I couldn't stand the increased intake noise vs the imperceptible gains, if any, that it gave....I'm not 18 anymore and "noise" for the sake of noise isn't cool - it's still in the attic to this day. I had also installed a catback exhaust system and chip - I wouldn't do again; just buy an engine that does what you want it to without the add ons. As far as a bed cover, I never thought about one trying to get mileage, I love it for the secured storage vs open bed.

[Desert185]

That brings up another question. What’s the best way to tow hills? Someone mentioned turning cruise off, the truck would tach out at over 5000rpm at times pulling big hills with cruise and tow on.


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Personally, with my stick, I drop into 5th and watch the speedo and the EGT, with EGT being the limiting factor. Usually, no cruise control unless its a constant grade pull well below max EGT.

[JRTJH]

Way back in 1972 we had a Dodge D200 with a 360 4 bbl and a 3 speed Loadflight transmission. We towed a 20' Jayco JayRaven travel trailer and got about 8-9 MPG.

Fast forward to 2010, we had a Ford F150 with a 5.4l EFI engine with a 6 speed transmission. We towed a 26' Springdale fifth wheel and got about 8-9 MPG.

We now have a Ford F250 with a 6.7l diesel engine with a 6 speed transmission. We tow a 31' Cougar fifth wheel and get about 9-11 MPG.

I don't remember the solo mileage of that Dodge, but it wasn't great, maybe 12 ?? The F150 got about 15 and the F250 diesel gets about 18 in town and 22 or so on the highway.

The point of all this: Things haven't really changed in towing MPG in the past 40 years. Getting 8 or 9 MPG was and is about the "standard" for most gas engines through the years.

[Ken / Claudia]

Funny, my tests over the years to get better mileage with just trucks I owned and Toyota likely spend a ton of money and came up darn near the same results.

[Desert185]

I did mine for power and better running. Mileage was a byproduct.

[C424]

Way back in 1972 we had a Dodge D200 with a 360 4 bbl and a 3 speed Loadflight transmission. We towed a 20' Jayco JayRaven travel trailer and got about 8-9 MPG.



Fast forward to 2010, we had a Ford F150 with a 5.4l EFI engine with a 6 speed transmission. We towed a 26' Springdale fifth wheel and got about 8-9 MPG.



We now have a Ford F250 with a 6.7l diesel engine with a 6 speed transmission. We tow a 31' Cougar fifth wheel and get about 9-11 MPG.



I don't remember the solo mileage of that Dodge, but it wasn't great, maybe 12 ?? The F150 got about 15 and the F250 diesel gets about 18 in town and 22 or so on the highway.



The point of all this: Things haven't really changed in towing MPG in the past 40 years. Getting 8 or 9 MPG was and is about the "standard" for most gas engines through the years.



It’s funny how things don’t really change. I wasn’t expecting good mileage but I thought it would be better than 6.5. Guess I will have to deal with it for now.


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[notanlines]

I can't believe how many members in this thread are being reasonably truthful with their mileage. Usually when diesel mileages are discussed the Cummins are towing triple axle Raptors at 15 MPG and the Ford turbos are getting 30 at 70MPH. 6 and 7 MPG are very real numbers in the gas world and 9 to 11 in the diesel.

[SummitPond]

... https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171015/6c2956721d1f7103f6217c32b10f1eee.jpg
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Query: What is this software? Good points/bad points? Does it communicate with the computer or only keep it on the phone? Thank you.

[C424]

I can't believe how many members in this thread are being reasonably truthful with their mileage. Usually when diesel mileages are discussed the Cummins are towing triple axle Raptors at 15 MPG and the Ford turbos are getting 30 at 70MPH. 6 and 7 MPG are very real numbers in the gas world and 9 to 11 in the diesel.



I don’t feel so bad about it now.


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[ctbruce]

I had a 1500 Silverado getting 6.5 average. Moved up to a 1 ton diesel and now get 11.5. I'm thrilled to death tow wise. I also get better on city and highway milage too.

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[RLo]

Query: What is this software? Good points/bad points? Does it communicate with the computer or only keep it on the phone? Thank you.It is a phone app, my car fuel tracker by alpha app or something like that. I set it up to give me reminders on oil changes and fuel filter changes. I down loaded a few different ones and used them for a couple weeks and decided I liked this one the best

The only bad part I have found is I can look back and see how much money I spend on fuel a month. [emoji17]

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[theasphaltrv'er]

Compare my apple to your orange...Our '13 F-150 HD Ecoboost pulling our 26sab 5er will average 7.9-9.9 in the hills of Southwestern Colorado and 10.5-11.5 is perty typical for most all of our other towing travels. Truck does perty good when we stay away from the 8 - 10,000 ft elevations. That tubo likes to suck the gas. LOL

[SUnderwood]

here is mine at 62 mph

[busterbrown]

My 17 Ram 2500 6.4L gasser now has 12,000 miles on it and averages between 8-9 MPG on long distant trips at cruising speeds between 65-68 mph. I did squeak out 10.1 MPG on one tank (hand calculated) when traveling to Florida over the summer. The cooler night air mixed with a tail wind got me over 10 MPG, I believe. If speeds go slightly above 70 MPH, I can usually see a point deduction with fuel efficiency.

I'm happy as a clam if I average 9 MPGs when towing a 35 ft x 8 ft x 11 ft sail. My previous 1/2 ton TV never seen above 8 MPG's on the freeways towing the same trailer. I regularly see 17-18 MPG's on the freeway when not towing as these big Hemi's have cylinder deactivation.

I looked at buying a 2017 GMC 2500 gasser with the long running 6.0L iron block Vortec. Great engine, in service now since 2007. But, the RAM's just had a better suited interior for me and I couldn't walk away from a huge price adjustment for buying the dealer's demo unit with 3,000 miles. Plus, GMC and Chevy don't have 'MEGA' in their line up. :D My dad, a former 35 year skilled tradesman at GM, wasn't happy that I didn't remain loyal either. :devil:
---But, at least I didn't buy a F$#d, right? :lol: :hide:

[C424]

My 17 Ram 2500 6.4L gasser now has 12,000 miles on it and averages between 8-9 MPG on long distant trips at cruising speeds between 65-68 mph. I did squeak out 10.1 MPG on one tank (hand calculated) when traveling to Florida over the summer. The cooler night air mixed with a tail wind got me over 10 MPG, I believe. If speeds go slightly above 70 MPH, I can usually see a point deduction with fuel efficiency.



I'm happy as a clam if I average 9 MPGs when towing a 35 ft x 8 ft x 11 ft sail. My previous 1/2 TV never seen above 8 MPG's on the freeways towing the same trailer. I regularly see 17-18 MPG's on the freeway when not towing as these big Hemi's have cylinder deactivation.



I looked at buying a 2017 GMC 2500 gasser with the long running 6.0L iron block Vortec. Great engine, in service now since 2007. But, the RAM's just had a better suited interior for me and I couldn't walk away from a huge price adjustment for buying the dealer's demo unit with 3,000 miles. Plus, GMC and Chevy don't have 'MEGA' in their line up. :D My dad, a former 35 year skilled tradesman at GM, wasn't happy that I didn't remain loyal either. :devil:

---But, at least I didn't buy a F$#d, right? :lol: :hide:



I have never been a Dodge fan but I have several friends that have them for pulling heavy trailers and swear by them. To each their own I guess. Still seems like I’m below average compared to everyone else. Guess that’s life, if I could get 8 I would be happy. Lots of good information being shared though. Probably should have kept my 1/2 ton.


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[rcwyatt]

Something I have not seen mentioned. Quality of fuel. I have a 2016 ford f150 with 3.5 ecoboost pulling a 27' approx 5000 bumper pull. I try to stay on secondary roads but do use the interstates. Usually try to keep it around 64 mph. Several times in the last couple of years I have been cruising along getting 10 to 11 mpg, fuel up and suddenly notice a decrease of 2,3 mpg. This has happened with no real change of terrain or speed increases. Only explanation is the quality of gas. Last trip we made I filled up in Lexington, Ky and gas mileage went down 3 mpg almost instantly. I think it was half methanol. Now I know you have to take the on board mileage computations with a grain of salt. My actual mileage is a little less than what the truck indicates. I do believe the mixture of fuel has a lot to do with it. Believe it or not but most of the time when this happens it is "branded" fuel. Anyone else ever noticed this?

[C424]

Something I have not seen mentioned. Quality of fuel. I have a 2016 ford f150 with 3.5 ecoboost pulling a 27' approx 5000 bumper pull. I try to stay on secondary roads but do use the interstates. Usually try to keep it around 64 mph. Several times in the last couple of years I have been cruising along getting 10 to 11 mpg, fuel up and suddenly notice a decrease of 2,3 mpg. This has happened with no real change of terrain or speed increases. Only explanation is the quality of gas. Last trip we made I filled up in Lexington, Ky and gas mileage went down 3 mpg almost instantly. I think it was half methanol. Now I know you have to take the on board mileage computations with a grain of salt. My actual mileage is a little less than what the truck indicates. I do believe the mixture of fuel has a lot to do with it. Believe it or not but most of the time when this happens it is "branded" fuel. Anyone else ever noticed this?



I added 2 bottles of octane booster and get 1mpg more on the way up. I don’t know if that helped. I’ve also noticed that Casey’s gas is heavy ethanol and I get poor mileage with it. Not sure about the others though. I typically use Loves, Flying J and Kroger gas stations.


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[flybouy]

Way back in 1972 we had a Dodge D200 with a 360 4 bbl and a 3 speed Loadflight transmission. We towed a 20' Jayco JayRaven travel trailer and got about 8-9 MPG.

Fast forward to 2010, we had a Ford F150 with a 5.4l EFI engine with a 6 speed transmission. We towed a 26' Springdale fifth wheel and got about 8-9 MPG.

We now have a Ford F250 with a 6.7l diesel engine with a 6 speed transmission. We tow a 31' Cougar fifth wheel and get about 9-11 MPG.

I don't remember the solo mileage of that Dodge, but it wasn't great, maybe 12 ?? The F150 got about 15 and the F250 diesel gets about 18 in town and 22 or so on the highway.

The point of all this: Things haven't really changed in towing MPG in the past 40 years. Getting 8 or 9 MPG was and is about the "standard" for most gas engines through the years.

Over the years the one constant is physics, unless the industry can reduce the drag coefficient towing will cost you fuel milage. With the ever increasing demand for larger and longer units any gains in engine efficiencies are negated by the increased drag. With our truck (has a tuner and dpf delete) towing mpg is consistently 12-14 mpg on flats and 10-12 on hills. Obviously there are to many variables (loaded going/unloaded returning, wind, traffic etc.) to place a single value for towing.
The thing to consider when deciding on diesel or gas with a truck purchase is usage and "value" placed on the difference in what really matters - torque.
With a diesel you will unquestionably have more power to tow and with maintaining the diesel a typical 300,000 mile life expectancy. The transmission will also be a more rugged unit and sustain the stress better than a a transmission paired to a gas engine.
The benefits come with a cost. Higher up front cost, about 3X the cost in maintenance and repairs. Go test drive the same make/model truck with a gas and again with a diesel. You may find you like or dislike the diesel so take note on the plus and minus of each. So what I do is take a sheet a paper and draw a vertical line down the center, one side benefits the other deficits. See which side weights heavily and go from there.
I apologize for lengthy response. I hope it helps.

[Desert185]

I have a diesel and a gasser. The diesel is not three times more expensive to operate and maintain. The Cummins has 334,000 miles and is a strong runner. A GOOD diesel will run much more than 300,000 miles.

My experience...FWIW...

[flybouy]

I have a diesel and a gasser. The diesel is not three times more expensive to operate and maintain. The Cummins has 334,000 miles and is a strong runner. A GOOD diesel will run much more than 300,000 miles.

My experience...FWIW...

My experience...F150 King Ranch 5.4 L gas -oil and filter change $39 @ Ford Dealer. F250 6.4 L diesel - $120 (add another ~$140 for fuel filters)
My simple minded math 3X40 = 120. That's where I live. I use Ford for the oil changes as no arguments if warranty work arises. I wouldn't consider using a Fram or whatever filter or any oil other than Ford after much research on the Ford powerstroke diesels. The 300K number was a placard, not a the engine will die after 300,001 miles.:whistling:
Edit - I stated 3X the maintenance and repair, not operate and maintain. Big difference.

[Jetfixer03]

About the same with my F150 Ecoboost and my 19'. Considering we tow in the Rockies I feel that's pretty good.

[JRTJH]

This statement is in the 2016 F150 Owner's Manual:

"For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer."

A number of EcoBoost owners have commented that they get better performance and better mileage using premium fuel when towing. I don't know how much improvement is "expected" and I can't say whether the improved mileage is offset by the increased cost, so it may be a wash to just accept the lack of maximum performance rather than pay the increased cost for premium gas. Since the OP's vehicle is not an EcoBoost, this may not even apply to his engine performance.

[K_N_L]

I had a 2011 Chevy 2500 gasser (6.0 and 3.73 gears), toying a 30 foot toyhauler at about 9K loaded, the best I ever got was about 8.5mpg on a flat run down I-95 to Florida. I typically would run in the low 60's and get 7.5 to 8.0 mpg on shorter trips. I upgraded to 2015 GMC Duramax and then got b/w 11 and 12 mpg depending on my right foot with that bumper tow. Our current 5ver setup gets us between 9.5 and 10.5mpg.

[rcwyatt]

I have used higher octane fuel and didn't notice any difference in mileage or power. I still use it when I am in the mountains because of the statement in the manual pertaining to heavy towing. I have been told that the computer adjusts the air/fuel mixture so it really doesn't have much of an effect in the ecoboost engines.

[TyeeMan]

Yeah the GM 6.0L gasser was never know as an econo motor. I have 2002 GMC 2500 crew cab, 4WD with the 6.0L. Bought the truck with 70,000 on it and now I have 215,000. The truck came with a K&N cold air intake, , , that is/was the most irritating thing I ever heard. Took it out and threw it away and put the stock air filter and ducting back on. As said previously, I would really question what if any PROVABLE gains are obtained by an after market cold air intake.

Anyway, when I do drive my truck unloaded, the best gas mileage I ever got was just shy of 14 mpg, , I almost fell over! Otherwise it's 13.5 - 13 3/4 MPG until they switch over to the "winter blend" fuels up here in the north land, then it's almost exactly 1 MPG less. And I drive like there's an egg between my foot and the gas pedal.

Towing, the worst fuel mileage I ever got was towing an enclosed deck-over snowmobile trailer, 8' wide X 26' long, 4 sleds, probably approaching 6000 lbs. 5.5 miles per gallon! I have never seen a gas gauge move so fast in my life!! That was one tank, otherwise it was 6.5, maybe 7 mpg.

To the point of drag from a trailer, the next snowmobile trailer I got was an "in-line", 7' wide X 25' long, big V nose. I could easily get 8.5 to 10 mpg pulling that trailer with 4 sleds in it.

Towing and fuel mileage should never be used in the same sentence. Just translate that into how many smiles per mile and you'll be just fine. :)

[larry337]

I have used higher octane fuel and didn't notice any difference in mileage or power. I still use it when I am in the mountains because of the statement in the manual pertaining to heavy towing. I have been told that the computer adjusts the air/fuel mixture so it really doesn't have much of an effect in the ecoboost engines.I have never been a Dodge fan but I have several friends that have them for pulling heavy trailers and swear by them. To each their own I guess. Still seems like I’m below average compared to everyone else. Guess that’s life, if I could get 8 I would be happy. Lots of good information being shared though. Probably should have kept my 1/2 ton.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkA gasser is what it is. Friend of mine had the Chevy 6.0l. In hills and head winds he also got 6.5ish. Good motor but thirsty. You mentioned you were pulling hills at 5000 rpm. There's your 6.5. I suspect you'll do 8 on flat land and calm winds. I just arrived in Florida, around 1000 miles at 65-70. 2017 F350 diesel with 3.55 rear end. My trailer is 12,000 lb fiver. My third diesel. You don't save money, if money is the object then buy a gasser. You buy a diesel for the power and the big smile it puts on your face! For reference here's my numbers on this trip. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/5075e289391e42dd24cebd1df1ec3dc0.jpg

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[TyeeMan]

Yep, pretty sure I'd be smiling ear to ear if my gauge cluster read numbers like that pulling a big trailer.

I'd love, love to have a diesel, but like some others, I just can't warrant it. Certainly couldn't afford a new one.

In a couple of years I'm thinking I'll trade off my 02 for a more current GMC gasser. The 6.0L with the 6 spd tranny and 4:10s will be way better than my set up now which is 6.0L/4 spd/ 3:73 gears.