flixden

I just noticed that you put some weight on the tailgate at the end - anything behind the rear axle really makes it look worse, as it adds more than it's own weight to the rear axle.
What I am saying is that because of that, this is kinda worst case in terms of sag. If you would have kept everything inside the bed, it could look a little better.

Buck50HD

Yeah, the 256 colors in an animated gif don't do it any justice. The lighting was changing and I think the white balance is off in a few pics but too lazy to go back and fix it.

The trailer is a 26' with a slide and is fairly heavy for the size and tall. Anyway, made about 5-6 trips with it when I had the GMC and got 8.2-9.2mpg, depending on the wind. I was never fortunate to go with the wind but it was 9.2 with no wind. Never got worse than 8.2.

With the Eco, I am getting 8.7-9.5, depending on wind, with E10 87 octane. When I first got the truck, I ran premium and got 10-10.5 on a 4 hr trip one way! When I first saw that, I was excited. Then, I started filling with 87 E10 and now it's typically 9 on average. Tows like a champ and still slightly better than the 5.3. Didn't expect any better being gas and forced induction so I'm fine with that.

Empty... on that same camping trip with premium, got 24.5 on a 70 mile stretch (not down a 5% grade) but going 62mph or less and very little stop and go. In the 50k miles I had the 5.3, I never got 24.5 over 70 miles, no matter what terrain, so I was impressed. Since switching to 87 E10, got 21.0 both ways on the last 500 mile trip back to MI, under 65mph. Both ways had slight headwind so I think I could squeak out 22 calm. My 5.3 would get 19.5 with a headwind on that trip and 20.5 no wind. Overall, the eco is about 5-10% better in most conditions. It's 500 lb heavier, big towing mirrors and higher and get's better with better HP/TQ. Mixed driving has been around 18-20 but my mixed is 80% rural roads under 65.

On the weight placement... yeah, I started running out of room. By the rise in the front end, I'm guessing the rear axle actually had 2600-2700 on it at the end. Up to 2000 it was fairly centered on the rear axle.

Buck50HD

Was going to edit the original post to keep everything on one page but it is locked for editing. Anyway here are a few more pictures I took while doing the test.

Jounce bumper clearance at 2500lb (~2600-2700 on the axle). It didn't spring a leak... that's just water dripping from the box


LT load range E tire with 54psi and 2500lb. Door sticker says 60psi for rear.


Aired up to 76psi:


After seeing the bulge at 54psi, I'd hate to see what a P tire would look like at 35psi

Ford850

Excellent pictures!

3.7

very nice. i am looking at picking up almost this same truck. i notice that the payload capacity on ford's stats for the SCrew with HD is for about 2,330 lbs max (on the 8200 GVWR) so you really loaded the old girl up and she took it like a champ.

flanneljunkie

Many thanks for the information and photos. Loved the animated graphic on the opening post.

Also love the truck!

Buck50HD

No problem, glad this info can help a few out there. When I purchased it, I knew it was stiffer suspension but still didn't know exactly how it would handle being at the full 8200GVWR.

My 5th hitch + 1400 lb pin weight still doesn't level it

Mike Up

That's the truck I wanted minus the Ecoboost. Great pics and information.

We did a 300 mile dealer trade search for a 2012 Screw XLT 4X4 5.0L Heavy Duty package. Only one came back with no options as I think it was ordered as just a work truck.

The new 5.0L has a 7350 lbs vs 7200 lbs GVWR compared to the previous 2010 5.4L truck so I can load it even more. Since my Travel trailer is not very heavy, about 6500 lbs loaded, this truck should be more than adequate. The 2010 5.4L pulled it with ease.

I was hesitant about GM and their 5.3L. Many guys at work upgraded to 3/4 ton GM trucks when pulling a TT longer than 26' because they said the 5.3L just didn't have enough power. The Ford 5.4L was just the opposite with stump pulling torque. The 5.0L hopefully won't be that much worse since I bought one with the 3.73 axle opposed to the 5.4L truck's 3.55 axle.

What options did you get with your truck and if you don't mind me asking, what was the MSRP.

Nice Truck!!

Buck50HD

Yes, I'm aware of your view of the eco. Guess that's why they have two options. Anyway, not sure what sticker was but it had XLT conv package, tailgate step, side steps, backup cam, candy/tint clear paint, pwr rear sliding window. I think that's it aside from the base XLT and Max Tow/HD payload/Eco. The build and price on 2013 is around 45k (similar, I think) for equivalent but didn't pay near that. Actually, didn't pay much more than I did for my 08 GMC 5.3 extended cab. Considering the capability, well worth it. Could have bought a 6.2 SD for about the same but wasn't really impressed with the gas engine in a big pig. The eco has better towing characteristics than even the 6.2 and I didn't lose the 20-21mpg I had with my 5.3. I'll deal with a little condensation if/when the day ever comes. Plus, HD payload makes up for the shortcomings of towing with a 1/2 ton. This truck rocks

3.7

small thing, but also can see front and rear splash guards (always a must for me). fog lights too, which i'm guessing were part of the convenience package?

i'd like to have the power rear window and back-up cam. the one i'm looking at only has the backup sensors (which are still a good option). oh, and of course, the awesome man step. screw howie long.

i'd like to ask you: what software did you use to make that .gif? i've wanted to make one of some other stuff but everything i've downloaded is cr@p.