bullitt2655

I bought my 2010 F150 S/Crew used( 4.6 3v 3:55 rear end) and aluminum trailer to tow my Mustang to/from events. The first long trip towing (about 4,400 lbs total and +/- 800kms) I got 16.4 MPG (imperial) which I considered pretty good. The route took in some fairly hilly terrain, but I am not heavy footed (driving the truck anyway) and kept it to 100km/h.

I can't speak for mileage when not towing yet as I haven't done enough driving to know!

I would have liked to have the 3:73 rear end, but will likely switch after the warranty is gone. The truck had enough power, but not an over-abundance. I love it!

inhaliburton

That makes sense, fonzo, that the 5.4 would pull better with a heavy load, similar to the opposite experience that I have: i.e., lousy mileage when heavy pulling with the Ranger 4.0 v-6. The Ranger has a 5-speed with OD.

Does the 6-speed tranny have OD?

inhaliburton

What a rip. They nail us for everything. Specifying a rear end used to cost ZERO.

I was looking around at the sticker prices on a Ford lot an hour ago. What gets me is the $250. administration fee!

Assume the position...

inhaliburton

Hey, that's impressive. I can't get that with my 4.0 Ranger in the city!

Impressed again, DanAustin. I get about 14 - 16 if I nurse it pulling a 2500 lbs. landscape trailer with the 4.0 Ranger.

That 4.6 v-8 seems like a good engine. Probably what I'll end up with if I can find a good deal up here. The 5.4 is an option costing well over $1000. up here.

Aggie*86

For your light towing needs you will be plenty happy with the 3 valve 4.6L IMO. I have the 5.4 but have driven the 4.6 and would be happy with either towing that weight. The 4.6 does get significantly better highway MPG when coupled with the 6 speed (21 mpg vs 18). City driving mpg is not alot of difference.

RES4CUE

I have 4.6 3V with the 3.73 rear and it is fine, has good get up. I have yet to tow anything other than about 1000lbs but it didnt notice it was there in hilly area.

If I was worried about crazy towing capibilities while drag racing with the trailer attached I would look at a super duty.

MHC-F150

OP: If this is a work truck and it'll spend most its time pulling/hauling something. Best to opt for the 5.4L, or wait until the 2011's come out and get the 5.0L. I'd also opt for the 5.4L, as it'll get the load moving a lot easier, since the 4.6L is a high revver to get to its sweet spot.

Nope. The 3.73's are an upgrade. Now sure of what is considered stock now, but believe the standard 5.4L comes with 3.55 gears. You can get the 3.73's with the upgraded tow pkg.

Actually, 5th & 6th gears are both OD's.

I've really found the main difference between these two motors in regards to mpg is the gears. Typically the 4.6L has a higher ratio, such as the 4.6L having 3.55's compared to the 5.4L's 3.73. Or 3.31 with the 4.6L and 3.55's with the 5.4L. I've never seen a 3mpg difference between the motors, even with the lowest/highest gears installed.

Plus living where I do, at 5280+ feet, the more power you can get the better. Most vehicles don't give you all they've got with the thin air up here.

04DarkShadowGT

I tow a two place jetski trailer that had probably 2,500 - 3,000 lbs loaded with both skis (1000lbs+ with fuel each) and gear. I have the 4.6L 2V and get 18mpg towing on the highway but I also get 21-22 highway normally. Its certainly not the fastest truck out there, but its more than enough for daily driving.

smurfs_of_war

The part I love the most about this post is the statement "with the cruise set at 80 both ways" and the rearview shot showing the trailer with the 55 label right on it. I see what you did there... you sly dog