Cross country trip results
07-19-2015, 03:53 PM
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Cross country trip results
The truck is a 2014 Lariat 5.0 SCREW 4X4. A little feedback after a long trip. Our daughter graduated from UC-Santa Barbara last month and we were looking forward to celebrating the culmination of her studies. The question was---fly or drive? Since we live in Charlotte, it’s a bit of a haul to the west coast, but I really wanted to put the truck on the road and compare it to the 2010 Tahoe that was replaced by the F-150.
Starting mileage was 9,653 and ending was 15,798 (6,145 total). Three days out, five days there, and three days back. To say I’m very satisfied with my truck is an understatement. Comfortable ride, super seats, zero problems, and saw an increase in fuel mileage from an average of 15.9MPG starting out to 18.8MPG upon our return home. Highway speeds ranged from 70 to 85 MPH, depending on the locale. Best mileage was keeping speeds about 73-75MPH (almost 20MPG), but fuel flows quickly at 85! I’m not disappointed, as it was what I expected. We made this same trip last year in the Tahoe and struggled to get 14MPG at any speed. The ventilated seats were really nice and truck stayed cool, even in Phoenix, where the temp hit 112 degrees. (As some have noted, however, the fan really roars when the ambient temperature rises. Think DC-3.) I installed a four panel folding bed cover prior to the trip, but I’m not sure if this helped the mileage in any way. The flexibility of the folding rear seats is a big help and having a covered bed just helped to load the bigger items brought back home. Mechanically, having a full time V-8 engine is a relief, too. The Tahoe and its “displacement on demand” feature for the 5.3L V-8/V-4 did nothing to improve mileage and was an annoyance, along with a confused transmission that never seemed to find the right gear. Climbing to 5,000’ on I-20 was a breeze, with the tranny always holding sixth gear.
In all, I think I made a sound purchase and have no regrets. Travels well, pulls a 19’ center console boat with no sweat, and everyone comments on the amount of room in the cabin. Even the usually fussy back seat riders said they found the rear seats comfortable. No noticeable oil consumption and if things remain stable, this truck will suit us for many more miles.
Starting mileage was 9,653 and ending was 15,798 (6,145 total). Three days out, five days there, and three days back. To say I’m very satisfied with my truck is an understatement. Comfortable ride, super seats, zero problems, and saw an increase in fuel mileage from an average of 15.9MPG starting out to 18.8MPG upon our return home. Highway speeds ranged from 70 to 85 MPH, depending on the locale. Best mileage was keeping speeds about 73-75MPH (almost 20MPG), but fuel flows quickly at 85! I’m not disappointed, as it was what I expected. We made this same trip last year in the Tahoe and struggled to get 14MPG at any speed. The ventilated seats were really nice and truck stayed cool, even in Phoenix, where the temp hit 112 degrees. (As some have noted, however, the fan really roars when the ambient temperature rises. Think DC-3.) I installed a four panel folding bed cover prior to the trip, but I’m not sure if this helped the mileage in any way. The flexibility of the folding rear seats is a big help and having a covered bed just helped to load the bigger items brought back home. Mechanically, having a full time V-8 engine is a relief, too. The Tahoe and its “displacement on demand” feature for the 5.3L V-8/V-4 did nothing to improve mileage and was an annoyance, along with a confused transmission that never seemed to find the right gear. Climbing to 5,000’ on I-20 was a breeze, with the tranny always holding sixth gear.
In all, I think I made a sound purchase and have no regrets. Travels well, pulls a 19’ center console boat with no sweat, and everyone comments on the amount of room in the cabin. Even the usually fussy back seat riders said they found the rear seats comfortable. No noticeable oil consumption and if things remain stable, this truck will suit us for many more miles.
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