ccc150

MY screw up in terminology that 16900 was for GCVWR not payload. It is getting 8.7 MPG so far. Heading for Idaho so the credit card is gonna get a workout. Did get gas for 3.02 outside of Minneapolis today.

smokeywren

The "stinger" for my ProPride 14k hitch weighs about twice as much as the normal shank for a WD hitch. I can handle it with no problem, so it's probably 60 to 70 pounds. It is actually two shanks, one adjustabale shank that goes into the receiver hitch and one that slides into the ball mount. Those two shanks are bolted together as the photo xcntrk posted shows.

smokeywren

Last week I made a trip from Midland TX to Fort Irwin CA, then to Austin TX, then home. Dragging a 7x14 cargo trailer, about 1900 pounds gross trailer weight going to CA empty, and about 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight coming back to Austin, then empty from Austin to home. Loaded or unloaded didn't seem to make much difference in MPG. Averaged about 9 MPG on premium gas at 65 MPH, whether loaded or unloaded. Plenty of power to tow the load, but premium gas in CA and Arizona was over $1.50.

Last night I filled up with unleaded regular at Sam's Club in Midland and it was $2.99.

I've proved that the MPG improves enough with premium gas when towing to pay for the increased price of premium. And the EcoBoost seems to like the premium when working hard. So I usually burn premium when towing.