7aTm11

2015 2.7eb XLT 4x2 w basic tow package. just bought a 28' travel trailer w a dry weight of 5500 lbs.

1) I know you don't want to tow in overdrive, so I assumed the tow/haul button would disallow it to go to 6th gear. It stays in 5th MOST of the time when "tow" is on, but it does slip into 6th when on a decline (and maybe other times). Should I disallow it into 6th completely by using the gearshift toggle to keep it maxed at 5th, or are those slips into 6th welcomed breaks for the engine?

2) I'm only getting 9-11 mpg, was shamelessly hoping for 13-14... does anyone suspect I'm towing incorrectly? what are others getting for mpg's with this configuration?

3) does the "off road" menu provide a good indicator as to whether my truck is level with the camper in tow using my E2 equalizer hitch? (if I'm showing 0 degrees all around, should I consider that "level enough" / if it is showing 2 degrees tilt, is that too much?)

TIA

PerryB

If its constantly hunting back and forth between two gears manually de-select the upper one, but generally putting it in tow mode will take care of that for you. If you're in tow mode and the trans wants to go into 6th let it, assuming its not hunting. Gear hunting puts extra wear on the torque converter clutch. FWIW, both 5th and 6th are overdrives.

With regard to fuel economy, it is what it is. The biggest reason so many people feel their economy is sub-standard is because so many other people lie about it. I've heard people claim they get 20 mpg pulling 10,000 lb. trailers at 70mph. -- another FWIW, I've been flying for 35 years and pilots (as a whole) are the worst fibbers ever when they're comparing fuel consumption rates ! Your mpg figures are somewhat low. How fast are you driving? Speed is a major killer of fuel economy. Years ago I had a '98 Chevy 2500 4x4 with the Vortec 7.4 (454) and a 4.10 axle ratio. Pulling our Dutchmen fifth wheel we had back then (around 7500 lb. with a typical load) it averaged 7.5 mpg on the open road.

Depending on the lay of the ground, the trailer could be considerably out of level when the truck is spot-on. You should have a pair of bubble levels on the front/side of the trailer to determine when its level. I consider the trailer level when measured from the middle of the living area floor or the largest portion of the kitchen counter, take your pick. Once this is established, go stick your bubble levels on the front and left sides of the trailer.
** I just re-read question #3 and realized I misunderstood it. You were asking about hitch set up, not camper leveling. Sorry. Yes, if the truck app. is showing level you're in fine shape.

Ricktwuhk

You may want to read the threads about how to setup the hitch properly, which include measuring the front truck height before and after hooking up the trailer, as well as going to a CAT scale and seeing how much weight you are shifting around. In all the threads I've read I haven't seen any mention of using the Off Road menu to determine that.

acadianbob

You should be able to lock out 6th gear (whether you are in tow mode or not). That will stop the hunting. The truck does not need to shift to 6th for a "breather'.

9 to 11 is typical mileage for towing. Lots of air resistance.

Karbean

I tow a dry 4800# TT (so about 5500/5600 loaded) with my 2016 2.7 Lariat with 3.31 gears. Put 6,000 miles on this summer touring the northeast and averaged 12.3 for the entire trip. Used to have an '11 3.5 EB with 3.15 gears that I put 100K on including several trips through the west, up and down the Rockies. Average milage...12.4 for nearly every camping excursion we took. As with the 2.7, there were legs where we had significant headwinds or long uphill climbs where mileage dropped to 9...but I still smiled as everyone I talked to was getting less for the same individual leg. I keep speed under 65 mph and use non-interstates as often as possible. I'm thinking driving style and gear ratio has as much to do with mileage variations as anything. I doubt that the additional 800 lbs would make that much difference. I have several friends with 2011, 12 EB trucks and none could achieve my mileage average...all were turning 3.55 or 3.73 gears.

bubbabud

When I tow 5 to 7 k [flat bed car hauler with jeep and gear on board] with my 2015 2.7 3.31 I generally lock out 6th if im in the mountains. just seems to perform better and get better mileage. I keep speed at or below 65 engine turning around 2000 rpm seldom down shifts and I don't use cruise when towing in the mountains.

bemac50

Hi I read this thread and see you guys talking about locking out 6th gear how does one do this? I have a 2012 F150 XLT 5.0 supercab with 3:73 gears.
Bill

Ricktwuhk

Little +/- on the gearshift. Progressive range selection. Page 308 of your manual. http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo.../12f12og3e.pdf

SixShooter14

Does the '12 have the "select shift" tranny? on our newer trucks, you hit the "-" button on the shifter to lock-out the top gear, again to lock-out the next top, etc. and the "+" button to add them back.

frieed

most important bit of info is missing.

At what Speed are you towing.

With that much frontal area, speed will murder your gas mileage.
Also, look at your trailer tires.
If they are the typical ST rated tires, then they are rated for 65mph, max.