tega365

I have a 2011 F150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT with a tow package and an aftermarket plugnplay brake controller. I drove 122km round trip and went through roughly 34L of gas. My trip computer reads 32L/100. Is this normal for hauling a 21' 6000lb trailer? My next door neighbour's son has the 11' ecoboost with the same tow package. Same truck, just different engine and he maintained an avg 19/100 hauling a 32' 7000lb 1988 camper over a distance of 700km. That's roughly 1 tank of gas for him vs. my two tanks. Can anyone explain where I may be able to improve my fuel mileage?

acadianbob

Well, let's avoid the 5.0 vs Ecoboost discussion because you have what you have. And your question is how to improve your mileage; not an engine discussion; again.

There are lots of variables that affect towing mileage. Driving style, driving speed, wind, elevation, elevation changes, trailer weight, trailer profile (wind resistance), etc.

But here are some things to consider:
* Accelerate modestly; when safe, take your time getting up to speed
* Reduce your towing speed; 90 to 100 kph saves fuel
* Use cruise control on the flat; don't use it in the hills
* Allow speed to increase downhill and to slow uphill; use your momentum
* Tow with trailer tanks empty; reduce weight wherever possible

Good luck. Safe towing. Happy camping.

canadian-nut-fx4

I have a 5.0 w/tow package and 3.73 gears and I tow a 5800 dry and all loaded 7500 lbs Springdale, I have logged about 2500km so far this summer and my average varies, pending in speed, inclines, wind is a big one, elevation. The best I got was 17.6L on ideal conditions, flat ground no wind, the worst I got was 25L with slight incline and 40-50km head winds. So a lot variables play in part for mileage. Also my average speed is about 105kph on good days and 90-95 on not so good days.

jeffinthebag

I have the 5.0 and tow regularly (cargo trailers). I have friend with both the 5.0 and the ecoboast. Without a heated debate, both trucks get approx the same mileage. Apples to apples.

screw2012

I have a 5.0 liter 2012 XLT 4x4 and tow a 32 foot TT with a weight of 5500 lb and get between 21 to 24 liters per 100 km at about 90 to 100 km/hr.

seaeagle2

I can't help myself on this topic, back in the old days, no one cared what kind of mileage they got when they were towing, 'cause they were towing, and didn't expect to get any mileage... I had a 1977 F250 Camper Special with a 460 4BBL, I got 6 mpg totally empty, and 6 mpg with the camper on it...

tega365

seaeagle2... I understand where you're coming from, but if I may speak for everyone... Gas was a lot and I mean A LOT cheaper back then. I know I know, and so were wages and other things. I guess I shouldn't complain since I DID buy a truck! But the reason why I put this posting on, wasn't to complain about the crappy fuel mileage... well in one way "yes" I did, but my main reason for posting was to find out from other 5.0L owners, is this a descent fuel mileage. I personally think it's overkill and I feel that my truck isn't performing the way it should be. Is there anyone else out there that feels their truck is getting poor gas mileage under towing?

Goose rock

I got a 2013,XLT,4X4 supercrew,5.0 liter,tow package, factory installed brake controller with the 3.55 and 15,000 km on it. I pull a 23 ft / 5,000 pounds (dry) I drove 550Km going to Maine seacoast through the Withe Mountains and maintaining 100/105 km/hour, no wind and made 21.4L/100.

On the way back, I got 23.8L/100...same conditions except that I drove a bit faster (I forgot that I was pulling a TT) Overall I am satisfy as before I was pulling a 3,000 Pounds TT with a Chevrolet Equinox and was doing the same kind of mileage and may be a bit more.

I think that your mileage is a bit excessive. Try to put an egg under your gas pedal.

tega365

I just wanted to update everyone here on my fuel mileage situation... I had my truck into the dealership last monday, and I gave the mechanic a list of problems that I have noticed on the truck... I won't go into detail on them but the fuel mileage I think was a fix in combination of two things. Changing tire sizes and having the computer flashed. I was running P275/60R20 tires on my truck and I'm assuming since my trucks tire placker was fitted for 17's, the computer is probably setup to run efficient fuel mileage based on a P265/70R17 Tire size. I put my originals back on a day before getting it into the shop, so I didn't reset my trip and at that time it was reading 16.5L/100. There was a TSB for the truck to have the computer software updated or something in that nature and when I got the truck back the next day. I filled up the tank and resetted the trip and after a week. I am averaging 13.4L/100 mixed city/hwy. Now I need to set the trailer up and go down the highway for a bit and see what I'm getting. I'll keep you guys/girls posted. WML