joefrog

Well, we just pulled our camper more than the usual 20-30 miles. We towed from home to a state park just north of Chattanooga, TN for the weekend. 2011 F150 Ecoboost, for a trip of only 165 miles pulling a 28' TT, used an ENTIRE tank of gas to get there. Another to get back.

Wow... I'm stunned. It did pull well, but it did SUCK that gas. Amazing.

Everyone else have similar experiences, or is it just me?

ecobeest

Get used to it. The Ecoboost can just about haul the gates off hell; but it's thirsty when it does.

I average anywhere from 9 to 10.5 MPG when hauling my 5'r. Depends on a number of factors where I actually end up. Fairly typical for that sort of weight and my truck configuration.

My previous 08 5.4 averaged right about 10MPG pulling my TT. It weighed a few thousand lbs less than my 5'r as well.

The ecoboost does better on premium fuel when hauling however it won't make up for the cost differential. Your choice entirely about fuel grade. I use regular all the time; hauling or not.

acadianbob

We pull a 5,500 lb Surveyor on our trips. We tow at 60 mph. We've done a 3,000 mile trip and a 4,000 mile trip towing this trailer. Our towing mileage for both trips was 11 mpg. Wind, terrain, towing speed, load, driving style make huge differences. Using cruise control while towing also consumes more fuel. It is definitely more fuel efficient to keep the cruise off; allow the momentum to increase your speed downhill; allow the speed to bleed off as you go uphill.

I've seen a lot of threads on various forums about Ecoboost fuel mileage; mostly complaints (the nature of internet, who posts good results?). My answer, The Ecoboost is a 365 HP 420 lbs of Torque beast. Using that HP and torque in large amounts takes fuel; there is no free lunch. But, if you use the power only when really needed; drive judiciously; it gives you great results on average. (I'm not picking on your driving! )

Sometimes things conspire against you. We took one trip "out West" to the Big Horns. Huge headwind every day; both directions. We averaged 1 mpg less on that trip; that was with the older 5.4 liter V8.

acadianbob

True dat!

I do use premium while towing. I have found that it does make a difference on holding 6th gear on hills. You can definitely tell the difference.

Since 60 mph is only 1,650 RPM in 6th; not exactly in the fat torque band; even with 3.73s; I do use premium as I prefer to be in 6th. But all of this comes down to personal preference of course.

king nothing

PLEASE tell me that was a 26 gallon tank

Ricktwuhk

Different engine, but drove no trailer 750 miles got 18.5. Drove back with 5x8 loaded up, got 11.5. Strong headwinds too.

joefrog

Yes, 26 gallon. And I had "30 miles to empty" when I parked at the campsite.

raisin

Whenever I tow I make sure its down hill both directions. Oh also always a tailwind.

I also use the trick some others use, I lie about my mileage.

murf

Low of 10 and high of 12 with my 5th wheel. At least it's consistent.

xcntrk

I got 7.5 last weekend hauling my 7600# TT at highway speeds across the mountains. God bless the 36 gallon tank. I never thought I would consider it not big enough!