bisonp

Another entertaining but not overly useful video by TFL Truck. About what you would expect, the 2.7 pulls better and the 5.0 gets better economy. It did surprise me a bit though just how poor the mileage was for both considering the trailer didn't have much frontal area, but I suppose the elevation had something to do with that. Also found it interesting that the trucks were pretty close in indicated MPG.


The XLT is almost identical to mine, other than I don't have the pano roof.

vulnox

Yeah people always complain on these that the trucks aren't spot-for-spot identical aside from engine. but those are two pretty common builds, rear ends and all, so it's good info. Biggest thing going against the 5.0 in that is the elevation. The 2.7L would likely pull away from the 5.0 while towing even at sea level, but the difference is going to be even bigger at the higher elevation. Still good info though for those that do live in higher elevation areas.

I was impressed with the 2.7L MPG. I expected the 5.0 to do well because it has been known to do very well when towing on MPG, but I totally expected them to come back saying the 2.7L got 4-6MPG or something which how steep that hill is, I suspect the 10-Speed is helping a bit in that situation.

Anyway, I enjoy the videos. As with anything take it for what it is, but take away the comparison part and it's good to see what two very, very common truck builds return for pretty significant towing tasks.

dalola

Those guys are such goobers. Would have been helpful to know what octane gas they used...

LCW

I would guess that fuel econ for the 5.0 benefits at altitude, to the detriment of power? Or not really?

vulnox

Maybe a bit? I know the air is leaner so I think the truck also runs leaner, which all other things being equal would potentially consume less fuel, but I suspect that is offset by them needing to keep the truck at 60 (In all their Ike Gauntlet tests, they try to get to the speed limit and stay right there). So if the 5.0L is making less power due to the leaner air, I would suspect it would need to rev higher to try and make up for the power band basically dropping a few notches across the board. In the end I suspect it all averages out.

My knowledge on engine mechanics only goes so far, especially when it comes to impact of elevation and that. Someone else may have a better picture.

MNgopher

No surprises here. If you tow most of the time, the V8 will deliver better fuel economy. If you tow occasionally, the 2.7 will deliver better fuel economy unloaded.

For me, I tow about 1500 miles a year at around 4500 lbs. The other 14,500 miles I am not towing. For me, the 2.7 works great - delivers good fuel economy unloaded, and more than enough power on tap when I need it. Can't complain...

KYBuckeye

Very similar to my situation, I wish the 2.7 was available in the Lariat 502a package in 2015 when I bought mine. I went with the 3.5 which is fine but is a gas guzzler and doesn’t seem to have any more power in normal driving circumstances.