I have a 2003 F150 with the 5.4L. It has a 2" lift and 33" tires. I was towing 2 quads in a small enclosed trailer and it towed well, but every hill it needed to shift out of overdrive. Now when overdrive is off it tows like a dream. However I want to get better gas mileage. What is the best way to get decent gas mileage when towing lets say a car hauler with a bronco on it? Running with overdrive off or on? And will a chip make my mileage and power better?

 

I tow a 19' camp trailer. A good way to blow your tranny is tow with the OD on. You will never get good G.M. towing. I get 15ish without towing and 8ish towing depending on the hills and wind.

 

Well it wasnt enough weight to make it shift a lot. I was watching it making sure it didnt downshift a ton. When towing more weight i would run with OD off. I just cant afford to pay for gas getting 8mpg...

 

if you want to get good mileage while towing then you should get a f250 diesel.. a 5.4 will get the job done no problem but while towing you will never get good mileage. do not tow while using OD it is horrible for the transmission

 

Good to know. I wanted a diesel but bought a brand new quad instead....oops lol

 

Always turn OD off when going up hills only use it when it's wide open and flat and the truck can hold the speed.

 

To get better mileage you should have gotten a 4.6 instead of the 5.4

 

i have a 4.6 it will whop up on a 5.4 till about 60mph then the 5.4 whops me.
i get 13-15 towing a 3000lb boat. i get 19-23 in the cooler months

 

I would never own a 4.6 they are good but they just don't have the horespower ore torque that a 5.4 dose

 

What the hell are you doing to get 23 in your 4.6? I seriously need to know.