We are using a F 150 to tow a 3500 pound trailer, where it will be split between city and highway driving. We are having difficulty determining what the approximate gas mileage would be for this. If anyone could help is in recommending a formula or something that does not include having have driven with the trailer before it would be greatly appreciated.

 

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Much of that will be up to you. Wind resistance is a huge factor, so the best mileage is at 50-55 mph. 60 is reasonable on the interstate. Going 70+ and complaining about fuel mileage is just ignorance of the laws of physics.

 

There is no simple formula for figuring this out. Your truck's specs, (of which you neglected to mention to us) wind drag, terrain, speed, heft of your right foot, the planets aligning just right and many other things factor in to the MPG's you can expect. Since we know little to nothing about your truck, the type of trailer and the terrain you will be towing on there is no way for us to even guess as to what your MPG will be.

 

Yes winds, and they're usually headwinds for some reason.

On our recent trip across the continent and back, our worst mileage was fighting the prairie winds of Eastern Montana. Our best was drifting down from the Continental Divide to Spokane WA. Everything else was in between. The overall average was about 12.5 mpgUS (4000# trailer + 1000# gear).

Weight's important in the mountains and during stop-n-go city driving, but as soon as you get over 55mph, wind and wind resistance becomes more important.

 

I had around 12-13 with my truck 5.4 open trailer with a dock on it for out cottage. roughly just under 4000lbs

 

Pulling my utility trailer the past couple of weekends, I noticed that when empty and driving 65-70, I'd get about 14.7 mpg. When loaded and the same speed, it would drop to 14. There is a gate on the back it is like a parachute back there.

 

I had my boat which weighs 5000 pounds behind my truck last weekend and I got 11.2 mpg. 90% highway going 70, the other 10% was city driving. So I'd imagine 2000 pounds less you'll do better. I have the 5.0 as well. Ecoboost might of done better not sure!

 

Tandem axle cargo trailer, 7x14, +6" tall, 2 touring harley's
65 mph with the air and cruise , 14.5 with the eco boost

bobo06

 

What gears do you have in your truck?

I pull a 7 x 14 enclosed trailer with a Polaris Ranger (1480#) and the best I ever got was 10.8!