RAJ484

I'm going to be towing a 6000 lbs trailer with a 2010 F-150 4x4 Supercab, 5.4L FFV-6 speed auto with tow package from New Mexico to Iowa in July. Trailer is a 20ft V-nose duel axel with electric brakes. Does anyone have any recommendations for improving gas mileage while towing. Should be all hiway and fairly flat.
Thanks

brulaz

Go slow. 60mph max. 55 if possible.

If I try to keep up with 70 mph traffic on the interstates, my mileage really suffers. So I limit my speed to 60mph. Or go off on slower speed secondary roads where even with the occasional towns and stoplights I get good mileage. In some states, the trucks have a max of 55 on the interstates so I fit right in there.

However you do it. Just go slow. .

KRIEGHOFF

If you drive 60 when the speed limit is 70 you will be a pain in the *** to all the other drivers.

It just never works when you do that!

If you drive 60 on the interstate when everyone is driving over 70 you might as well be talking on a cell phone too!

brulaz

Baloney. 60-62mph is all I do. All I ever have done when towing. All I ever will do. Go around me if you don't like it. Sheesh.

HoustonRider

That's how ford wants it. U will lose mileage big time going the speed limit. Loaded of unloaded.

Sad, but true. Ya can't go 75-80 ( speed limits here in Texas) unless u want to drop 3-4 mpg.

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

Just an FYI for those that do 70+ MPH pulling a trailer, one its unsafe and foolish but two, most trailer tires are not rated for any more than 60 MPH. Not to mention burning a **** ton more fuel. Around here the highway speed limit is 70, but its 60 for trucks, minimum speed is 55. I rarely do 70, in fact I rarely do 65 on my everyday commute, never had an issue, thats what the passing lane is for. The guy behind me thats mad because Im not doing 80 in the right lane isnt filling my gas tank so he can just pass me and get on with his day or deal with it. When Im towing its 55-60 max.

SkiSmuggs

Since trailer tires are only rated to a maximum of 65, he might as well be talking on the cell phone at 70 while waiting for a blowout.

SkiSmuggs

It is not about Ford, but about physics.

ecobeest

Absolute and utter nonsense! A totally irresponsible attitude. .

Try looking at the ratings on tires once in a while before spouting such garbage. .

Here's your sign -->>>

RAJ484

Ok, thanks for all the good info. As it turns out, we towed to Monterey CA.in August, NOT Iowa in July. Speed is the key. Of the 2400 miles we went, gas mileage was anywhere from a low of 8 to a high of almost 11. Average around 10. Kept the speed around 60ish, RPMs were 1500 at that speed. 65mph brought the RPMs up to 2000 plus and the truck would downshift more (raising RPMs) using more gas. Didn't have any problem except in California with a b***hole trucker for Foodmaxx who thought I should just pick my truck and trailer up in the air so he could merge onto the freeway. Otherwise, nobody had any issues with my speed. FYI, our street rod did not sell at the auction so if anyone's looking for a beautiful 38 Chevy, let me know...