Real world towing mileage

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 04:06 PM

Here's the deal, I have been considering a new F-250/350 with the 6.2 gasser (don't really need a diesel) and the 4.30 rear axle ratio to replace the Sequoia as our primary tow vehicle. The Sequoia has the 5.7 engine, six speed transmission and the 4.30 rear gears. The Sequoia tows our 7k TT fine with no real issues other than payload and mileage. It seems that no matter where I go or what I read everyone seems to get better towing mileage than I do. I generally get 8-9 mpg no matter what I do or where I am pulling. I generally stay at 60 mph all the time, even on the freeway. The people in forums that I have visited to get info about the F-series have people talking about getting over 10 mpg towing more weight than I am with the gas engine. I just can't wrap my head around how a bigger vehicle than I tow with now with very comparable drivetrain specs could get better mileage. So that brings me to my point; I would love to hear from you all what your real world mileage is and what conditions you generally tow in. For me it's about 8.5 mpg over 10k miles of towing within 600 miles of Kentucky, how bout you?

Rrickim63 · 12-16-2012, 04:36 PM

I agree. I have a 1999 silverado 5.3L extra cab towing a 2006 roo 23b and never have exceeded 10 mpg regardless of distance or terrain. How do they do it, or are others guessing at mpg?

Cajun Po-Boy · 12-16-2012, 04:48 PM

You'll find that many people don't hand calculate their mileage, they use the DIC reading and that number is usually wrong ( computes high due to averaging miles over the life of truck)

My previous TV was a GMC 6.0 3/4tn with 3.73 gears towing 9500 lbs and always averaged between 7-8 mpgs.

Your numbers are right and getting 10mpg or better, you would always have to drive downhill with a tail wind!

Dave_Monica · 12-16-2012, 04:57 PM

I'd agree that your towing fuel mileage is typical for a gas engine. I wouldn't expect the towing mileage to be any different for the F250 with the 6.2 L gas.

Dave

wyo700 · 12-16-2012, 05:29 PM

I get between 8-10 towing my 6500 pound toy hauler with my Nissan Titan. And I tow just about the same way you do.

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 05:44 PM

Well that's about what I figured. At least I'll get a bigger fuel tank with the truck

BC Boy · 12-16-2012, 05:57 PM

From my observations (and this is just my opinion, I am young and not as wise or seasoned as most

) people seem to list their average speeds of at least 60mph. Some say they average 65 - 70mph. Now I don't know why the people who say they get better mileage are saying this, but if they are driving at a slower speed that would account for some of it. There have been several studies both in Canada and in the States that state if you exceed about 90km/h or about 56mph on the highway your fuel usage will increase by at least 10%. Now I could see that number going up if you're pulling a 5ver what with the extra wind resistance that would create, or just a heavy trailer in general. Again just my 2 cents.

MtnGuy · 12-16-2012, 06:24 PM

There are so many variables to fuel mile:

I don't get as good fuel mileage when the canoe is on the racks.

Deduct a little if the bikes on on the over bed racks.

Hills are killers. I know you should get the mileage back going down the same mountain that sucked all of the gas out of your tank going up....but it just don't happen like that. I gear down, and still have to use the brakes some going down the mountain.....both of those lower fuel mileage.

Level roads are my friend.

But I don't get to those very often.

I try to drive way ahead, stay off the brakes as much as possible, avoid stop and go traffic areas, stay in overdrive if I can keep the transmission from shifting, keep the tires aired up, and leave the cruise control off. I also have a low profile camper which I think helps a bit.

I get around 10 mpg if the taking the canoe along. I got 9.1 on 1 leg of a spring trip when big time headwinds.....there were all sorts of high wind warnings out.

Without the canoe, I am disappointed if I get under 10.5 mpg. 10.5 to 11.0 mpg, with 11.0 to 11.5 on the occasion when I travel fairly level roads, lower speed limits, and stay out of towns.

acadianbob · 12-16-2012, 06:34 PM

We pull as 5,500 Surveyor RV trailer; typically at 60 mph. We recently did a 3,000 towing trip from MN to Louisiana and back. Worst was 9.5 into a nasty wind. Overall trip average was 11.5 mpg. That included some without the trailer. Towing the trailer averaged 11 mpg. Ecoboost engine with 3.73s.

dwaynerz · 12-16-2012, 08:12 PM

i have a 2012 f250 with the 6.2, and i can tell you empty its a pig. lots of power no doubt, but mileage sucks. it is broke in with over 35000 miles (got it with 10 in january 12). we have a 100 gal stock tank (fuel) and a tool box. it is usually hauling around 1000 lbs+ extra with just those 2 items. it occasionally pulls a 5000 lb trailer, and is not lacking for power.

as far as mileage goes, its a company truck with a company gas card, so i dont pay any attention to mileage. i just know i fill it twice a week on average and am glad im not paying for it.

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwaynerz

i have a 2012 f250 with the 6.2, and i can tell you empty its a pig. lots of power no doubt, but mileage sucks. it is broke in with over 35000 miles (got it with 10 in january 12). we have a 100 gal stock tank (fuel) and a tool box. it is usually hauling around 1000 lbs+ extra with just those 2 items. it occasionally pulls a 5000 lb trailer, and is not lacking for power.

as far as mileage goes, its a company truck with a company gas card, so i dont pay any attention to mileage. i just know i fill it twice a week on average and am glad im not paying for it.

I completely understand your situation, I have a company 2010 Chevy 3500 with the 6.0 engine. It has rail gear and a service body full of tools which put it right at the 9600# GVWR all the time. I'm at 28k miles on it now and it's never got better than 8.5 mpg. I would hate to hook a trailer to it...

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acadianbob

We pull as 5,500 Surveyor RV trailer; typically at 60 mph. We recently did a 3,000 towing trip from MN to Louisiana and back. Worst was 9.5 into a nasty wind. Overall trip average was 11.5 mpg. That included some without the trailer. Towing the trailer averaged 11 mpg. Ecoboost engine with 3.73s.

THAT is the mileage I would like to be getting! Your worst is better than my best

Cajun Po-Boy · 12-16-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo0706

THAT is the mileage I would like to be getting! Your worst is better than my best

Gizmo...if you slim down from 7K TT to 5K TT, you'd probably be there

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragin Cajun

Gizmo...if you slim down from 7K TT to 5K TT, you'd probably be there

You would think but the TT we had before this one was probably 1000-1500# lighter and we got the same mileage with it. We also pulled that trailer with a Yukon XL with the 5.3 engine and got the same mpg's with it. I guess I just need a way to make the trailer more aerodynamic!

ohiocamper · 12-16-2012, 08:55 PM

I have a 12 F-250 but I have the diesel and 3:55 rear end. I got right around 13 mpg going to and from Ohio to Chattanooga pulling our 13 salem 27dbud empty I think its just under 7000 lbs. Before I got the diesel I towed with our 05 ram 1500 took the camper down to Destin Florida and averaged 5.5 mpg decided then and there to go buy the new truck.

elind · 12-16-2012, 09:04 PM

I tow my 7000 lb 34ft LaCrosse at 65-70 mph into the wind, I'll get 7mpg. When I go 55-60 mph flatland and a tailwind I can got up to 10 mpg. This is with a max'd out 2008 5.3 GMC crewcab 1500. Without the TT i get 16-20 mpg depending on driving habits. So with all the hype about mileage I feel that mpg all depend on the given road conditions and how fast the left foot wants you to get there.

Gizmo0706 · 12-16-2012, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiocamper

I have a 12 F-250 but I have the diesel and 3:55 rear end. I got right around 13 mpg going to and from Ohio to Chattanooga pulling our 13 salem 27dbud empty I think its just under 7000 lbs. Before I got the diesel I towed with our 05 ram 1500 took the camper down to Destin Florida and averaged 5.5 mpg decided then and there to go buy the new truck.

That sounds really good but I don't think a diesel would like living with me. It would sit a lot as a second vehicle and spend most of its time putting around town when used. I am also a little gun shy of all the new emissions equipment of the new diesels. Don't get me wrong, I am sure I would love pulling with a diesel but its how the truck is used while not towing that keeps me thinking gas.

WEMig · 12-16-2012, 09:55 PM

I have a 2012 F250 6.2L gas. I tow a Crusader 320RLT at 11,400 lbs and get 9 mpg towing in Louisiana traveling 65 mph. Mileage empty is 13 in and around town and 15 on the highway.

Elmer Swan · 12-16-2012, 09:58 PM

I just got rid of a 2011 ram 1500 5.7 with 3.21 rear end towed a windjammer 8800 lbs got 5 to 6 mpg at 65 mph

wyo700 · 12-17-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo0706

That sounds really good but I don't think a diesel would like living with me. It would sit a lot as a second vehicle and spend most of its time putting around town when used. I am also a little gun shy of all the new emissions equipment of the new diesels. Don't get me wrong, I am sure I would love pulling with a diesel but its how the truck is used while not towing that keeps me thinking gas.

Exact same reason I am not getting a diesel my next truck. I am going with a crewmax tundra will be great for when I am not pulling the camper. Which is about 8 months out of the year. A diesel wouldn't like me either.

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