Real Numbers for Ford XLT pulling Flagstaff 26RBWS

[GrayghostUSA]

This is not a bash against GM, Fiat-Chrysler or any other breed of truck. So don’t take it that way. It is simply a report of MY truck performance in a trip we just completed. My truck is a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT. It has the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost with the new for 2017 10 speed automatic transmission with Tow Mode. It is 4WD with the 3.55 Electronic Lock Rear Axle. It has the 7050# GVWR Package and Max Tow Package and the extended 36 gallon fuel tank. Our travel trailer is a 2019 Flagstaff Super Lite 26RBWS. Loaded it weighs in at 7,000 pounds.

We just got back from a 19 day trip to visit National Parks in the Utah area. Total mileage for the trip was 5243 miles. We went out on I-70 and came back via I-40. This was our first trip out west and I was concerned about the steep grades west of Denver. I shouldn’t have worried. I kept the cruise control on 55 mph except when I would be trapped behind large rigs. On the climb up to the 10,800 foot pass the temperature gauge moved from just touching the left side of the center mark to just touching the right side of the center mark. Noting that it was climbing I slowed down to 45 mph for that section. The transmission temperature stayed at 195 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees. On the steep downhill sections the transmission downshifted perfectly and I only had to tap the brakes occasionally. Fuel consumption from Denver to Grand Junction was 9.1 mpg.

Most of the Interstate driving was at 65 mph in Tow Mode. At that speed the engine was turning 1750 rpm. Normal fuel consumption at this speed varied from 12.1 to 8.2 mpg. Although in Kansas we were fighting an approximate 20 mph head wind and fuel consumption dropped 6.6 mpg. The average for the entire trip was 8.9 mpg.

Without the trailer we toured six National Parks. Best gas mileage was at Arches where we got 20 mpg for that day. We also went on the White Rim Road. This is a 100 mile dirt road that 4WD and high ground clearance are required. Well worth the time. As an aside, normal Interstate driving without the trailer gets 23-24 mpg. All told we consumed 591 gallons of Premium at a cost of $1,561.98.

We custom ordered this truck prior to buying our travel trailer but with that specifically in mind. To anyone considering a new truck I offer this information. If I had it to do again I would order the same truck.

[Chris Pastuzyn]

Not a big Ford guy, Just soured over the last few that i owned that had nothing but problems, That being said I have to say those are impressive #s Glad to hear and good looking rig.

[lbrjet]

Is the 8.9 mpg combined towing and non-towing miles or just towing miles? We did a similar trip coming from Indiana in 2013 where we did 4 weeks in CO and 6 weeks in Utah and had a great trip also. Couldn't get my wife to agree to go down the rim road into the canyon though. I'm envious.

[Jfkmk]

I have a 2018 version of the same truck. It tows like a dream and gets fantastic mileage. My tt is 1000# lighter. We haven’t pulled it in any “real” mountains yet, but so far I am impressed.

The 36 gal fuel tank is a must!

[IvoryHemi]

Have you weighed the truck and trailer yet?

[G.O.D.]

Thank You

[Steeljag]

I had a very similar combo ! However, my F150 ECO was the 2012 , six speed, 3.73 gearing, 6.5 foot bed, and the trailer was the Flagstaff 26RLS. It was a very good match, and pulled, rode, handled great. My numbers were good, but not as good as your reporting. The ten speed, and different gearing have improved there. I now have a truck specially ordered for towing, and nothing to tow....LOL ! Good write up.....thanks !

[Karbean]

These are not unusual numbers. I have similar rig but 4x2 and 1,000lbs less trailer. My 2019 has averaged 11.5 (combo of towed and not) on 3 different trips. We travel with friends who have a similar rig to yours and experience similar mileage to yours.

[flyflotrtim]

I have the 2019 Lariat version of your truck. It pulls my fully loaded 2205 minilite effortlessly. We pull the highest elevations and worst roads in California.

[Less is More]

We have the '18 Lariat. Best mileage with the trailer is 14 on 2 lane road doing 55mph. We live in the central Rockies so its generally either up or down.

[reeston]

I'll be pulling a Grey Wolf 25RRTBL, (7000# loaded) with my 2019, 3.0 diesel 2WD when it arrives next month. It has the same 10-speed transmission so hoping for decent fuel numbers as well. Thanks for the report.

[njfishing]

Recently pulled the trigger on a F150 2018 Lariat super crew 3.5 Ecoboost with Max tow package and I’m very impressed with the truck too. The engine and 10 speed transmission never seems to be at a loss for power and always seems to be in the perfect gear you need it to be in when you step on the gas. This engine pulls when towing like nothing I’ve ever driven and I’m equally pleased with its road manners as my daily driver. Even my bride who didn’t think she’d like driving a “big truck” loves it. Very happy with my decision and would do the same in a heartbeat.

[GrayghostUSA]

Originally Posted by IvoryHemi

Have you weighed the truck and trailer yet?

I have become very versed in the CAT scales. The dealer set up the Equalizer just plain wrong. I took it back they made it worst. Haven't been back to the dealer since. A local company then charged me $65 and set it up correctly. Each set up was checked on the scales.

[GrayghostUSA]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Is the 8.9 mpg combined towing and non-towing miles or just towing miles? We did a similar trip coming from Indiana in 2013 where we did 4 weeks in CO and 6 weeks in Utah and had a great trip also. Couldn't get my wife to agree to go down the rim road into the canyon though. I'm envious.

Combined towing and not.

[njfishing]

Originally Posted by GrayghostUSA

I have become very versed in the CAT scales. The dealer set up the Equalizer just plain wrong. I took it back they made it worst. Haven't been back to the dealer since. A local company then charged me $65 and set it up correctly. Each set up was checked on the scales.

First time I pulled our trailer with my F150 I was floating all over the road once I hit 50 or so... Thought I made a big mistake trying to tow our new trailer but after adjusting the WDH, I finally got it right on the 2nd try and we're good to go.

If you don't have the luxury of a scale, my best advise is to get your tow vehicle and trailer on level ground and unhitch... Now level the trailer and back up the TV close to the trailer. You want the top of the ball to be between 2 and 3 inches taller then the top of the receiver on the trailer. That's a good starting point and you can make small adjustments from there to get it dialed in..

[GrayghostUSA]

Originally Posted by njfishing

First time I pulled our trailer with my F150 I was floating all over the road once I hit 50 or so... Thought I made a big mistake trying to tow our new trailer but after adjusting the WDH, I finally got it right on the 2nd try and we're good to go.

If you don't have the luxury of a scale, my best advise is to get your tow vehicle and trailer on level ground and unhitch... Now level the trailer and back up the TV close to the trailer. You want the top of the ball to be between 2 and 3 inches taller then the top of the receiver on the trailer. That's a good starting point and you can make small adjustments from there to get it dialed in..

Actually the dealer set it up with the hitch ball two inches below the top of the receiver. The only reason I had Pat Rogers Trailer and Hitches do the work is one tool. I do not own a torque wrench that will handle the 658 foot pounds required on the main hitch bolts. Due to the outlandish coast of a torque wrench of that capacity it made sense to have someone I trust do the work for only $65.

[lbrjet]

Thanks for coming back and answering questions.