13 MPG towing?
#1
13 MPG towing?
What are you guys getting for mpgs towing.This was my first test towing with my truck went to northern nh to go snowmobiling could have used my brothers cummins dodge but wanted to try the 150.First thing I tried was using the cruise and od but quikly found out this will not work on hills.Next was no cruise with od was able to feather throttle to keep in od but lost to much mometum on hills even with speeds 75-80 approching hill.Next 3rd gear at 65-68 which was perfect but rpms are higher than I like.The truck has no problem at all in 3rd even pulling long steap grades but mpgs are terrible at 2500-2700 rpm. Oh ya 101''x12' aluminum clam shell trailer with 2 sleds about 1900lbs with alot of wind resistance.
#2
I have only gotten 13 mpg towing once. It was when we went to northern WI to go riding. I had a buddies 4 place open deck snowmobile trailer with 5 ATV's on it, a Grizzly 700, Grizzly 660, Kodiak 400, YZF 450, and Banshee, about 4000-4500lbs. But the terrain is almost all flat and there isn't alot of wind resistance. I think I was just lucky to get that mileage that trip. Actually here is a picture
The 2 following years I got between 11.5 and 12mpg. When ever I tow our equipment, be it one of our compact tractors or one of our Bobcats, I usually see high 9's-low 10's. But those loads are always 7000-9000lbs and 14000lbs if I have the big Bobcat.
The 2 following years I got between 11.5 and 12mpg. When ever I tow our equipment, be it one of our compact tractors or one of our Bobcats, I usually see high 9's-low 10's. But those loads are always 7000-9000lbs and 14000lbs if I have the big Bobcat.
#3
Lots of wind resistance and hills, and speeds up to 80 mph. 13 mpg does not sound bad at all to me.
BTW, what motor do you have? 2wd or 4x4? Reg cab, supercab or supercrew? Gears? Tires? How much additional weight were you carrying in the truck bed and cab? There are lots of variables.
I'll bet many of our trucks would do worse than 13 mpg in your conditions.
BTW, what motor do you have? 2wd or 4x4? Reg cab, supercab or supercrew? Gears? Tires? How much additional weight were you carrying in the truck bed and cab? There are lots of variables.
I'll bet many of our trucks would do worse than 13 mpg in your conditions.
#4
What are you guys getting for mpgs towing.This was my first test towing with my truck went to northern nh to go snowmobiling could have used my brothers cummins dodge but wanted to try the 150.First thing I tried was using the cruise and od but quikly found out this will not work on hills.Next was no cruise with od was able to feather throttle to keep in od but lost to much mometum on hills even with speeds 75-80 approching hill.Next 3rd gear at 65-68 which was perfect but rpms are higher than I like.The truck has no problem at all in 3rd even pulling long steap grades but mpgs are terrible at 2500-2700 rpm. Oh ya 101''x12' aluminum clam shell trailer with 2 sleds about 1900lbs with alot of wind resistance.
#5
Agree that wind resistance is the first thing that will drop fuel economy... unless you are towing up and down mountains (or even big, long hills).
Day in and day out (not towing) I get 16 mpg... combo city and highway.
I usually get 13 -14 towing the boat (it is aerodynamic compared to the travel trailer). The whole thing weighs 3,000 lbs. (boat + trailer).
The 6,000 lb., loaded, travel trailer was at 11 (average) and now its 12 with the Edge in program 2. Oh, and I also have an intake too.
Day in and day out (not towing) I get 16 mpg... combo city and highway.
I usually get 13 -14 towing the boat (it is aerodynamic compared to the travel trailer). The whole thing weighs 3,000 lbs. (boat + trailer).
The 6,000 lb., loaded, travel trailer was at 11 (average) and now its 12 with the Edge in program 2. Oh, and I also have an intake too.
#7
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I got a 08 5.4 crew 4x4 373s on 18s that was using 5 star tunings custom 87 performance tune, s+b intake,mbrp si/so I did bring the shift presures down on the tune though didnt want to break any parts.Next trip I will try 3rd gear the whole trip with cruise on 65-68 and see if mpgs get better.Oh buy the way trans temp was at 155 all day 15 degrees outside.
Last edited by fitz888; 02-22-2009 at 06:14 PM. Reason: adding
#12
I just got back from a week in northern Maine snowmobiling. 9.5 hr drive from connecticut with my 07' screw FX4. I pulled a thule 4 place enclosed with 3 machines and all are gear. truck pulled good with OD off and cruise set at 69mph 2600 rpm's.i know it hurts that i have 3.55 gears and 20" rims i only got 9mpg not sure what the trailer weight was but i didnt buy the truck for its gas milage so no complaints here. She does everything i expect her to!
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