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Hey guys, I need some help increasing my gas mileage. I just purchased a 2013 F150, V8 5.0 that is currently getting 14.5 MPG. The tires on it currently are a 305/50R20, which I think is contributing. I'm looking at changing the tires out to a 265/55R20 which I believe will help, but I am wondering what else I can do to get better fuel efficiency. I've seen everything from changing the air filter to a K&N, drilling holes in the air filter cover, changing spark plugs and wires, to taking off the spare tire to reduce weight (which there is no way I'm considering). I'm curious to see what you recommend. The truck has 73,000 miles on it and I'm thinking that 14.5 MPG is pretty low. Thanks for any advice.
Get the stock size tires back on it (door jamb sticker will tell you what it came with), use low rolling resistance tires, and if it has a lift or leveling kit, remove it.
Leave the air filter alone, however a fresh set of plugs may not hurt. You don't have wires, you have a coil on top of each plug. Use fuel with the least amount of ethanol you can find and throw some Techron in the gas to clean the injectors. Replacing the front O2 sensors may help, use Motorcraft parts for anything you do change.
GLC - thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, I can't go back to stock tires without buying new wheels, but I think going with a more narrow all terrain tire will help much more than these wide grippers that I have on there now. If I had the stock wheels, then that switch would be easy, but I'm not sure the overall cost of new wheels and new tires is worth the expense of saving a few miles per gallon. I'll switch out the plugs this weekend, as you say...it can't hurt. I haven't thought about the O2 sensors, but I'll look into that as well. I've seen some videos online saying that cleaning your Mass Airflow Sensor might help as well. I've gotten past the point in my life of driving aggressively. Maybe that's why all of the other youngsters honk on their way past me. LOL. Thanks for the help, again GLC.
What size were the stock tires? Any idea how wide your 20" wheels are? I'll look for compatible sizes that are the same diameter as stock.
It's possible your speedometer hasn't been corrected for the large tires, that would make you think you are getting worse mileage than you are. I'd compare the speedometer to a GPS, and the odometer to highway mileposts.
All-terrains use more gas than highway tires. I'd use low rolling resistance highway tires with a M+S rating. You don't need all-terrains in Texas unless you go mudding.
Example is a Michelin Defender LTX M/S. Discount Tire has the best deal on these, as does Sam's Club.
The original factory tires were P265/60R18, so the 305/50R20s were a little bit of a change with aftermarket wheels from the previous owner. The Toyo Open Country 265/55R20 is what the local tire guy was telling me would be a good tire and still have a nice profile. I do like the truck setting a little bit higher, but there isn't a lift kit or anything like that installed. Just the natural height of the truck with these tires on them. That's a great thought on the speedometer/odometer/GPS...and one that I haven't considered. I'll look at the Michelin Defenders...as I have a Walmart close by and a Sams membership as well. I don't go mudding at all, but I do live on a 5 acre ranch and use the truck from time to time on the property, but for nothing that would require 4 wheel drive or aggressive mud tires.
The 20" factory option was 275/55R20, which is 32" diameter. I would go with those, and the Ford dealer should be able to reprogram your speedometer for that size.
A highway all-season with Eco-Focus technology should get you the best gas mileage.
GLC - man, thanks so much for the advice. I'm getting the new tires put on this Saturday and am going to go with the 275/55R20, as suggested. That helps a lot! Have a good week.
12-08-2017 | 10:04 AM
