I have a hard time making heads or tails of the reason why there are such wide variations in mileage. I am running 35.4" with 11" of tread making contact with the pavement. I have 2 1/2" leveling kit which exposes more of the truck to wind resistance. I am also configured heavy (4X4, CC, LB). Does all of that work against me to the tune of 4-5 MPG unloaded? Apparently so based upon Big78bronco's mileage. Luckily for me, I am good with 10 MPG. Heck I'm okay with 8. I love my truck and I am willing to pay that penalty.

Speaking of loving my truck...I hauled a yard of gravel (2800 lbs.?) up to the local mountains for a Boy Scout project today. This is a two lane winding road with about 3000 feet of elevation gain in 25 miles. This is the first time I've had a load in the truck since the new gears went in. I also recently added Stable Loads to keep the *** end from sagging so much when loaded. I can honestly say that this is the first time ever that "I didn't even feel the load back there". The truck just pulled constantly and almost never down shifted. As for the Stable Loads, I loved them. The first 1/2 yard settled the truck a couple inches and solidly engaged the overloads. When the second bucket went in...nothing. The rear didn't even budge. Handling on the winding road was perfect. The ride was excellent. I could not have asked for any more.

I am just two weeks away from starting a 3000 mile tow. That will be a real test!

And Kopperhed, I have 20 inch wheels on my truck (stock was 17") and although I am not a nuclear physicist, I do not consider myself a moron. If I am a moron (I have been called worse), I have lots of company because the roads and dealer lots are full of Super Duties with stock and aftermarket 20s. It is possible to build yourself a very capable truck on 17, 18 or 20 inch wheels. It may not be ideal but way more than adequate. Your Lariat edition is loaded with what many would consider superfluous BS that lessens it's capability. Every ounce of gingerbread is one less ounce of payload/towing capacity. The ultimate towing vehicle would not be particularly pretty or comfortable. Like life, it is all about balance.

 

Yeah man, you can't just call people morons for getting bigger wheels- it's rude and it doesn't even make logical sense.

And you're crazy if you think you'll get increased MPG at 3,250rpm compared to 1,800. It's called injector pulse width: look it up.

The 3,250 peak torque is based on full throttle testing. Not part-throttle driving.

When you refer to "peak torque" being "max efficiency" it's only half true. Some people consider power or torque as efficiency. Others: MPG. Others: speed or velocity.

Like the guy just said above me: it's about balance.

 

Yeah I have a hard time believing a mild lift and moderately larger tires actually result in less mpg than hauling say 8,000 extra pounds, but rarely have I ever heard anyone with 35's or bigger getting much more than 10-12. And I really want to get atleast 35's... but think I'm going to have to find a more efficient daily driver first!

 

I haul 42' Trailer that weights 14,000 plus on my 20's and 4.10's with no issues whatsoever. I rarely ever see 3250 rpm mostly overdrive at 2200 rpm.

I get 11-12 mpg empty and 6-7 towing but I tow at 65-70 mph because I am not retired and my weekends only have so much free time.