I have an 04 F-150 XLT with 5.4 and towing package. On a recent trip I got 6 mpg towing a 3500 lb travel trailer at 70mph. Its a bit tall and I had the OD off but was very shocked and dismayed to get this poor milage. What do you guys get? Am I alone in this??!

 

Ouch Something's gota be wrong we get about 8 mpg with our 5 ton with a full load and its a gaser thats wrong

 

Try leaving on the O/D you'll get better mileage. 3500lbs doesn't seem to heavy unless your pulling in the mountians. I pull 6500lbs on flat highway and get 10-12 mpg. With OD off I only get 8 pg.

 

I tried turning the OD on but it would not shift into 4th except downhill. I went from P255/65R17 tires to LT275/65R18's when I purchased the truck and forgot to account for that. I am probably going about 3-4mph faster than the speedometer reads, and that would account for the difference.

 

There is a problem with certain f150's with fuel economy. I wish I could my finger on the problem. I had an 01 Silverado and I pulled around 6000 lbs with it and got 14mpg. I had an XLT 04 f150 and it got the same fuel economy as my silverado. Now I have an 04 FX4 150 and its VERY VERY bad. I got around 9mpg pulling snowmobiles. I noticed there are others that are experiencing this. I hope we all get this figured out as there will be many many happy people.

 

At what point don't motel rooms seem cheaper? I've gone through that strategy in my mind too and at this point, we no longer have a camper. I know - the stop wherever you want thing, no reservations, etc. We've camped for many years.

I look at the new motor homes a lot and can't make the math work out. Seems like the last time we checked into a KOA - with reservations way ahead of time - the full hook-up cost was $40. In that area, the motel rooms cost about $60. Factor in how much it costs us to haul the RV too - equal or money ahead with a motel room. And, you don't have to deal with the water, waste, various hook-up concerns. Get up and go the next morning and often times with a good breakfast.

Seems like the RV industry is starting to show some effect from higher gas prices. Like I said before, I've done the math and anyone that does do that will have a hard time justifying the price of a RV. I love them, but can't see buying another.

 

I would think your rear axle ratio would make a big difference (3:55 , 3:73 or 4:10). I am curious which you have . I have thought about buying a pull behind camper . I don't know now , with that kind of poor gas mileage. I could'nt go very far from home due to the cost. Good Luck !

 

I have the 3:55, its a good compromise. BTW, I can get 19 mpg when not towing. I think long trips like the one I took to florida end up costing close to what I would pay staying in hotels, but going to the beach or mountains here in NC would be just fine. Thats probably where I will use my RV the most anyway.

 

jiffyjam , Sounds like you have a plan . Good Luck !

 

I have to concur with BroncoJohn. I pull a 6800 lb travel trailer and get 8 mpg without OD and 12 with OD at 70 mph. This is as fast as I care to pull the trailer, but my truck (5.4, 3.73 ls, Super Crew) only downshifts into 3rd when going up a moderate incline.

 

So, do you think that having the 3:55 is causing me to stay mostly in 3rd gear, even when the OD is on? ( Towing )

 

This weekend I pulled about 6000 ibs for 250 miles and then returned with the trailer empty. I averaged 70 mph both ways.

On the trip there with a full load, I got 10.4 mpg. OD was off. Downshift on the inclines.

On the trip back, I got 12.7. OD was off. Downshift appeared about as frequent as it did with full load.

The truck towed well but when full had a lot of translation of the trailer bumbs into the cab. I believe I got a feel for the notorious vibration issue. If this is what it is for our fellow 150 owners, I feel for them for it was very uncomfortable.

On the way back, no translation of the trailer into the cab so maybe I just had the load balanced wrong on the trailer.

What did happen and was impressive was that I broke a U bolt and lost an axel on the trailer. I was only going ~50ish when it came off but the truck did not flinch, waver or in anyway lose control. The axel broke free and the tire jammed into the fender causing it to lock instantly. Other than smoke everwhere, my family stayed completely safe. The back of the trailer is good and bent!!!

 

Good thing your truck is"Built Ford Tough".Glad your family is safe. Good Luck!

 

I have a 04 screw 5.4, 3.73, 18" wheels. We tow a 22ft sport fisher 8000lbs with gear from san Diego to san Francisco and avg 8 mpg up the grape vine and around 10 when it leveled out. My truck is stock but I have been considering adding a K&N intake and exhaust. Has any one done this and seen increased fuel economy when pulling a trailer?

 

It may be the rear end. A previous Chevy I had with a higher speed rear end(lower reduction) and 5.3 engine, would downshift on any significant upgrade from 3rd into 2nd gear when pulling the same 6800 lbs. I could not even get it to stay in OD. However, 3500 lbs should not be a problem?