I have a 99 F350 V-10. I originally bought it to tow a 5th wheel camper. The camper is gone now and I occasionally tow a 4500lb boat. I get about 12 MPG in mostly around town driving. I love the truck but don't really need anything that big.

How much better gas mileage would I get with an F150 crew cab, long wheel base, larger engine?

 

My son has a 2002 F150 with the 5.4 and gets about 18 highway non towing. Towing he gets 12. I would say hold onto the V10 unless you go to something really small. You always lose money trading vehicles. It would also depend on how much driving you do non towing. Speed is the number one cause of poor gas mileage. Drive slower and you will see better than 12 on the V10

 

My son has a 2002 F150 with the 5.4 and gets about 18 highway non towing. Towing he gets 12. I would say hold onto the V10 unless you go to something really small. You always lose money trading vehicles. It would also depend on how much driving you do non towing. Speed is the number one cause of poor gas mileage. Drive slower and you will see better than 12 on the V10

 

I've had 2 F150 4x4s, a 99 Scab and an 02 Screw, both with the 5.4. I have always averaged 13.5 - 15.5, no more. Towing my 5k boat at 6000ft is 10-12 mpg. Maybe the 04+ do a little better, I don't know, but probably not.

If you're looking for a substantial savings in fuel, I don't think you are going to get it. If you are looking for a better ride and easier manageability, with a little better fuel economy, then the F150 is a good choice. It will also tow your 4500 lb boat with ease, unless of course you start heading up mountain passes. Definitely get the 3.73 gears.

 

An F-150 would have no trouble pulling that boat. I got about 18 mpg empty out of my '04 also... mileage would probably be the same when towing that boat between the two of them. If empty mileage is what you're looking for, the F-150 5.4 is a fine choice. Smoother ride, too.