Towing with SuperCrew
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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Towing with SuperCrew
I have a 2001 SuperCrew with a 5.4 motor & 3.55 limited slip diff. I pull a 7500 pound TT and only can get 8 mpg tops. The truck seems to run fine with decent power. I keep max air pressure in all eight tires, use mobile 1 5w-20, has a new air filter and all fluids have been updated. I try not to exceed 60 mph while towing and always keep the overdrive off. Seems to me I should get better mileage, am I dreaming or does the truck have issues?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
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It's normal.
Looking at the towing specs for an 01 SCREW, your GCWR is 13,000 lbs max.
If the truck weighs 6750 loaded to it's max, 13000-6750= 6250 as max trailer weight.
7500-6250=1250 over the limit +/-.
As it is now, if the truck weighs even 6500 +7500 trailer = 14,000 total gross combined weight.
If your running the truck at less weight for passengers and misc weight then you come closer the the legal mac GRCW.
Your mileage would be expected.
Good luck.
Looking at the towing specs for an 01 SCREW, your GCWR is 13,000 lbs max.
If the truck weighs 6750 loaded to it's max, 13000-6750= 6250 as max trailer weight.
7500-6250=1250 over the limit +/-.
As it is now, if the truck weighs even 6500 +7500 trailer = 14,000 total gross combined weight.
If your running the truck at less weight for passengers and misc weight then you come closer the the legal mac GRCW.
Your mileage would be expected.
Good luck.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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Appreciate the response. I was looking at max trailer weight and GVWR to determine if I was overweight. Forgot all about the combined weight limit (GTWR), which appears to be the limiting factor. May be time for a new truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,486
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From: Iowa
I towed a 7500lb race trailer for a few years with my 99 Ford. At 70+ mph the truck would get 7-8mpg. If i slowed to 55mph i was able to hit 9-10.
The trailer is heavy no matter how you slice it. The only way your going to get any better MPG is with a 2009 or newer ford with the 6 spd.
Or you could get a a F250 with a diesel. It might net you a few Mpg.
Truth of it is, when towing something that heave, MPG are going to go down, especially with higher speeds.
The trailer is heavy no matter how you slice it. The only way your going to get any better MPG is with a 2009 or newer ford with the 6 spd.
Or you could get a a F250 with a diesel. It might net you a few Mpg.
Truth of it is, when towing something that heave, MPG are going to go down, especially with higher speeds.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 498
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe
Unfortuately, it's about right. I have a hybrid trailer at about 5-6K. Towing loaded around the mountain, it's about 8-10 mpg average. If I get over 10-11, I get excited. Gee! My worst was 6-7 mpg driving against the wind up and down slopes. I drive conservately, and try to keep the RPM at minimum around 3K to 4K. Try not to go over if possible.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
When towing at or over the weight limits, expect anything to happen.
If you 'grunt' the motor wide open on a steep a hill in low gear at low speed, the converter becomes under huge pressure from engine torque against the total weight.
This can 'balloon' the converter and your in for a trans rebuild if the bearings breakup and go through the transmission and get into the radiator cooler and aux cooler.
A good shop will either replace them or back-flush with a hot solution to be sure they are clear, unblocked and don't give up debre back to the new transmission and wreck it again..
I had this happen with a 4.6L and decided not to rebuild back to stock and have it happen again so a custom built HD was done by Level 10 at big bucks but did the job.
That trans is still going today and is the reason I have not given up the truck for a new/other truck..
These are things to know and hear that is hard to come by unless these kinds of discussions come up.
Good luck.
If you 'grunt' the motor wide open on a steep a hill in low gear at low speed, the converter becomes under huge pressure from engine torque against the total weight.
This can 'balloon' the converter and your in for a trans rebuild if the bearings breakup and go through the transmission and get into the radiator cooler and aux cooler.
A good shop will either replace them or back-flush with a hot solution to be sure they are clear, unblocked and don't give up debre back to the new transmission and wreck it again..
I had this happen with a 4.6L and decided not to rebuild back to stock and have it happen again so a custom built HD was done by Level 10 at big bucks but did the job.
That trans is still going today and is the reason I have not given up the truck for a new/other truck..
These are things to know and hear that is hard to come by unless these kinds of discussions come up.
Good luck.
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