Towing performance question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 113
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Drove a full tank hauling in econ light tow tune od on and saw 12.3 mpg hand calc. I was very light on acceleration. Took a mile to get up to 60. Went real soft whenever i could. Big improvement mpg.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2015
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congrats on doubling your mileage
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,236
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IOW, don't focus so much on minimizing throttle as much as you focus on minimizing braking.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
I accelerate at a comfortable pace, but I don't dog it when towing. My main thing is reading the road waaay up there and being at the right speed at the right place - while avoiding the brake pedal when possible.
I also keep my speed to 60-65 when towing, no matter how high the limit goes. That parachute back there is out to get me if I "fill" it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
I would check your EBP sensor and tube, these are notorious for causing lower than normal MPG. You should be able to monitor Exhaust Back Pressure with the Scan Gauge if I remember correctly. It should equal Barometric Pressure with the key on Engine off. But if she spikes a lot or reads low then while towing then I would clean or replace the EBP sensor and clean the tube as well. Happy towing!
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
I accelerate at a comfortable pace, but I don't dog it when towing. My main thing is reading the road waaay up there and being at the right speed at the right place - while avoiding the brake pedal when possible.
I also keep my speed to 60-65 when towing, no matter how high the limit goes. That parachute back there is out to get me if I "fill" it.
I also keep my speed to 60-65 when towing, no matter how high the limit goes. That parachute back there is out to get me if I "fill" it.
Smooth acceleration and minimizing braking is what I have found to give me the most bang for the buck. I also feel that my fuel economy is inversely proportional as my RPMs climbe above 2000. My truck's "sweet spot" is around 1850 RPM (65mph) unloaded. Climbing (with or without a load) my truck likes 2300-2500 RPM (good power and manageable EGTs). I like to maximize economy for the situation but in the end it's a 4 ton brick going down the road.
I can get a 3 mpg overall swing for a tank of fuel depending if I drive like an 90-year-old doesn't know where he's going (or remember why he left the house in the first place) or a 16 year-old kid in a rental car.
Congrats on finding some better mileage.
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Joe28443
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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Aug 3, 2010 11:05 AM
