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We've been pulling a 2017 Airstream TT (~5000 lbs) with a '16 F150 (4x4 Screw 5.5 bed 3.5L EB with max tow, 3.31 rear, 6 spd trans) for a year throughout the East. Hand calc mpg's average out about 13.5 city/hwy on 87 oct gas. I've never been able to top 14.7 overall, which has included some mountain pulls in that number. Although difficult, I keep towing speeds around 60 as mpg drops significantly over 65mph. (At 70+ mph the mpg avg is ~9.) That said, we're trading this week to buy the same truck with a 5.0 v8 with the 10 speed and probably 3.55 rear. It's hard to find a 3.73 around here in a 2018 but I'd buy it if I could find it. I doubt the mpg will be the same but who knows? Anyone towing with a similar setup?
Likely will be similar, you have the same essential truck with just a slightly different axle and engine, the hp required to pull the trailer at the same speed will be a hair less from the axle ratio increase but you will spinning a slightly high rpm so they will off set themselves. Both are pretty efficient engines, if you maintain the same driving habits you should see similar results. 3.73 is only available with the heavy duty payload package, which are like unicorns.
I'll trade you, i get between 7-9 mpg towing at 65 LOL.
Sorry- I don't check the forums that often. I am (was) satisfied and very dissatisfied with the EB. We like the truck in general for towing, comfort and overall performance. I really cannot complain about mpg (never did really), torque at an onramp merge or pulling fully loaded through the mountains- all situations where other mfg drivetrain's I have found lacking in one or more of the scenario's. BUT, the EB devoured CAT's and O2 sensors like my dog eats biscuits. Ford couldn't keep em in stock for me. I paid for one and then Ford covered the rest, still barely under wty. Spark plugs and coils etc. to boot. Condensation issues- I got to where I was afraid to accelerate AT ALL if it was raining or humid. Tech's never tried to diagnose anything- just kept replacing parts. Looong story short- traded for the same truck in the 5.0 but a 3.55 instead of a 3.31. I guess I'm really one of the suckers you see at the carnival spending hard earned $ for another shot at the 6' stuffed pink elephant- yes I bought another Ford. And this isn't even my REAL horror story about Ford trucks. My other one involved lawyers and lemons. Anyway, I missed the V8.
Likely will be similar, you have the same essential truck with just a slightly different axle and engine, the hp required to pull the trailer at the same speed will be a hair less from the axle ratio increase but you will spinning a slightly high rpm so they will off set themselves. Both are pretty efficient engines, if you maintain the same driving habits you should see similar results. 3.73 is only available with the heavy duty payload package, which are like unicorns.
I'll trade you, i get between 7-9 mpg towing at 65 LOL.
I did find two 5.0 trucks without the HDPP and the 3.73 but they were one or two states away.
The last towing MPG I have recorded is 11.2 but the engine was still tight at only 3,200 miles. V8, 10 spd, 3.55 rear CC short bed. That was pulling 6,500 pounds through hilly terrain, 100 degrees, LI & NYC traffic part of the way, 65 MPH where possible.
I love towing with the 10 speed in tow mode. 1st gear is perfect and on flat ground it will cruise in 10th, so I don't feel any penalty for having 3.55 gears.
It's almost at 10k now and my last trip without the trailer averaged 21.8 MPG mostly at 75 MPH.
The last towing MPG I have recorded is 11.2 but the engine was still tight at only 3,200 miles. V8, 10 spd, 3.55 rear CC short bed. That was pulling 6,500 pounds through hilly terrain, 100 degrees, LI & NYC traffic part of the way, 65 MPH where possible.
I love towing with the 10 speed in tow mode. 1st gear is perfect and on flat ground it will cruise in 10th, so I don't feel any penalty for having 3.55 gears.
It's almost at 10k now and my last trip without the trailer averaged 21.8 MPG mostly at 75 MPH.
Man tell me about that rig on the trailer! I want it!lol
11-26-2018, 09:14 PM
