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towing issues

Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:02 AM
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towing issues

Question. What kind of fuel economy/power decrease can I expect pulling the 8000 lb toy hauler we're thinking about getting ? What other problems can I expect ? I'm new to this diesel world, so I'm looking to you guys for some good advice.

02 F250 SuperCrew XLT, Auto, 7.3 PSD, Shortbed

Thanks!!
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 09:29 AM
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I would hope over 10mpg we tow a 10,000 5th wheel with a V10 and get 7.9 on the average.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 09:52 AM
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Ouch! Certainly hoping for better than that with the 7.3 PSD. Thanks.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:02 AM
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I have a 6.0 so this is complete speculation on my part from reading these forums. You will feel the trailer but will have no problems towing 8k. On straightaways you will probably forget it is behind you. Uphill will not give you any issues either. I would GUESS you will get about 11-13 MPG depending on how you are geared. Enjoy your new toy.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:19 AM
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Depends on your driving style. In my 06 F250 4X4 SC SB it can very from a low of about 9.3 mpg doing between 80 & 85mph, pulling our 8,000lb Prowler camping trailer.
Same truck, same trailer and the same driver going between 70 & 75mph max and my mileage increases to 13.6mpg.
Time difference is negligible and I don’t feel so beat up. So far this year I have slowed down saved fuel and feel better. OH and the wife likes it better too!!!
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:19 AM
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Thanks. Got 3.73 gears in the F250. This is a whole nother sperience!

again Thanks
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:22 AM
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Yep, same in mine 3.73.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:31 AM
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and Thanks to you. I was kinda hoping and thinking maybe 14. I know for sure my bride ain't gonna go for the 80-85 region. More like 60-65 for her comfort zone.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:42 AM
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My truck drops to 10mpg with almost any trailer @ 65 mph especially enclosed ,my 7x16 enclosed weighs 2300lb empty and get same 10mpg loaded about 7000 lb or empty
a friend has a 02 excursion 7.3 he some times gets as high as 11 mpg pulling 7x12 enclosed
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 11:23 AM
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I've got an 03 with the 6.0L automatic and 3.73s...towing a tandem axle with about 6K on it dropped my fuel milage from 14.9 to 14.6. I was on the interstate pulling at @ 75 mph.

I'm looking forward to a heavier tow to see what results I get.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 11:26 AM
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A lot depends on the frontal area of the trailer, so 2 trucks towing an 8000 lb. load may get vastly different mileage.

My 5.4, towing a 28 foot, 6 foot high car hauler @ 8000 lbs (see sig) will average 10-11 MPG at 60-65.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 11:57 AM
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[QUOTE=redford]A lot depends on the frontal area of the trailer, so 2 trucks towing an 8000 lb. load may get vastly different mileage.
QUOTE]
the frontal area and the square tail on enclosed trailer or actually any vehicle makes a large difference a small wing on the back of a box to reduce tail wind drag makes a difference,tried one on a class C motor home and made 2 mpg difference
back to the original question the same 7x16 enclosed trailer behind my f-350 with 7.3 and my sons f-150 with 5.4 brought f-350 from 15 to 10 and f-150 from 21 to 14
I even bought a new 16x7 with 2ft V-nose and no noticable difference in mpg
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by rbaker6336
the same 7x16 enclosed trailer behind my f-350 with 7.3 and my sons f-150 with 5.4 brought f-350 from 15 to 10 and f-150 from 21 to 14
OK, a drop in mileage from 15 to 10 is a 33% drop.
A drop from 21 to 14 is also a 33% drop.

I'm not sure I undertsand your point.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by redford
OK, a drop in mileage from 15 to 10 is a 33% drop.
A drop from 21 to 14 is also a 33% drop.

I'm not sure I undertsand your point.
never figgured percentages but seems the same load would hurt a mouse motor more than a stronger one

but kind cancels out this statement "so 2 trucks towing an 8000 lb. load may get vastly different mileage. " only smaller load
 
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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To let you know, my 2004 F-350 CC DRW Lariat with 4.10 gears averaged 9.2 MPG towing our 39' toy hauler that averages around 15K to 16.5K in weight (of course depends what is in it...... for toys I mean..). Just got back from NHIS for the cup race, and I travel abour 200 miles home and I got 9.2MPG. Truck has a 6.0, Touqueshift, Modified intake, K&N induction, 4" turbo back imitation dual exhaust with muffler delete ( no muffler, striaght all the way..SOUNDS AWESOME!!) and I have a mild superchips program (TOW mode program). Also have the EGT, Boost and trans temp gauges. EGT were around 900 to 1000 degrees, trans temp was 170 to 180 degrees and boost to a high of 29PSI. I go between 65 to 75MPG.. 65 up hill.. 75 crusing. I also run AMSOIL diesel synethic oil, I also have the EGR disconnected. But will soon install and EGR cooler bypass. Empty on a trip, I average around 15 to 16MPG with 4 adults in the truck pulling nothing.. Hope this helps!!!!!
 
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