My F150 Fuel consumption data

[MG911]

For anybody interested, here is some data from my recent trip to Michigan from Saskatchewan to purchase a 2005 28' Safari. TV = 2006 F150 Lariatt Super Crew 5.4L V8 with 9500lb towing package.

Saskatoon, Sask. to Holland, Michigan (no trailer): 1509 miles (2428K)
Total fuel used: 104.5 US gallons (395L)

=14.5MPG or 16.28L/100Km (average speed 70MPH+ )

Holland, Michigan to Saskatoon, Sask. WITH trailer: 1493 miles (2403K)
Total fuel used: 154.7 US gallons (585.7L)

=9.6MPG or 24.4L/100Km.

** as per the owner's manual, I turned off "O/D" when towing and the terrain was relatively flat all the way. I did not exceed 70MPH (120k/h) when towing. Propane tanks were 3/4 full, no liquids, 2 adult passengers and limited cargo.

Hope this can be useful...Mike

[juel]

Just purchased the 5.4L Triton V8 in a F150 crew cab. Took it to the lake (no trailer) just two Pomeranians and me. Got 19 MPG in flat and what would be considered mountains to Oklahomans. Was very pleased with the performance. It seems to get better mileage than the Tundra V8 I own. It's not as sexy looking as my SR5 Step-Side Tundra, but it's a fun drive. Judy

[FordTruck]

I run an '05 with the SuperCab and the same motor. That mileage is about right.
Just got back from a 3 day weekend trip through the Blue Ridge Mtns and did a respectable 11.5 - 12 mpg pulling the 22'er (4k empty). Leave O/D turned off all the time and used lower gears for engine breaking assist going down through steeper sections and hairpin turns.

[MG911]

Good to hear. It's a little concerning to read some of the threads on "O/D" - Ford is fairly clear on this issue - DO NOT USE when towing. I can imagine that is one of the first issues they look for in a transmission warranty claim.

I was very happy with the truck's response, passing ability and overall performance. I really enjoy this truck and would recommend a Ford truck to anyone. None of us buy these tow vehicles for their fuel efficiency. I can't imagine having a breakdown on the interstate just outside of Chicago - yikes!

[MG911]

19MPG? Nice! Were you on cruise control much? I can't say I've ever got that kind of mileage, but then again I drive at a good clip most the time on the highway.

[Silvertwinkie]

I saw this one and just cringed at the thought of what most of us get when towing!

[mello mike]

My Diesel Excursion still rocks when it comes to mileage. 22 mpg @60MPH (no trailer), 17mpg @70MPH (no trailer), 15mpg @65MPG (with SOB trailer). When towing Airstream mpg's go up at least 1mpg!!

[Wabbiteer]

Maintaining 59-62 mph while towing is hard to do even w/ cruise control - that is until it was easier to calculate gallons per hour with $3+ gas, four hours towing and I'm hunting fuel again versus 7 hours w/o trailer...

With non-ethanol non-oxygenated fuel I found I could keep my F-150 ('99 5.4L 4X4 w/ 17" wheels, 104K miles) at 13 mpg towing my AS by rolling smoothly out of fuel station and creeping up to cruising speed and not stopping until next fuel stop. With no trailer I've seen 20mpg a couple of times using real fuel, but with Minnesotas' ethanol-gasoline it usually provides 12 city and 15.5 highway, towing a trailer makes that 8-10 mpg. Phillups-66 brand gives more mileage up here for some reason, been loyal to them since gas hit $3!!

[juel]

I used the cruise control on my lake trip, going about 75MPH. Pretty windy here in Oklahoma, maybe I had a tail wind. I can't check it again because my husband took the new Ford to NC for his job there. He just couldn't drive a Japanese truck as the boss of a construction crew. It's just not done. Went to look at the new 5.7L Tundras Saturday. Nice trucks, but they no longer make the step-side, so I couldn't let my sexy truck go. I think I will always hold on to it and maybe just buy a new boxy Tundra to have for towing.

[MG911]

I thought my owner's manual said 'not' to use the cruise control when towing for some reason...It would be nice to use it if I'm wrong on that.

[SilverCabin]

Originally Posted by MG911

I thought my owner's manual said 'not' to use the cruise control when towing for some reason...It would be nice to use it if I'm wrong on that.

As I recall, mine says not to use OD but says nothing about cruise control. I use it when towing.

From reading here on the forums, it seems that most use the cruise control until they get into the mountains. If the speed drops too rapidly, as from a steep grade, the cruise will automatically disconnect anyway.

It would seem to me that the advice on using Cruise control is much the same as using OD (if you choose to drive with OD on while towing--not recommended). If the transmission starts downshifting and gear hunting, switch it off.

Randy

[jimclark1944]

I own a F150 Lariat 5.4 L also and routinely get 18 mpg. Never under 17. But...we recently became owners of a 25 ft. Safari and brought it home to Ohio from Virginia. Mileage dropped to a consistent 12 mpg. We came through
WV mtns. with 5 to 7% grades. Had no problems at all with the F150 or the AS. I am pleased and ready to travel .

[wbrownrr]

I'm curious.... what axel ratio are you folks running on your F150s?

[SilverCabin]

My Lincoln, Hoke, is essentially an F-150 King Ranch with the cowboy removed. I have the 5.4L engine, 3.73 rear end, and 20" wheels. Without Diasy, it gets 17 - 19 mpg highway, and around 15 city. With Daisy, the lowest I've seen on the mpg computer readout has been 9 mpg, but overall it seems to average 11 - 12 mpg.

So far I've only pulled over shipping channel bridges, with no difficulity. We're heading through the eastern mountains in the states of NC, TN, VA, and KY in late September, where the mountain directory says I'll encounter some 7 - 10% grades. I'm expecting a different experience there, but I think Hoke is up to the task, if I don't push him too hard.

Randy

[Tom Nugler]

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

... With no trailer I've seen 20mpg a couple of times using real fuel, but with Minnesotas' ethanol-gasoline it usually provides 12 city and 15.5 highway, towing a trailer makes that 8-10 mpg. Phillups-66 brand gives more mileage up here for some reason, been loyal to them since gas hit $3!!

Interesting.... Just got myself a new/used Expedition. Basicly a rebodied F-150 and I'm hoping it will get better than the 10.5 I got with the old E-150 van.
A TSB came across the either a few weeks ago telling us to inform our customers that some of the engine performance/mileage concerns are directly related to fuel quality.(duh) It contained a link to this page. Top Tier Gasoline
The thing I found the most interesting is that some of the gas companies who advertise how clean and green their fuel is aren't on the list. Take it for what it's worth.
Strangely enough Phillips is one of the cheapest in the area, is on the top tier list and works good in the wrecks I drive.

Just my two cents,

Tom.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by mello mike

My Diesel Excursion still rocks when it comes to mileage. 22 mpg @60MPH (no trailer), 17mpg @70MPH (no trailer), 15mpg @65MPG (with SOB trailer). When towing Airstream mpg's go up at least 1mpg!!

Yes, Airstream claims a 20% increase in fuel mileage (@70 MPH) when compared with towing a box type trailer. They claim a 30 to 40% savings.

I suspect the type and style of the TV would have an influence on those numbers. Airstream didn't elaborate to my knowledge.

With the higher cost of fuel these days it's all goodness.

[MG911]

I'm running with the same set-up as Silver Cabin: 3.73 rear end, 20" wheels. I don't know how many miles you all have on your vehicles but I'm barely at 15,000 (23,000kms). I'm expecting better fuel economy the more this truck breaks in. One thing I don't like about my trip computer is that it displays an "average" fuel economy since the day I drove it off the lot as opposed to real time. I know on most vehicles the computer can display the current fuel economy if wanted. I do enjoy the "XXX kms until Empty" feature though - it's very accurate.

[SilverCabin]

Originally Posted by MG911

One thing I don't like about my trip computer is that it displays an "average" fuel economy since the day I drove it off the lot as opposed to real time. I know on most vehicles the computer can display the current fuel economy if wanted. I do enjoy the "XXX kms until Empty" feature though - it's very accurate.

MG,

On mine, if you hit the reset button, it resets the average and gives you an instantaneous readout of the current fuel economy. Then it starts the average over again from that point. Mostly I use the XXX miles to empty feature as you--that's the best feature of the computer.

Randy

[MG911]

Hi Silver..I'll have to try the reset feature as that never occured to me. Also, I was running the A/C the whole trip - I assume that didn't help fuel economy.

[safari 28]

Just towed a 2004 28 safari and a brand new f150 lariat crew cab with 5.4 and tow package using e85 approx 50 % from Holand michigan to San Francisco and the computer is showing 12.4. It is good to see this thread as the new 150 set up properly is an excellent choice from my experience. I am leasing and plan on new every 2, so warranty is always in place. Other dicussions seem to place heavy emphasis on diesel, I tried to buy one but the noise and odor and the math did not add up on a lease. I will be towing about 10k/year and this gas trck did the trick. It will burn anything, carrying vodka on board in case we run low. Just kidding.