I hesitated on giving mileage figures because I did not hand calculate the entire trip. I did check the computer against hand calculations on two fill ups and they were almost exactly the same. The total trip was 11.8 over 2100+ miles. 95%+ of that was towing.
Actual mileage towing per the computer was 9.0 - 12.8. The big difference was with the wind. The whole trip back North we were fighting a strong headwind and were sitting at 9-10. On the other side of the coin going South to the Keys with favorable winds we were consistently at 12.5 or even better ( 55-60mph ). We could really tell a difference starting a day out with no or little wind, could definitely tell when the wind started blowing, no so much in handling as in mpg dropping.
I estimate the overall mileage towing was 11-11.2 or so.
I must admit I took it easier the first day or so because it was new to me, but after I got used to it I did enjoy the acceleration that I NEVER saw with my 4.6l. I could pull out to pass or ease into a merging lane of traffic on the interstate and accelerate with ease, so my foot got a little happy as time went on. Put cruise on and forget it, even going up the big bridges, never drop mph and RPM less 3000. I was impressed. Wish I could report 13-14mpg but that ain't going to happen pulling a box down the road. Our TT is smaller than most but still you have that wind resistance.
I guess I should have kept better figures but I bought the truck because of the power and ease of driving without white knuckles. With the 4.6l I felt I had to gauge my entrance to almost every overpass and get a head start up a bridge. Now I can set it and forget it as they say, so mpg is what it is. I love the truck.
I did meet a couple of other Eco owners: One was pulling a little pop up type TT, I think an a-liner. He said his mileage was same towing or not ( no wind resistance ). Another couple from NY said they loved the truck but said they only got 15mpg w/o towing, which I thought strange. My first 1800 miles with no towing avg was 18.7. They did not tell me what there towing mileage was.
Anyway, hope that helps.
To tragusa3: I know you had a smile on your face like I did. Congrats on the trip and new truck!!
