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rklavoon's avatar
rklavoon
Explorer
Apr 30, 2017

F-250 Towing Mileage Reduced by 25%

I took my 2015 F-250 4x4 6.2L V8 and trailer out for the first time this year. Truck has 15,200 miles on it and it is due for an oil change and tire rotation (right at the 5,000 mile mark). No check engine lights on at all.

Gas mileage last year was 8-9 MPG towing 7500# (loaded) Jayco 29QBH.

On this trip I averaged 6.2 MPG. (Hand calculated)

Only things different from this year to last year:
* Filled 1 30 lb propane cylinder
* Trucks tires have 65 psi pressure in them compared to 60 psi last year.
* I changed the air filter in the truck 2 weeks ago.

I am looking for some ideas/thoughts on why my mileage has dropped so much.

I understand that there are a number of factors such as wind, etc, but this just doesn't feel right and the truck seems to lack some power.

TIA!!!
  • RedRocket204's avatar
    RedRocket204
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    A dirty air filter can greatly impact your available power and make a truck/car feel "not right". Add in different environmentals and there you go.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Apr 30, 2017
    Hard to conclude anything from just 1 trip. As mentioned it could be just wind.Take a few more trips before you make any judgements
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2017
    One trip comparison? Do two or three more but is mileage ok not towing?
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    Variations could be caused by wind resistance. If you were driving directly into a strong wind, your mileage will drop. A strong tail wind, your mileage improves.

    Another factor is hills. Were you driving flat land vs hills or mountains. And the next factor is how many times you came to a complete stop and had to start moving forward again. Every start from a dead stop (like stop lights) absolutely kills fuel mileage ..... ESPECIALLY when towing. So if you did a lot of towing in a town or city environment, that will absolutely tear up your mileage.

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