average GPM concerns
OK so I took my first trip that was more than 40 miles down the road. My 2000 F150HD 5.4L gas and the drive train in the truck are rated for 8700 towing, my 5ver was at approx. 7600, I was hoping for ...
Forum Discussion
If you want to maximize fuel there are a couple of ways to see this that I know of.
#1 is an old fashioned vacuum gauge. Yes, they aren't the best way, but a very good way still. The higher the vacuum reading the better the mileage.
#2 is more high tech and slightly more accurate. You can get a reader that plugs into your BD port and then you can pull up your TPS %. You can even get a transmitter that plugs into the OBD port and transmits the info to your smart phone. The lowest TPS reading with the lowest RPM is where you will get the best mileage.
Several things you can do to get the best mileage. Some easy and practical, and some not so:
#1. Tires. Pump all of them up to max pressure. Also make sure they are radials.
#2. Drafting. Even a small car in front will break a lot of wind. A big rig in front will save you a LOT of fuel. (And when I say drafting I don't mean the type Dale Jr does. You don't have to be stuffed up under the guys gas tank to save fuel. Even drafting at a safe distance will work)
#3. Slow down. You will use 4 times the amount of fuel at 100 that you will at 50. (Not saying anybody tows at 100 MPH, just showing how the math works.)
#4. Get the front of the trailer in the weeds. Even an inch or two of front end rake will help mileage.
#5. Keep the weight down. Yes, weight does not count for much when rolling but it can hurt some if pulling a lot of mountains. It also hurts a lot in stop and go situations.
#6. Leave soft from stops. If you think jack rabbit starts hurt mileage in a car you can double it in a tow vehicle under load.
#7. Let the truck choose the gear. The transmissions are computer controlled now days and not like the days of old. They are very well programed no matter what you hear.
#8. If your towing light don't use tow haul. Yes, tow haul does several things to use more fuel. Now if you're up against the GVWR I don't suggest you don't use it. But if you tow light like me and the book says it's ok, then turn the thing off because you will save fuel.
#9. Don't use all your power you have if you can help it. If I'm towing up a big mountain on a freeway and have to let it drop down to 40 MPH I will even though I have the horse power to pull it at 65+ MPH. This saves a LOT of fuel.
#10. If at all possible, don't tow into a headwind. Yes, yes, yes, I know! I had to tow into a 4 day headwind this summer and it KILLED my mileage. 1/2 MPG in over 5000 miles. I'm not retired so I had to get back. If I was retired I would have waited it out.
Good luck and have fun no matter what your mileage! :)
#1 is an old fashioned vacuum gauge. Yes, they aren't the best way, but a very good way still. The higher the vacuum reading the better the mileage.
#2 is more high tech and slightly more accurate. You can get a reader that plugs into your BD port and then you can pull up your TPS %. You can even get a transmitter that plugs into the OBD port and transmits the info to your smart phone. The lowest TPS reading with the lowest RPM is where you will get the best mileage.
Several things you can do to get the best mileage. Some easy and practical, and some not so:
#1. Tires. Pump all of them up to max pressure. Also make sure they are radials.
#2. Drafting. Even a small car in front will break a lot of wind. A big rig in front will save you a LOT of fuel. (And when I say drafting I don't mean the type Dale Jr does. You don't have to be stuffed up under the guys gas tank to save fuel. Even drafting at a safe distance will work)
#3. Slow down. You will use 4 times the amount of fuel at 100 that you will at 50. (Not saying anybody tows at 100 MPH, just showing how the math works.)
#4. Get the front of the trailer in the weeds. Even an inch or two of front end rake will help mileage.
#5. Keep the weight down. Yes, weight does not count for much when rolling but it can hurt some if pulling a lot of mountains. It also hurts a lot in stop and go situations.
#6. Leave soft from stops. If you think jack rabbit starts hurt mileage in a car you can double it in a tow vehicle under load.
#7. Let the truck choose the gear. The transmissions are computer controlled now days and not like the days of old. They are very well programed no matter what you hear.
#8. If your towing light don't use tow haul. Yes, tow haul does several things to use more fuel. Now if you're up against the GVWR I don't suggest you don't use it. But if you tow light like me and the book says it's ok, then turn the thing off because you will save fuel.
#9. Don't use all your power you have if you can help it. If I'm towing up a big mountain on a freeway and have to let it drop down to 40 MPH I will even though I have the horse power to pull it at 65+ MPH. This saves a LOT of fuel.
#10. If at all possible, don't tow into a headwind. Yes, yes, yes, I know! I had to tow into a 4 day headwind this summer and it KILLED my mileage. 1/2 MPG in over 5000 miles. I'm not retired so I had to get back. If I was retired I would have waited it out.
Good luck and have fun no matter what your mileage! :)
