Best towing vehicles for best MPGs
What are some of the best current and past trucks/suv that allow for maximum MPGs when towing (for either smaller or larger TTs)?
Forum Discussion
Sometimes moving up to a much heavier TT and TV improves mpg quite a bit when towing.
Our old 2000 F150 with a V6 (non-turbo) & 3.55 gears (left in photo) had terrible mileage. Towed a 20' 5K lb TT and got around 6-8 mpg and as low as 5.7 mpg in hilly/mountainous areas. It was always running at high RPMs to make enough power. Could only make 30-35 mph on hills and would have to drive on the right shoulders with semis on steep hills. The F150 was rated to tow 5100 lbs so was maxed out on tow capacity. It really sucked - literally. :( Around-town mpg was fairly decent tho.
Now we tow a 29' 7K lb TT with an F250 with V10 and 4.10 gears and get around 8-9 mpg. Truck is longer, taller and much heavier (now has a canopy) and is just over 50 percent of the tow rating. It never lacks for power and has great acceleration. MPG around town however is not good.
Conclusion - towing with a TV that is close to the max. tow capacity may not perform well.
Our old 2000 F150 with a V6 (non-turbo) & 3.55 gears (left in photo) had terrible mileage. Towed a 20' 5K lb TT and got around 6-8 mpg and as low as 5.7 mpg in hilly/mountainous areas. It was always running at high RPMs to make enough power. Could only make 30-35 mph on hills and would have to drive on the right shoulders with semis on steep hills. The F150 was rated to tow 5100 lbs so was maxed out on tow capacity. It really sucked - literally. :( Around-town mpg was fairly decent tho.
Now we tow a 29' 7K lb TT with an F250 with V10 and 4.10 gears and get around 8-9 mpg. Truck is longer, taller and much heavier (now has a canopy) and is just over 50 percent of the tow rating. It never lacks for power and has great acceleration. MPG around town however is not good.
Conclusion - towing with a TV that is close to the max. tow capacity may not perform well.
