Forum Discussion

fordrocks's avatar
fordrocks
Explorer
Mar 13, 2013

e85 while towing any users?

I know there is a drop in gas mileage with e85 everyday driving, But if pulling a camper and only getting 10mpg with regular gas. Wouldn't u use e85? Where I live it is .40 cents cheaper. So would u get less then 10mpg if so how bad would it get? It couldn't go under 8 mpg? Im getting my new tt 3-29-13 so haven't had any experience with this. I know my truck gets 15 more hp and 10 more torque which is to consider. I did have a starting problem it started, but took longer. Called dealership to see if they heard of it? Right away said e85 doesn't like cold so I topped off with regular never happened again. So any e85 users while towing? Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • M_GO_BLUE1's avatar
    M_GO_BLUE1
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    The 20%-30% drop in mpg will more than overshadow any cost savings you might get from using E85...
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 13, 2013
    fordrocks wrote:
    Really that's crazy. I'm still going to try it, but not what I expected. I have good luck mixing 50/50. Are you guessing or have you towed with it and got these result? You always lose 30 percent? Different trailer weight has nothing to do with it? I would get about 510 miles a tank with regular and 460 with e85 regular driving. That's not 30 percent is it? Thanks


    There is less energy in ethanol than there is in gasoline. Diluting gasoline with ethanol will always give you less energy. And less energy means you have to supply more fuel to go the same speed. Thus you get lower miles per tank. It's plain and simple physics.
  • fordrocks's avatar
    fordrocks
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    Thanks turtle. Hope e85 gets cheaper then that sucks. I rather have my money stay in US thoo. I will use it just too get truck specs up and have money stay around US for busting even, but can't if I will lose money. Thanks again.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    fordrocks wrote:
    Really that's crazy. I'm still going to try it, but not what I expected. I have good luck mixing 50/50. Are you guessing or have you towed with it and got these result? You always lose 30 percent? Different trailer weight has nothing to do with it? I would get about 510 miles a tank with regular and 460 with e85 regular driving. That's not 30 percent is it? Thanks

    No haven't towed with it but it's easy math to do. You have right at 30% less BTU's with straight E85 so you will loose that and even a bit more because of the tune. The more gas you use the better mileage you will get.

    I race against people that use alky. Straight meth not eth. On a hot day they will wax us with the same engine on alky. It makes a big difference on a hot day. On a cold day we can run right with them so not much difference in power.

    Here is some math for you. It will show you why you won't come out by towing with E85.

    Or you can just keep on using E85 and make the corn farmers rich and happy in the US. Your choice. :B
  • fordrocks's avatar
    fordrocks
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    I was thinking of money savings. Thats why run it.Have to stop every 2 hours anyways to let someone go to the bathroom. Lol.More hp and torque is always good what if you need to pass? What about if ya pull out in front of someone by accident better get on it or get rear ended. What about merging in too 75mph traffic. You didn't even talk about your experience towing with e85! Have ya? What did I learn from you?:h
  • fordrocks's avatar
    fordrocks
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    Really that's crazy. I'm still going to try it, but not what I expected. I have good luck mixing 50/50. Are you guessing or have you towed with it and got these result? You always lose 30 percent? Different trailer weight has nothing to do with it? I would get about 510 miles a tank with regular and 460 with e85 regular driving. That's not 30 percent is it? Thanks
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    Why run E85 when you can only tow the speed limit with either fuel? Over the long run on a trip the non E85 guy will keep going past you cause you have to stop for gas more often. I have 350 hp and 800lbs TQ but in a line of cars going down the road we are traveling at the same speed. Only place where I would pass you is in a passing lane going up hill and latter on down the road we would be behind another group of cars. Happens all the time. Only reason for more HP/TQ is to tow a heavier load. If your running E85 and the guy behind you with the same exact setup is running reg, what are you gaining?
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2013
    fordrocks wrote:
    I know there is a drop in gas mileage with e85 everyday driving, But if pulling a camper and only getting 10mpg with regular gas. Wouldn't u use e85? Where I live it is .40 cents cheaper. So would u get less then 10mpg if so how bad would it get? It couldn't go under 8 mpg? Im getting my new tt 3-29-13 so haven't had any experience with this. I know my truck gets 15 more hp and 10 more torque which is to consider. I did have a starting problem it started, but took longer. Called dealership to see if they heard of it? Right away said e85 doesn't like cold so I topped off with regular never happened again. So any e85 users while towing? Thanks


    You will loose right at 30%. So if you get 10 on gasoline you will get 6.5 to 7 on E85. It won't work out if you want to save $$$.

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