Forum Discussion

tbax46's avatar
tbax46
Explorer
May 28, 2013

Is my mileage unusual?

I towed for over 10 years with a Ford V10 and averaged 8.25 mpg (nothing any better than 9.65). I've been towing over the last year with a Ford diesel and like the way it tows, however, the best mpg I've gotten is 9.8. All of those computations were done with pencil and paper method. The on board calculator says I'm getting 10.4. I hear everyone talking about 13-14 mpg towing with diesels. I'm trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong.
Just looking for some information, not trying to start any arguments about the best brand or type of engine.
Tow Vehicles
  • tbax46's avatar
    tbax46
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I run about 60-62 and sometimes slower that's why I wonder why I'm not getting around 10.5-11 instead of 8.75 to 9.2. A mystery to me, I was wondering if I was doing something wrong or different from everyone else.
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I tow about 12k# FW with a 5.9 Cummins. Get about 10.5 to 11 if I stay at 62mph. If I bump to 65-70mph I drop to 9.5. Speed at those loads with the larger frontal area of our FWs makes a huge difference. And complete agree with the 13-14mpg towing 12k# being a pipe dream.
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I wouldn't complain about any positive mileage with the 6.0, that there is a plus :W
    How fast are you driving? I know the speed limit is pretty high in TX. At 60-65 MPH you should be getting 11-12 MPG IIRC, with few hills and no wind. 13-14 MPG is a pipe dream towing 12k lbs.
  • tbax46's avatar
    tbax46
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    brirene wrote:
    What TnP said. Whether thats reasonable depends on the engine, and how much you're towing. Fwiw, I've had 3 superdutys and the computer on each of them was very close to hand calculated.

    Pretty much what brirene has. Same pickup and nearly the same size trailer, mine might be a bit heavier.
  • brirene's avatar
    brirene
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    What TnP said. Whether thats reasonable depends on the engine, and how much you're towing. Fwiw, I've had 3 superdutys and the computer on each of them was very close to hand calculated.
  • tbax46's avatar
    tbax46
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    More info, I'm towing with a 6.0 that's had all the work done (arp studs, bolts, new oil cooler, egr delete, etc,) The trailer is a Travel Supreme at about 12,500 lbs.
  • phone_man's avatar
    phone_man
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    Maybe those diesel figures for mpg have been greatly exaggerated...
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    tbax46 wrote:
    I towed for over 10 years with a Ford V10 and averaged 8.25 mpg (nothing any better than 9.65). I've been towing over the last year with a Ford diesel and like the way it tows, however, the best mpg I've gotten is 9.8. All of those computations were done with pencil and paper method. The on board calculator says I'm getting 10.4. I hear everyone talking about 13-14 mpg towing with diesels. I'm trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong.
    Just looking for some information, not trying to start any arguments about the best brand or type of engine.


    Not if you are towing with a 6.4 Powerstroke. They have the worst mileage of any diesel by FAR.

    The 6.0 pulls down some pretty good mileage and the 6.7 pulls down great mileage.

    It also depends on the trailer you are towing.

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