Towing with an F250 with the 5.4
I tried a search on this subject, but wasn't successful. I am looking at changing out my TV with something newer and would like to go with a Ford since there are only a Ford or Toyota dealer in the d...
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I have been towing with my 2008 F250 super duty crewcab since I bought it new. It has the 3.73 rear end with 5spd torque shift automatic transmission. I tow a 21' travel trailer, weighs about 4,000lbs. I always use tow/haul mode when towing... it does not "lock out" overdrive (which is why it can get surprisingly decent highway mileage), but it does wait longer (higher revs) before shifting to the next gear, and also downshifts quicker to use engine braking.
I have not done much big hills (or especially mountains), but it tows fine with New England's constant up and down hills. Average about 10mpg towing on the highway, 15mpg empty on the highway. Biggest difference I found comparing my 5.4 to my previous 7.3 diesel is towing and using cruise control -- when on flat highway or just rolling hills I like to use cruise control, and the diesel could hold speed a lot easier, where the 5.4 needs to downshift quite a bit more to maintain speed on hills.
Must be different in the mountains, but people I've talked to with the V-10 do not get better mileage than I do. They love the power of the V-10, but laugh when asked about fuel mileage.
Fuel mileage compared to diesel when not towing: I have a friend with a hunting cabin in southern Vermont, only about 2 1/2 hours away highway driving. He owns a 2008ish Chevy with the Duramax diesel (GREAT quiet diesel, by the way!). When we both go to the cabin with our trucks not towing, it costs me a bit less in fuel. This is due to me getting decent mileage when empty on the highway, and that diesel in my area is 30-40 cents more per gallon. If we are towing, this situation is reversed.
I am very happy with the 5.4. If I was doing constant heavy towing in mountainous areas I would probably go with a diesel. If I was planning on towing heavier (or larger) than I do now but not constantly, I would go with the V-10.
Hope this helps!
I have not done much big hills (or especially mountains), but it tows fine with New England's constant up and down hills. Average about 10mpg towing on the highway, 15mpg empty on the highway. Biggest difference I found comparing my 5.4 to my previous 7.3 diesel is towing and using cruise control -- when on flat highway or just rolling hills I like to use cruise control, and the diesel could hold speed a lot easier, where the 5.4 needs to downshift quite a bit more to maintain speed on hills.
Must be different in the mountains, but people I've talked to with the V-10 do not get better mileage than I do. They love the power of the V-10, but laugh when asked about fuel mileage.
Fuel mileage compared to diesel when not towing: I have a friend with a hunting cabin in southern Vermont, only about 2 1/2 hours away highway driving. He owns a 2008ish Chevy with the Duramax diesel (GREAT quiet diesel, by the way!). When we both go to the cabin with our trucks not towing, it costs me a bit less in fuel. This is due to me getting decent mileage when empty on the highway, and that diesel in my area is 30-40 cents more per gallon. If we are towing, this situation is reversed.
I am very happy with the 5.4. If I was doing constant heavy towing in mountainous areas I would probably go with a diesel. If I was planning on towing heavier (or larger) than I do now but not constantly, I would go with the V-10.
Hope this helps!
