F150 w EcoBoost 2.7

[Weluv2rv]

Anybody else using one of these to tow?

We are complete newbies, so forgive my lack of knowledge. I bought a 2021 F150 with all the tow packages, including the new tow-assist module (replacing what used to be a decal, I think).

It has the 2.7 EcoBoost with 10-speed auto and if I recall correctly, a 3.55 ratio.

I’m pulling a 6600 lb. trailer with ease, but seeing mileage in the low 7’s.

Before I run out and trade for a 250 Diesel, any suggestions? And if I move to the 250, what can I expect in improvement, if any?

Thanks again for letting a newbie show his ignorance! We’re looking forward to this new chapter in our retirement life!

[carringb]

OP - Are you running premium fuel? It's recommended for towing, as it will use extra fuel to prevent detonation.

Otherwise, the best thing is to slow down. Single digits should be expected towing with any gas motor, especially if you're trying to drive with regular car traffic.

[LITEPHIL]

Just curious why you wouldn't put it in tow mode while towing? On my tow vehicles, its like a completely different vehicle. 6,000 lbs isn't much on a diesel or a heavier duty truck but that's still a pretty good load. Tow haul will shift much tighter and will keep the engine in an optimum RPM range and won't let it bog.

[Boomerweps]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
I can't comment on the fuel economy, but 2.7 MPG is pretty bad for a <7000 lb trailer.

My choice would be a F250 with 7.3L gas.

THAT is funny, I don’t care who you are!

2.7EB engine, 7mpg was posted.

Use Tow/haul mode, downshifts earlier, up shifts later, staying in the power band. Stays out of the overdrives more. Also, lock out the upper 2-3 speeds, they are increasing overdrive speeds. Shooting for 65mph top speed should help. 60mph would be better for mpg when towing a massive wind block but traffic dependent. With any luck, you should be getting 9mpg or a fraction more.
Did you have a TT previously? Slower speed changes and not trying to get moving faster or more quickly makes a big difference.

[lenr]

I can think of two things for the OP to try for improved mileage. Since the 2.7 engine is right at max towing capacity, definitely run in tow haul mode. Assuming it works the same as most other Ford tow haul modes it will at least raise the shift point RPMs keeping the engine from lugging with better fuel mileage. In addition it will be much easier on the transmission (read-> less transmission failure problems). Secondly, the 3.5 Eco-Boost recommends premium gas when towing, so I would guess the 2.7 is the same. That allows the engine to advance the timing for better efficiency. Only a couple of test runs would show if the mileage improved enough to pay for the premium cost.

[lenr]

My opinion--your my vary.
I agree with above that diesels will get about 30% better fuel mileage but at a significantly higher initial cost along with generally higher fuel cost. Also, wind resistance is huge. With our Ford 6.7 diesel we got 11 mpg (within .5 mpg) for our square nose 6500 lb bumper pull, a 9400 lb fifth wheel and now a 12700 lb fifth wheel. My only explanation is that each one must have been more aerodynamic than the last one. 7 mpg would be disappointing, but gas engines do suck down the fuel. We got 8.5 gas pulling the bumper pull. Certainly a 250 with any engine would be a better towing experience (the 250 with a 6.2 only comes with a 6 speed) but at a repeat initial cost.) If OP only tows occasionally I would put up with the fuel cost which is probably small compared to the new truck cost right now with limited supply.

[MFL]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Weluv2rv wrote:
Before I run out and trade for a 250 Diesel, any suggestions? And if I move to the 250, what can I expect in improvement, if any?

My choice would be a F250 with 7.3L gas.

Good choice! A large V8 in a 250 will handle that trailer, and a much bigger one, while still getting decent MPG. A small turbo engine can make big power, but working it hard uses lots of fuel.

OP...the 250 will also have a much improved, stable towing ability, with a little loss of ride quality.

Jerry

[Groover]

Your problem has a lot to do with the frontal area and that will carry over to any truck, though you are working the 2.7 a lot harder than it was meant to do continuously. The main way that the F250 will help you is if you get the 48 gallon fuel tank.

All Ford pickups are rated for 60 square feet frontal area bumper pull, 75 square feet with a gooseneck. The reason for the higher rating on the gooseneck is that it is closer to the cab and gets less direct wind on it. When my daughter switched from a bumper pull horse trailer to a larger and heavier gooseneck her fuel economy went up You would probably do well to get a camper shell that rises up in the back to maximize air deflection around the trailer. Or a gooseneck trailer with some aerodynamics up front.

See page 16 of the towing guide:

2021 Ford towing guide.

Are boats are probably at the 60 square foot frontal area but the pointed bow and raked windshield help reduce drag.

[theoldwizard1]

Weluv2rv wrote:
Before I run out and trade for a 250 Diesel, any suggestions? And if I move to the 250, what can I expect in improvement, if any?

IMHO, stay away from the diesel, unless you drive over 50K per year.

First, the upcharge for a diesel engine is quite large. Second, the price of diesel fuel (in my area) is actually higher regular. Third, the cost of oil changes and filters will shock you !

I can't comment on the fuel economy, but 2.7 MPG is pretty bad for a <7000 lb trailer.

My choice would be a F250 with 7.3L gas.

[Lwiddis]

Payload? Max trailer weight? Horsepower? Torque? Rear ended is? No guessing, please. Tire pressures when towing...TT and truck? Why haven’t you tried what Ford thinks is good..tow haul?

[ksss]

I pull a 10'tall by 8' X 26' long flat faced car trailer. With a 4K car inside and the 4K trailer at 80 mph, I get 8-9 with an 18 Duramax. Its not a Ford but I really kinda doubt the difference would substantial. The comment on the wind resistance is spot on. I can pull 30K of equipment on a gooseneck and get the same mpg. If you made the change simply for the mpg increase, you will be driving for a long time to make that pencil out.

[Me_Again]

Weluv2rv wrote:
My rig is about 10’ high and 8’ wide. I keep it to 60-65 mph and haven’t put the truck in “tow mode” yet. It seems if I go any slower than that here in FL, I’ll end up as roadkill pretty quickly.

I’d be interested to know what your brother is doing to get better gas mileage with his 2.7.

Thanks again!

Try the tow mode, it may put the engine in a better RPM range for improved mileage.

[Weluv2rv]

My rig is about 10’ high and 8’ wide. I keep it to 60-65 mph and haven’t put the truck in “tow mode” yet. It seems if I go any slower than that here in FL, I’ll end up as roadkill pretty quickly.

I’d be interested to know what your brother is doing to get better gas mileage with his 2.7.

Thanks again!

[Groover]

How much frontal area does the trailer have?
How fast are you towing?

I get about 12mph towing my boat with my 2016 3.5EcoBoost. The boat is 8ft high and 8ft wide. Not as heavy but the wind drag is the most important element for fuel economy. My brother tows a similar rig with his 2017 2.7Ecoboost and gets quite a bit better fuel economy than I do.

I get 8.5mpg towing an 11,000lb equipment trailer.

You should be doing better with the newer tech and the 10 speed transmission.

My experience with a diesel is that it gave about 30% better fuel economy pulling my equipment trailer.

[Grit_dog]

Welcome!
So as you’re aware, your truck is well suited for that size trailer.
Whatever you get with your gas truck will be similar with others. Maybe a shade better with a big gas engine and deeper gears but not much. 1 mpg maybe.
Diesel will do about the diffenrece in the energy density between the 2 types of fuel. Or about 30% better. Again, maybe more because a big diesel wouldn’t be breaking a sweat with that trailer. Real world driving the speed limits I’d expect maybe 12avg out of a big diesel.
Haven’t pulled with or even driven a 1/2 ton diesel pickup though.