First towing experience??

[thomas5853]

I just made my first trip towing my 8k trailer. At first I was getting around 11 mpg. Once I approached the mountains and with winds, I was getting about 9 mpg and still doing about 80 mph. Tried the towing setting and then the 65hp setting on my DP tuner and still got about the same mpg. Just got a 4" turbo back exhaust and will see if it makes a difference.

2003 F250 6.0L lariet CC SB 21000 miles DP tuner, airaid filter, and 4"TB exhaust

[twhouse]

Just in from our first tow with Clifford, 8000 pound Komfort 222fs, roads and speed limits would not allow high speeds, just set cruise when possible for about 60, looks like we should do about 12 mpg on the flat land (is there any) and give an average above 10.
Runs about 2200 until almost 60 mph then upshifts to od and drops to about 1750 (in tow mode)
Gary

[MYSTICSVT]

Originally Posted by somebodyelse5

If something happens.....that 2 seconds you take to react is all it takes for you to melt your motor down. Need to be in total control 100% of the time and watching all of your numbers.

I run my cruise while towing all the time. I do pay special attention to my pyrometer on hills though. If it gets too hot, I just tap the brake. It takes more than just 2 seconds for EGT's to hurt the motor. I, and many others, have hit 1500+ degrees while making quarter mile passes. Which are substancially longer than 2 seconds.

As for when to use the Tow/Haul, I only use mine when towing over 5K pounds or when I'm in hilly terrain. Otherwise my MPG is much better with it off.

[Dan"gerous"]

As a tranny engineer told me; the tranny is smart enough to hold the gear it can pull. Use your overdrive. As far a fuel Milage that seems kinda low. With my 04 6.0 I would get 15 towing my 5,500 lb travel trailer. Towing the same trailer with my 5.4 triton I get 11. Cruising 65-70 with either one.

[thomas5853]

Just stopped for the weekend after putting in my 4" turbo back exhaust. I get about 12 mpg doing 70 mph (2000 rpm) When I go to 75 or 80 (2250 rpm) I get about 9 mpg. I tried taking off the tow/haul and see if it made a difference. Need more testing, now I need to adjust my DP tuner and see if it makes a difference. I think I need to take more time and go slower, then I would get better mileage. Does anyone know whether getting a wind deflector for the top of the truck will affect mpg?

2003 F250 6.0L lariet CC SB 21000 miles DP tuner, airaid filter, and 4"TB exhaust

[Markhb]

As long as it does not keep changing gears into and out of overdrive, it will be OK to use Overdrive. I use it all the time when hauling my 11K lb boat trailer. Like it was said previously don't lug it either.

Mark