Towing

[Bozboat]

"gas mileage is not all that bad"

Your kidding right?

I don't get stressed about gas mileage or gas prices. I did for awhile when it first jumped up over $3 a gallon, but I am determined to not think about gas prices.

Still, I know that the gas prices have changed my way of analyzing errands to neighboring large cities.

Gas mileage is relative to other concerns and problems. The sierra denali is bad when compared to some vehicles, better than others. The 6.2 sierra denali does fine on the highway, as in 16 -18 mpg. I got 10.5 towing my boat to and from Arkansas in 110 degree heat with a fully packed truck and boat at 70 mph. Pure city driving mileage is low as in 11-12 mpg, but this truck is fun to drive, the AWD and 20 inch tires gives it incredible traction, so it takes corners well and almost seems sporty.

Other trucks that I have tried:

I had the denali XL for awhile, best road trip vehicle ever, not that much fun around town. I had a Dodge Diesel Quad Cab that got 24 mpg, but it was loud and unruly, the front end was weak, and the limited slip axle would not slip around corners unless you had five hundred pounds in the bed, so the rear tires hopped around corners and wore out prematurely, and the interior trim fell apart. I have had the duramax, in a 4x4 crewcab. It was awesome until the battery exploded, not quite as bad as the car in Casino but everything under the hood got coated in acid. I have had a couple of Z71 Crew cabs with the 5.3., gas mileage on them was not materially different than the 6.2, but in my experience the 5.3s did not have the stamina on the highway that I enjoy from the 6.2. Also, in the Z71 with the 18 inch tires, the computer shuts the truck down at 95 mph. I don't drive that fast, but it bothers me to think that at 70 mph, I am running 75% of capacity. I don't know how fast the denali will go, but I like thinking that it has more top end.

Ideally, I would have an F250 King Ranch short bed crew cab diesel and a sporty sedan with a six cylinder, but that program would cost me more money than just filing up the truck that I am currently driving. So, in my view the gas mileage is not all that bad.

[hethj7]

Ideally, I would have an F250 King Ranch short bed crew cab diesel and a sporty sedan with a six cylinder, but that program would cost me more money than just filing up the truck that I am currently driving. So, in my view the gas mileage is not all that bad.

This is a great point that it seems many people miss. In most of the cases I see, the people that have a 3rd vehicle they use as a "daily driver' actually spend more to buy, insure, and maintain that 3rd vehicle than just driving their other vehicle and spending a little more on gas.

[Debt Setter]

I don't get stressed about gas mileage or gas prices. I did for awhile when it first jumped up over $3 a gallon, but I am determined to not think about gas prices.

Still, I know that the gas prices have changed my way of analyzing errands to neighboring large cities.

Gas mileage is relative to other concerns and problems. The sierra denali is bad when compared to some vehicles, better than others. The 6.2 sierra denali does fine on the highway, as in 16 -18 mpg. I got 10.5 towing my boat to and from Arkansas in 110 degree heat with a fully packed truck and boat at 70 mph. Pure city driving mileage is low as in 11-12 mpg, but this truck is fun to drive, the AWD and 20 inch tires gives it incredible traction, so it takes corners well and almost seems sporty.

Other trucks that I have tried:

I had the denali XL for awhile, best road trip vehicle ever, not that much fun around town. I had a Dodge Diesel Quad Cab that got 24 mpg, but it was loud and unruly, the front end was weak, and the limited slip axle would not slip around corners unless you had five hundred pounds in the bed, so the rear tires hopped around corners and wore out prematurely, and the interior trim fell apart. I have had the duramax, in a 4x4 crewcab. It was awesome until the battery exploded, not quite as bad as the car in Casino but everything under the hood got coated in acid. I have had a couple of Z71 Crew cabs with the 5.3., gas mileage on them was not materially different than the 6.2, but in my experience the 5.3s did not have the stamina on the highway that I enjoy from the 6.2. Also, in the Z71 with the 18 inch tires, the computer shuts the truck down at 95 mph. I don't drive that fast, but it bothers me to think that at 70 mph, I am running 75% of capacity. I don't know how fast the denali will go, but I like thinking that it has more top end.

Ideally, I would have an F250 King Ranch short bed crew cab diesel and a sporty sedan with a six cylinder, but that program would cost me more money than just filing up the truck that I am currently driving. So, in my view the gas mileage is not all that bad.

I have an Escalade ESV with the 6.2. I get about 14mpg standard and 8 towing. I admit I drive hard and tow hard, I have driven easy and do not see a huge increase in mpg. In addition I have had the A pillars replaced because the fabric bubbled, the shocks for the rear door, two door handles, one arm rest, doors re aligned three times for wind noise, replaces both rear air bags due to leaking, the tire sensor monitor system is constantly throwing warnings, twice the engine had shut down after towing distance in heat and reboots the computer in "limp mode" after 1/2 hour. Get 5mpg towing in this mode, did this from Vegas to So Cal. In a nut shell, I cant say enough bad things about the Escalade. As I have stated before, it is the best for what is available in that type of vehicle and wish that Honda / Acura had something that could compare but I believe they do not because it would sell for over 100k. The quality of American vehicles is a joke. I have an 05 Acura RL that has more options, technology, comfort, reliability than my 08 Escalade.

[Hammertime]

My Denali Crew cab wouldn't get 20 mpg if it was being towed downhill on a flat bed.

I can't even get that in our GM 5.3

[Malibudude]

This is a great point that it seems many people miss. In most of the cases I see, the people that have a 3rd vehicle they use as a "daily driver' actually spend more to buy, insure, and maintain that 3rd vehicle than just driving their other vehicle and spending a little more on gas.

Unless you buy something that nobody wants... Truck gets 7mpg if I'm lucky....commuter car gets 37mpg. Granted if your looking at new or newer used having two vehicles would more than likely cost more but a cheap used coffin car is cheaper for me w/ 100 miles per day @ 7mpg would kill me in gas $$$. Trust me I've run the numbers but in my case it's cheaper to own both, even though I rather drive the truck!

[Bobby Light]

The only way I'd EVER own an Ecoboost is if I used the truck as a daily driver, had a long commute, and did not tow much. That truck will get worse mileage than any of the other trucks while towing, or any time the turbos are spooled up really. I went with the 6.2L after auditioning all of them.

[jtrovato]

There's a few we got screwed out of too that the Aussies have.

I've been looking at selling my classic pickup and my beemer for a single tow vehicle/daily driver that I could haul kiddos with (in the future). I drive about 29 miles each way to work mostly hilly highway so economy is important unloaded. I've considered the LR4, the Toyota Tacoma Quad Cab, and the new F150 Ecoboost. I'm still not sure if I would be pleased with the LR4 or the Tacoma towing the boat long distances. There are some pretty decent hills through the mountains that can work a tow vehicle and it's brakes if they aren't up for the task. I know the F150 would crush the other 2 in towing, but dang it's not cheap......but I'm sure a Ford fan. The plus for me with the Tacoma is I get to save close to 15k over the F150 and I get my manual tranny with a modest tow capacity (6400lbs). I need to hitch my dad's Tacoma up to the boat and see how it does next season.

I had a Tacoma quad cab and towed our vRide with it for a couple years. Let's just say it's a good thing we have a slip for the Summer and didn't have to tow it very far. I took a couple trips to the NH lakes towing with the Tacoma and it sucked. The Tacoma gas mileage was only a few mpg better than what I now get with my Tundra with the 5.7 and the boat pushed the Tacoma around. The Tacoma was constantly downshifting to 3rd gear trying to maintain speed.

I upgraded to a Tundra CrewMax with the 5.7 and couldn't be happier. I get 14 mpg average (about 50/50 highway/city) and it tows the boat 100x better than the Tacoma ever did. I would skip out on the Tacoma if you're going to be towing anything over 3,000 lbs.

[Gaffster01]

Lmao wow I like to stir the pot a little, and no I did not check the numbers just saying for me I would stick with V8. I meant no disrepect. I know a lot of Ford guys that think the same. Come on if we really want to talk about pulling diesel is the best. Duramax of coarse. Lol But again thats coming from a Chevy guy.

[hethj7]

I wasn't defending the Ecoboost because Ford makes it. I think we were just pointing out that as far as numbers are concerned, it puts out higher or nearly equal torque values than V8's (Ford's V8's at least) and it develops its max torque at a relatively low RPM, so to say the low end torque just isn't there seems false.

Now, would I buy the Ecoboost? I still don't know. And of course you are right that if you really want torque, but a diesel.

[martinarcher]

With my old 1/2 ton I only got 1mpg less than a buddies tacoma and that was before they came out with 6-speed tannys. So to have the room, increased comfort, and towing hauling capacity it wasn't even a choice.

oh and.....

Your killing me. Was his Taco one of the newer generation with the 6 speed manual? It's hard to believe a 1/2 ton Chevy would even hold a candle to a Taco in fuel mileage. As far as towing and roominess there is no comparison. My grandpa has an Avalanche and that baby is thirsty around town, but it tows really well.

[martinarcher]

I had a Tacoma quad cab and towed our vRide with it for a couple years. Let's just say it's a good thing we have a slip for the Summer and didn't have to tow it very far. I took a couple trips to the NH lakes towing with the Tacoma and it sucked. The Tacoma gas mileage was only a few mpg better than what I now get with my Tundra with the 5.7 and the boat pushed the Tacoma around. The Tacoma was constantly downshifting to 3rd gear trying to maintain speed.

I upgraded to a Tundra CrewMax with the 5.7 and couldn't be happier. I get 14 mpg average (about 50/50 highway/city) and it tows the boat 100x better than the Tacoma ever did. I would skip out on the Tacoma if you're going to be towing anything over 3,000 lbs.

Thanks for the review. I appreciate it. My boat is probably close to 5k ready to go to the lake. I figure it would be alright, but the Ecoboost wouldn't know it's back there. I took one for a test drive last Friday. A truck shouldn't be able to move that quick off the line! Time will tell if it's a slam dunk on lifespan, but man does it crank out the ft/lbs down low on the tach!

[EchelonMike]

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? There may be reasons to be leery of a twin turbo motor (maintenance and repair costs for one), but I don't think having enough torque down low is one of them.

LOL! The minute Ford gets smart and puts the Ecoboost in the Expedition EL, I can get rid of the Suburban and get back into a Ford. It's an awesome drivetrain combo.

-- Mike

[hethj7]

MA, consider what Bobby Light said about towing with the Ecoboost and do a little research on the F-150 forums. I don't know what the real world numbers are, but he brings up a good point. The F-150 has several strong online forums and I'm sure there are threads discussing real world MPG for the Ecoboost, both towing and empty.

One thing I will say about the F-150 is they are really nice trucks. We love the build quality of ours and it would be tough to get my wife to drive anything else now.

[hethj7]

LOL! The minute Ford gets smart and puts the Ecoboost in the Expedition EL, I can get rid of the Suburban and get back into a Ford. It's an awesome drivetrain combo.

-- Mike

We've considered getting an Expedition or Navigator, but I really don't like that you only have one engine choice right now and that is the 5.4L. If I'm not super impressed by the 5.4L in my F-150, then I'm sure I'd be underwhelmed by it in the heavier Expedition.

[Bobby Light]

MA, consider what Bobby Light said about towing with the Ecoboost and do a little research on the F-150 forums. I don't know what the real world numbers are, but he brings up a good point. The F-150 has several strong online forums and I'm sure there are threads discussing real world MPG for the Ecoboost, both towing and empty.

One thing I will say about the F-150 is they are really nice trucks. We love the build quality of ours and it would be tough to get my wife to drive anything else now.

No doubt, this 2011 I got is the nicest truck I've ever had and I've had alot of trucks. My wife absolutely loves it as well . I was really impressed the first time I towed the boat with it, I came from a modded 06' dodge with cummins. I've always hated Ford, but man have they re-invented themselves.

[Malibudude]

Your killing me. Was his Taco one of the newer generation with the 6 speed manual? It's hard to believe a 1/2 ton Chevy would even hold a candle to a Taco in fuel mileage. As far as towing and roominess there is no comparison. My grandpa has an Avalanche and that baby is thirsty around town, but it tows really well.

Both were the same model year '01. Guess who he called to tow or haul anything.....

[martinarcher]

Both were the same model year '01. Guess who he called to tow or haul anything.....

I bet.

[martinarcher]

MA, consider what Bobby Light said about towing with the Ecoboost and do a little research on the F-150 forums. I don't know what the real world numbers are, but he brings up a good point. The F-150 has several strong online forums and I'm sure there are threads discussing real world MPG for the Ecoboost, both towing and empty.

One thing I will say about the F-150 is they are really nice trucks. We love the build quality of ours and it would be tough to get my wife to drive anything else now.

Totally agree with both of you. The towing economy with the Ecoboost won't be the best of all the trucks, but for my situation it sure is attractive. I have a long commute that is mostly hilly highway. I currently get about 5-6mpg towing the boat with my 390 FE. I'm sure the Ecoboost will crack 10 towing which would make me . My beemer gets 23mpg daily and drinks premium. If I can average close to 19-20 daily going to work and over 10 towing the Bu it would make me a happy camper and be one less vehicle in the stable. It's just one very pricey truck when it's well equipped.

[Bobby Light]

Totally agree with both of you. The towing economy with the Ecoboost won't be the best of all the trucks, but for my situation it sure is attractive. I have a long commute that is mostly hilly highway. I currently get about 5-6mpg towing the boat with my 390 FE. I'm sure the Ecoboost will crack 10 towing which would make me . My beemer gets 23mpg daily and drinks premium. If I can average close to 19-20 daily going to work and over 10 towing the Bu it would make me a happy camper and be one less vehicle in the stable. It's just one very pricey truck when it's well equipped.

Hey guy sounds like you're the perfect candidate for the Eco. They might seem priced high but a loaded one is probably nicer than your beemer inside. You'll have the best of both worlds.

[martinarcher]

Hey guy sounds like you're the perfect candidate for the Eco. They might seem priced high but a loaded one is probably nicer than your beemer inside. You'll have the best of both worlds.

I hear ya. It sure is. My beemer is a 10 year old 330xi. Nothing fancy. I sure enjoy the way it drives though. I'm in no hurry. I'll sit a year or so and see how the Eco looks. Might give me a few decent used trucks to pick from as well.

[Tims]

No doubt, this 2011 I got is the nicest truck I've ever had and I've had alot of trucks. My wife absolutely loves it as well . I was really impressed the first time I towed the boat with it, I came from a modded 06' dodge with cummins. I've always hated Ford, but man have they re-invented themselves.

Man, You went from the best tow engine on the planet to a 6.2L gasser. How does the mileage and drivability compare when towing? I am guessing that you at least got around 15mpg average with your Cummins and since modded, probably had over 1000ft lb of torque.

I am looking at new trucks as well, but just don't like what the EPA has done to the new diesels. So now what? I know someone at work with the Eco Boost and he is getting 13mpg towing about 6000 pounds around the east TN area. Mix of hills and flat. I like the idea of the engine, but it is basically a diesel with spark plugs. (Turbos, direct injection, etc.) I know the high pressure injection systems on the modern diesels need super clean fuel, and I am sure that the EcoBoost is the same.

Thinking of the Raptor with the 6.2. Anyone tow with one?

[85 Barefoot]

Man, You went from the best tow engine on the planet to a 6.2L gasser. How does the mileage and drivability compare when towing? I am guessing that you at least got around 15mpg average with your Cummins and since modded, probably had over 1000ft lb of torque.

I am looking at new trucks as well, but just don't like what the EPA has done to the new diesels. So now what? I know someone at work with the Eco Boost and he is getting 13mpg towing about 6000 pounds around the east TN area. Mix of hills and flat. I like the idea of the engine, but it is basically a diesel with spark plugs. (Turbos, direct injection, etc.) I know the high pressure injection systems on the modern diesels need super clean fuel, and I am sure that the EcoBoost is the same.

Thinking of the Raptor with the 6.2. Anyone tow with one?

No but I would bet tow rating is down significantly given softer suspension with far more travel.

[Nitrousbird]

One thing I will say about the F-150 is they are really nice trucks. We love the build quality of ours and it would be tough to get my wife to drive anything else now.

Lol, I disagree with being a nice truck. My company vehicle (which I basically just use as a daily driver to/from work) is an 06 f150. Unreliable, rides like hell, about intolerable after an hour of driving. Mileage from the 4.6l is worse than I get from the 5.3 in my Avalanche...even though my Avalanche has much steeper gearing is a lot heavier.

The only thing I like about it is the free gas and no wear and tear on my vehicle. Perhaps the newer ones are nicer, but I wouldn't take the chance.

[Bobby Light]

Lol, I disagree with being a nice truck. My company vehicle (which I basically just use as a daily driver to/from work) is an 06 f150. Unreliable, rides like hell, about intolerable after an hour of driving. Mileage from the 4.6l is worse than I get from the 5.3 in my Avalanche...even though my Avalanche has much steeper gearing is a lot heavier.

The only thing I like about it is the free gas and no wear and tear on my vehicle. Perhaps the newer ones are nicer, but I wouldn't take the chance.

[martinarcher]

Lol, I disagree with being a nice truck. My company vehicle (which I basically just use as a daily driver to/from work) is an 06 f150. Unreliable, rides like hell, about intolerable after an hour of driving. Mileage from the 4.6l is worse than I get from the 5.3 in my Avalanche...even though my Avalanche has much steeper gearing is a lot heavier.

The only thing I like about it is the free gas and no wear and tear on my vehicle. Perhaps the newer ones are nicer, but I wouldn't take the chance.

You need to stop by the dealership and take a new one for a ride.