Bounder: MPG Ford 6.8 30Valve 362hp w/TOAD

[The General]

Hi All,

I wonder what average mpg you get on your Bounder with the above engine.
Mine was mfg. 2007 and is powerful, never skips a beat and is well maintained, BUT, gets exactly 6 mpg while towing and hardly any more when not towing.
That is the only bummer!
What do you get

Steve

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The General Hi All, I wonder what average mpg you get on your Bounder with the above engine. Mine was mfg. 2007 and is powerful, never skips a beat and is well maintained, BUT, gets exactly 6 mpg while towing and hardly any more when not towing. That is the only bummer! What do you get Steve

Steve. Are you using tow haul? Mine varies from low 6's to low 7's depending on tow haul useage. I confirmed this with a Ford tech. Tow haul causes the difference.

[The General]

Hey Cliff,

I always use Tow/Haul. I believe the manual suggested this.
I'll try it without pressing the magic button.


Steve

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The General Hey Cliff, I always use Tow/Haul. I believe the manual suggested this. I'll try it without pressing the magic button. Steve

It's too bad as I really like that feature. I will still use it up and down steep hills and city stop and go traffic.

[Topflite51]

That is about normal for most. Probably has something to do with it being powerful. I'm guessing also, that you spend a lot of time going up and down in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

[The General]

Hey David,

Most travel is in the level valley area w/100psi in every tire and not anywhere near being fully loaded.
Funny thing is that when I picked up my new empty Bounder in 2008, in Southern Ca and drove back to NorCal w/no toad, I got 7.5mpg.
Never got close to 7mpg again even without toad.
I now have 5,000 miles on her.

Where is the Miracle Juice or gizmo that guarantees us 10mpg?
I looked into Banks Power Pack and the cost for the few extra HP and Torque is prohibitive and parady would come at around 60,000miles.
$5.00/gal seems to be very possible this sumer.


Steve

[Rocky 2]

While I have the Workhorse chassis, my mileage is similar. My Southwind has the same flat area in front which kills the aerodymanics. I did notice that after I lost the front spoiler below the grill that I lost another 1/4 mpg.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The General Hey David, Most travel is in the level valley area w/100psi in every tire and not anywhere near being fully loaded. Funny thing is that when I picked up my new empty Bounder in 2008, in Southern Ca and drove back to NorCal w/no toad, I got 7.5mpg. Never got close to 7mpg again even without toad. I now have 5,000 miles on her. Where is the Miracle Juice or gizmo that guarantees us 10mpg? I looked into Banks Power Pack and the cost for the few extra HP and Torque is prohibitive and parady would come at around 60,000miles. $5.00/gal seems to be very possible this sumer. Steve

Not only are you getting lousy mileage with your tow/haul on but with 100 psi , your poor wife probably has an aching back. Here is a link to Michelin tire inflation tables . Michelin North America RV Load & Inflation Tables . I need 75 lbs in front and 85 lbs in rear and that's with 14,000 lbs on rear axle and 7000 lbs on front axle.If you are as light as you say, 100 psi is way too much and will give you a real hard ride and isn't any good for your tires as well.

I know this is off topic but it's worth mentioning IMHO.

ps

the #'s above are the recommended psi's. I use 5 lbs more ( 80 and 90 )for good measure to be safe.

[The General]

Hey Cliff,

I'll deflate the tires to 80/90 and do the same to my ego!

Thanks for the info partner,

Steve

[NLOVNIT]

6.5-7 is what we normally get. Worst was 6 towing in the mountains of eastern & northern mountains of PA. I think we might've gotten above 7, just once, on flat terrain with a stiff tail wind.

Lori-

[Topflite51]

Steve, mileage is what it is. Most that I know that have the equivalent rig report 6 to 7 ( at least those that can be believed ). Am surprised that most of your driving is in the valley, with the beautiful Sierra's being so close.

As to Banks, the increase in power will be negligible with the 362 HP engine. As to fuel mileage gains almost non existant if any, they will simply vanish when you put your foot down and you will.:b

I don't know what you have for a toad, maybe something lighter would help. Then when not towing maybe a lower speed. About the only improvements I have heard people say was a change in driving habits, even then not much gain if any.

[MegaRoadie]

The 6 to 7 mpg experiences with the Ford V-10 were my #1 reason for going with the GM 8.1 Vortec with Allison. I was consistently averaging 8.3 to 9.3, but then I drove at 2000 rpm and 58 - 60 mph. Rather slow a bit, get there unfrazzled and pocket the savings on fuel and wear and tear.

Be safe... enjoy your travels

[goldwingerx2]

I pull a heavy load (9300 lbs) behind ours and try to keep the rpms between 2200 & 2500 which is about 60 mph. Use Tow/Haul all the time. As for the Banks the V10 does not downshift near as much and seems to have more torque. The gas mileage is about the same 6.5 to 7.3 on the flat when in the mountains it drops about 1 mpg. Not near as streamlined as our Prius.

[Topflite51]

I have to ask: You are pulling 9300 lbs with a chassis that is rated for 5000 lbs?