G23 and an Ecoboost!

[imkitbishes]

Ok, I have to say... I absolutely love this F150 eb., the power and stability this truck offers while towing a 5k+ boat is hands down terrific. My concern though is this: I just left the Nautique factory in Orlando with a new boat and was shocked to see my mpg go from 16.7 to 6.2-7!!???? After the first 50 or so miles I checked to make sure I didn't accedently take two boats... And I didn't, ha. In all seriousness though, Wth? Can someone shed some light... Orlando and now little rock, ar bound and stopped in Birmingham.

Thanks in advance, your humble servant!

[NautiqueJeff]

Well, the dry weight of the boat alone is 5,400 pounds. Add 1,000 for the trailer, plus the weight of the 65 gallons of fuel, etc. and that is a heavy load for an F150.

I pulled a G23 from Raleigh, NC to Charlotte, NC with my diesel Excursion and got about 17 MPG on the highway. Without towing I usually see about 21-22.

You might try putting the tower down. If that is a factory cover, you can cover the boat with the tower down. Not only will it keep the tower and speakers clean, but it cuts down on wind resistance a surprising amount.

That's a great-looking boat!!

[imkitbishes]

... Should also add that I discontinued the use of the cruise and managed to pick up 1.7 mpg while keeping the speed "sub-70". No doubt it's a heavy load, just with all the talk about the EB I thought it would shine... Haha is there a magic switch on this thin that I am missing?

[SkiTower]

Add 1,000 for the trailer

If the trailer is anything like the one at WL I'd guesstimate closer to 2K. That boat is so big it would make me nervous to pull it with an F-150, especially half-way across the country.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, you're probably right. I bet the Ram-Lin G23 trailer is over 1K. It is a big, heavy trailer.

[imkitbishes]

Back in little rock now, believe it or not... This f150 towed better than any previous vehicle (Tahoe 5.3 6 speed, crew cab silv 6.0 4 speed) all used towing a 230. This truck tows this G better than those did that 230! And from Birmingham to little rock I averaged 8.2, little better!

[uncalumx2]

I have the ecoboost as well, and as with any gas tubo motor the mileage will suffer once the fans start humming. However, the power that little 3.5 L motor cranks out is pretty amazing. I wish it came with a larger fuel tank, but with the towing package that truck can handle 10,200 pounds so I am not surprised it pulls the boat well.

I think the only switch they make for fule economy with a gas motor is the pedal on the floor.

Nice pictures.

[mike32]

I have a 2010 expedition I pull a 210 with and it goes from 20 to 10. I feel your pain.

[BrennanK]

You have to keep in mind that the EcoBoost engine is only really as efficient as everyone thinks when equipped with the proper rear end. When you use the taller gears towing is going to suck, but you will be rewarded with good empty economy. Basically you get two options with the EcoBoost, you get and engine that can tow really well with normal economy or you can have a high MPG truck that is only good and running unloaded.

The EcoBoost engine is amazing for having it diesel like torque curves and amazing power, but don’t expect to see the fuel economy match a diesel by any means. You are dragging a lot of weight, and there is a lot of wind resistance, so expect bad fuel economy.
I would say if you are running near 10 mpg you are doing just fine. Also remember that speed is a killer, keep it slower and you will see much better economy.

[ffmedic74]

I had a new toyota tundra and got 8mpg. I called the dealer up and said WTH! A semi truck gets the same gas mileage. Now have a silverado and does much better.

[imkitbishes]

Stupid question; how do I know what gearing I have? Thanks for all the replies this far, I don't mean to come off b****y... I'm thankful that I have such a vehicle, just pointing out that it may not be exactly what all claim. On the drive today I dropped the speed to 60-65 and like I said was able to see 8+ mpg. Also I have a 2" level kit on the front and 305 55/20 bfg all terrains on it... I think completely stock I'd see 10+. I'm just ready to put that boat in some liquid. Heck ever since I got home I've been sittin in the driver seat of the boat and had my wife just spraying me with the hose to get some kind of sfx goin on! Haha kidding-ish...

[eff1fitty]

I know your feeling. When I first got mine, I sat in the boat for hours. People came by to see it and I would have them come on up and make some sound effects for me. Haha! I tow my 2011 230 with a 2010 f150 raptor edition w/ 6.2L and get 11-12 mpg. The factory gearing is 4.11 in the raptor. I was shocked when i picked up my boat because I was getting 13-14 when I wasn't towing a boat and 11-12 when towing. I try to keep the foot out of the pedal and keep a steady mph without kicking it down into lower gears.

[imkitbishes]

... I just about got the raptor, vs. the plat. both solid trucks... Was unsure of the suspension on the raptor, FYI I'm sitting in my g now pushin buttons ha!

[eff1fitty]

I was a little concerned with the suspension lacking as well, but I have been very satisfied with it. Truck sits level and pulls like monster. Try to keep that foot out of the pedal and mpg should get better. If you aren't satisfied get Ford to upgrade your gearing. From what i have read, you may have 3.15 gearing which is not good for towing. You need at least 3.73 gearing for pulling a boat that massive. Call Ford tomorrow and ask them to run your vin to see what it came with.

[Nautiquehunter]

I think the wind resistance is a bigger factor than the weight. I got worse mileage pulling a 2000 lb 6x10 box trailer compared to my 5500lb 210. Like pulling a parachute.