Another trip across the Rockies and back, towing in the 7.5Klb. range.

[Davexxxx]

Just got back last afternoon. 47 nights away. About 4K towing miles and another 1000 ish for day trips. Had a blast but saw someone concerned about PB power and braking in the mountains, towing in the 6.5Klb class. Looked for the post but not finding it. Anyway, there should be no worries.

The PB has more than enough power to keep the speed limits going up and if you use cruise, engine braking is automatic, needing little other input.

Engine and trans temps never left the normal range and were usually at about 12:00 on the indicator. Never past say, 1:00. More like 12:30.

As a test, ran premium the whole way this time but I don't think it is worth it. Especially when in a several places, was near a dollar more per gallon than 87. I would however, suggest using mid grade as a just in case situation, because there were a few places in NM and AZ, where 86, was all that could be had.

Like last time, fuel mileage was better in the mountains than the flats, with a couple legs being sub 7 in the flats, to low teens in the mountains. Camper is 11' 4" tall, 8' wide and just shy of 30 ft. We had it loaded up this time, because of a longer trip, with more varied weather. Didn't scale it but relative to the last time I did, I'm guessing we were pushing 7.5K vs. the just under 7 from before. We tow at 65mph. I tried a leg at 70 and that was one of the sub 7s and its definitely more twitchy in the wind at that speed so ...

Also saw where someone was concerned about the small tank, at reduced towing MPGs. I plan fuel stops at no more than every 200 miles. At 65mph, thats right at 3 hrs and time for a break anyway. Get rid of the morning coffee, or afternoon tea, stretch legs, inspect running gear etc.

I did find an issue with PPOB. One day it was very hot and used it to run the camper's Aircon. After a few hrs. PPOB shut down. Started it back up and some shorter time, shut down again. Guessed that because the sun was blazing on the power panel, might be overheating. Moved it so it wasn't getting direct sun and no more problems. FYI.

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[hpwjr]

What is your explanation for so much better mugs in the mountains? Were you just at a much lower speed?

 

[hpwjr]

Mpgs

 

[WoodBarn Mark]

Thanks for the info. I took mine last year from AZ to Montana with no problems. Going to do it again this summer. Did you use towing mode on the highway?
Mine is a little shorter, but about the same weight. I'll be in yellowstone for about 4 months this year, so it's loaded.

 

[Davexxxx]

There is science behind the better mpgs at altitude on a turbo charged engine in general and with the PB picking up free recharging on the downslopes, that may add a bit too.

I ALWAYS use tow haul, when towing this heavy.

 

[Nasto]

Just got back last afternoon. 47 nights away. About 4K towing miles and another 1000 ish for day trips. Had a blast but saw someone concerned about PB power and braking in the mountains, towing in the 6.5Klb class. Looked for the post but not finding it. Anyway, there should be no worries.

The PB has more than enough power to keep the speed limits going up and if you use cruise, engine braking is automatic, needing little other input.

Engine and trans temps never left the normal range and were usually at about 12:00 on the indicator. Never past say, 1:00. More like 12:30.

As a test, ran premium the whole way this time but I don't think it is worth it. Especially when in a several places, was near a dollar more per gallon than 87. I would however, suggest using mid grade as a just in case situation, because there were a few places in NM and AZ, where 86, was all that could be had.

Like last time, fuel mileage was better in the mountains than the flats, with a couple legs being sub 7 in the flats, to low teens in the mountains. Camper is 11' 4" tall, 8' wide and just shy of 30 ft. We had it loaded up this time, because of a longer trip, with more varied weather. Didn't scale it but relative to the last time I did, I'm guessing we were pushing 7.5K vs. the just under 7 from before. We tow at 65mph. I tried a leg at 70 and that was one of the sub 7s and its definitely more twitchy in the wind at that speed so ...

Also saw where someone was concerned about the small tank, at reduced towing MPGs. I plan fuel stops at no more than every 200 miles. At 65, thats right at 3 hrs and time for a break anyway. Get rid of the morning coffee, or afternoon tea, stretch legs, inspect running gear etc.

I did find an issue with PPOB. One day it was very hot and used it to run the camper's Aircon. After a few hrs. PPOB shut down. Started it back up and some shorter time, shut down again. Guessed that because the sun was blazing on the power panel, might be overheating. Moved it so it wasn't getting direct sun and no more problems. FYI.

How much max stock payload does your truck have?

 

[Davexxxx]

How much max stock payload does your truck have?

In my profile. 1.658.

 

[WoodBarn Mark]

There is science behind the better mpgs at altitude on a turbo charged engine in general and with the PB picking up free recharging on the downslopes, that may add a bit too.

I ALWAYS use tow haul, when towing this heavy.

When i was in the park last year, I got 30 mpg everywhere i went. Obviously with out the trailer. I put about 1000 miles in during my stay. Does help the overall lifetime mpg.

At home I get 20.

 

[flixden]

Just got back last afternoon. 47 nights away. About 4K towing miles and another 1000 ish for day trips. Had a blast but saw someone concerned about PB power and braking in the mountains, towing in the 6.5Klb class. Looked for the post but not finding it. Anyway, there should be no worries.

The PB has more than enough power to keep the speed limits going up and if you use cruise, engine braking is automatic, needing little other input.

Engine and trans temps never left the normal range and were usually at about 12:00 on the indicator. Never past say, 1:00. More like 12:30.

As a test, ran premium the whole way this time but I don't think it is worth it. Especially when in a several places, was near a dollar more per gallon than 87. I would however, suggest using mid grade as a just in case situation, because there were a few places in NM and AZ, where 86, was all that could be had.

Like last time, fuel mileage was better in the mountains than the flats, with a couple legs being sub 7 in the flats, to low teens in the mountains. Camper is 11' 4" tall, 8' wide and just shy of 30 ft. We had it loaded up this time, because of a longer trip, with more varied weather. Didn't scale it but relative to the last time I did, I'm guessing we were pushing 7.5K vs. the just under 7 from before. We tow at 65mph. I tried a leg at 70 and that was one of the sub 7s and its definitely more twitchy in the wind at that speed so ...

Also saw where someone was concerned about the small tank, at reduced towing MPGs. I plan fuel stops at no more than every 200 miles. At 65mph, thats right at 3 hrs and time for a break anyway. Get rid of the morning coffee, or afternoon tea, stretch legs, inspect running gear etc.

I did find an issue with PPOB. One day it was very hot and used it to run the camper's Aircon. After a few hrs. PPOB shut down. Started it back up and some shorter time, shut down again. Guessed that because the sun was blazing on the power panel, might be overheating. Moved it so it wasn't getting direct sun and no more problems. FYI.

Thanks for the report!
I am looking forward to taking our new PB for camping trips!

 

[Bobcatou]

There is science behind the better mpgs at altitude on a turbo charged engine in general and with the PB picking up free recharging on the downslopes, that may add a bit too.

I ALWAYS use tow haul, when towing this heavy.

I have a smaller 3500 pound camper I tow. I use Tow/Haul mode all the time and it never uses the battery. I'm wondering if I shouldn't use Tow/Haul unless I tow something bigger so I can get better mileage. On average, I get about 14MPG

 

[Davexxxx]

I have a smaller 3500 pound camper I tow. I use Tow/Haul mode all the time and it never uses the battery. I'm wondering if I shouldn't use Tow/Haul unless I tow something bigger so I can get better mileage. On average, I get about 14MPG

It won't go into electric only unless in park but does do hybrid mode (electric assist and regen braking) in tow haul.

I'd imagine there is a spec somewhere, as to when to use tow haul re weight. I believe 5000lbs is the cut off for requiring a WDH.

As I understand it, the various modes adjust the transmission shift points, for the desired effect.

 

[Gros Ventre]

In rolling hills or mountainous terrain, you have engine off time and free traction battery charging. On level ground you don't get that...

 

[JumboJVT]

Increased MPG in the mountains kinda has to be a function of reduced wind resistance at lower speeds. Otherwise, you've found a way to defeat the laws of physics and create a perpetual motion machine.

 

[Gros Ventre]

Gravity works...

 

[Davexxxx]

There is a brief description in post #20 about altitude increasing MPGs in a turbo charged engine. I can't explain it but I've seen others mention the same.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/towing-with-the-powerboost—very-poor-mpg.37497/page-2

But there is a wider misunderstanding about tow haul on a PB. Tow Haul does not nullify the hybrid system, it just locks out the electric only portion of it (unless in park).

The battery still charges, the same as it ever does, by ICE engine and regen-braking (both active and passive) and then releases that energy in "Hybrid Mode", to assist the ICE.

There is no perpetual motion machine but energy can be captured for later use, reducing fuel demand in that moment, for as long as the charge holds out. In hilly terrain, the charge gained can be "free", in that it can be gained, even if as in normal mode, the vehicle is in electric only, via regen- braking. Same works in tow haul.

The altitude discussion is outside of my expertise but the PB's performance in hilly terrain, can be seen by anyone, on the power flow meter. Guys who live in the flat, just can't really appreciate what this machine can do.

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