I installed a Maxxcool/ K&N intake and a Flowmaster 50 for the sole purpose of improving gas mileage....the new sound is a nice bonus I did the full tank to 1/4 (3) times. Recorded mileage and gallons used from start to finish. I seem to average about 15mpg. in town and my highway is 18 to 20 (depending on wind and how much passing I do). Overall Iam happy to have a full size (thats not even broke in yet) 4x4 do that well.


2003 F-150 Scab, 5.4L FX4 w/3.55's and 2800 miles.

 

Blitzkrieg,

Just wanted you to know that I didn't have any choice but to drop the speed down to 35. It was all hairpin turns with 25 mph recommended speeds. Since the combination of hairpins and hills made me kick it out of overdrive, I thought my overall gas mileage would suffer, not be increased. The mpg guesstimator did show a drop in mpg in the mountains, but it picked back up on the trip home.

I agree that 60 on the highway was slow by today's standards, but I was enjoying the trip with my 80 year-old Dad, and I was in no rush.

 

Are those of you getting 15 mpg around town sitting at the epic 2-3 minute red lights like we have around here? I am and I only get about 12 mpg in town. Idling will flat out kill your mileage. My highway mileage is pretty good - I have seen 18-20 mpg when can I keep my right foot under control. I do a good amount of stop and go driving living in the Washington D.C. area and I generally average about 13 mpg overall.

The mileage calculator in my Lariat is a little optimistic, but just a little. I almost never leave it displayed or I end up "lightfooting" it to keep from dropping my average. I work so hard to gain a tenth only to lose it at the next hill! Anyone else do this or am I just an obsessed freak?

 

Clem,

Unless I am doing a test, I usually go three tankfulls before resetting the MPG "guesstimator." You're right, you can get kinda antzy watching the mpg drop while you're waiting for the light to turn green. Makes you want to run it if no cars are around. Not that I would ever do that--just tempted, that's all.

 

Hi Clem,

Yeah, idling at lights does do a number on the mileage.
You probably are a obsessed freak , but I guess I am, too. I found myself always driving with the fuel mileage displayed on the computer, but spent way too much time watching it. I've recently been leaving it set at the basic display, and I find myself enjoying the drive more.

John

 

Have 7500 miles.

I am averaging 15.5 mpg on my commute to work.

When I am towing my Jayco 27BH, I am averaging 7.5 to 8 mpg.

 

Been getting 14 mpg after three fill ups. Mostly city driving and towing a boat around.

5.4/3.73/4x4 on 18's

 

I get 14-16, and my driving style does matter alot. If I control myself, get the foot off the pedal as soon as the light turns red, let off as I speed up to get it to kick up a gear sooner - it really helps. Now if I just control my road rage at that little BMW driver cutting me off and not punch it, I might be OK.

Lariat 4x4, 5.4, 3.73

 

Seems like the new 5.4 engine gets a little better mpg than the older version even in spite of the 2004 weight gain. I have no problem getting 17 mpg with my 1999 5.4 which is also 4X4 ORP with 3.73 rear. That is New Mexico mpg which means I am high altitude, driving 80+ mph and although a lot of that is cruise control, I don't hesitate to hit the gas when needed.

Frankly, I think these F-150's get very good gas mileage considering their intended purpose. Can't help but think about and compare the latest Consumer Reports article that I read about 4 cylinder family cars that averaged only abut 23 mpg. I think our trucks hold their own considering their mass, comfort level and just general driving pleasure.