Just got back from 1,900 mi round trip pulling boat - Diesel Forum

jarepackard · 05-02-2007, 01:35 AM

Drove from Puyallup WA to SLC this weekend to pick up my boat in storage. Absolutely love the truck, it performed flawless and the power was incredible. Never dropped below 70 mph unless I wanted to over any of the passes and still had power to go. Boat is a 26ft Bayliner with gear and all should weigh in just under 10k.

I couldn't be happier, now it's time to clean all the bugs off!

mikey88 · 05-02-2007, 10:36 AM

Great to hear!! I have a '04 F150 and an '03 Expy which are both 1st year redesign models and have been extremely satisfied with both. Good luck with the new toy and enjoy the boat. i had mine out last Saturday and other than the gas prices it was a fun time!!

tbeall · 05-02-2007, 11:20 AM

How was your fuel mileage on the trip?

jarepackard · 05-03-2007, 02:32 AM

15.6 mpg empty on the way with speeds ranging from 70-80 mph, loaded on the return same speeds and varied between low of 7.6 and high of 8.0 with a lot of varying terrain conditions. Temps ranged from the 50's to mid 80's, no variance in engine/trans temps.

Truck is F-350, SRW CC, 3.72, 20" tires/rims, 4x4....

After dropping the boat off in storage I did notice that power empty compared to prior to the trip seemed greatly improved. Have to think that pulling a trailer that great of distance does a lot to break the engine in.

Cram · 05-03-2007, 02:37 AM

Jrpa,
How many miles do you have on your truck? Do you have a light coat of black inside the tips of your exhuast?
Thanks,
Marc

jarepackard · 05-03-2007, 02:55 AM

Just passed 2,600 miles. Tailpipe interior isn't as clean as when it was new, but neither is my Fusion's tailpipe. Part of that may be the mainy rain storms I drove through. Traded in an 04 Expedition and inside of pipe was completely black. I am not sure whether the duller color is a byproduct of a light coating or not, but I'm personally not worried if it is. Even with DPF engine is inherently going to turn tailpipes darker over time. Engine runs great, no check engine lights and even better power after the trip and on top of that good mileage. All add up to a winning combination. While I'm thinking about it my white boat pulled behind truck didn't show any indication of the black soot of diesels past. I remember my dad's 6.9 would coat the side of the boat for about 4 feet with black soot every time he pulled it.

On the way down it was great to only have to fill the truck up once, stopped much more frequently on the way back. Could probably have exceeded 8 mpg loaded if I was willing to keep it at 60-65 mph, but with two little ones in the back seat time was of the essence.

jarepackard · 05-03-2007, 03:04 AM

Just noticed you were in sunny AZ, I used to live in Glendale and Surpise. May always maked the start of 100 degree plus temps, how is the truck in the heat, ac keeping it cool, any issues with engine/trans temps pulling in the heat?

Cram · 05-03-2007, 03:05 AM

Thanks for the info. I had to have mine pulled to the shop last Friday and I'm begining to stress a little bit. It quit running all at once. The dealer thinks it is the PCM (computer) and hopefully tommorrow they are replacing it. Hopefully this is a small blip on the radar screen of the trucks life. Sounds like you had a great trip, I love towing with mine also.
Thanks,
Marc

jarepackard · 05-03-2007, 03:12 AM

Keep us updated, hopefully you are right. If I remember correctly you were camping?