2016 Supercab 6.5ft bed, 3.5L EB, 36gal tank, 3.73, 4x4 offroad kit, tow package. Timbrens. 1960lb payload, 45K miles, more than half of that towing trailers or a boat or one of 2 Hawk campers over time. I also have heavy BFG AT KO2 LR E tires since new, 275 75R18.
I keep a log of every fill up with comments on what I was doing.
One trip was WA-FL trip was with a Hawk rollover and a 18ft aluminum boat taking some longer routes. That round trip averaged about 12mpg - this is with hand calculating mpg (vs reported) and correcting for tire size. Usually around 65 to 72mpg. Wind is the biggest killer, lots of mtn highway included in my runs.
With a 2022 front dinette Hawk with most options in it, I get around 16.5mpg +/-1mpg with camper on, and 18-19 camper off. No long trips with this camper yet.
With camper off, 3.5hrs crossing central FL coast to coast Florida, I once filled up with non-ethanol gas and got an average of 22.3mpg. Have not tried non-ethanol with camper or when towing.
My GVW # is more than enough for the Hawk and towing a motorcycle or small boat trailer, but if you look at the rear axle load the Front dinette model CG is further aft taking my rear axle load to the max without the trailer hitch load. Power is more than enough and crazy quick when unloaded.
I conclude that given the same tow/haul/vehicle weights, the 3.5EB and 5.0 will get about the results. The difference is when running unloaded. If you stay out of the turbos the 3.5EB can do well.
- Mike