Hi, We're towing 15,550# with a 2006 Ford F350 diesel dually, and although we don't have any complaints with towing performance, we only average between 9.5 and 10 MPG. I keep reading about modifications for the truck, like air filters and performance chips, and am wondering if any of them work, and are worth the money? The chips seem so expensive, I can't imagine they're ever cost effective, but am wondering if anyone has any experience with the air filters or cold air intake systems? Thanks, Fred

The Banks exhaust and airflow mods generally have good recomendations. They have been around quite a while and seem highly respected. A friend had the mods done to his Monaco Diplomat (Cummings) and was very excited about the results. Anything that improves airflow improves efficiency.

One item Banks sells is an exhaust brake. A close friend that towed a 36ft 5er with a Ford diesel, often did not need to use his service brakes. Should ease the perceived worries in the Rockies.

I think one of the keys is that a chip mod also mods your warranty. Check with Ford on that, the Banks stuff is external and may not effect the warranty.

Mike

I had an F550. I put on K&N filters and it made no difference that was measurable. Truck maybe breathed a little better, but it did not show up in mpg. And I kept very good records.

Some people say chipping can improve fuel economy. But, in the end, you don't really gain anything, IMO, because of the cost of the chip, the fact that you have to increase the size of your exhaust (if you are smart), and also have to add more instrumentation to monitor the engine. (again, if you are smart). Plus you run the risk of encountereing warranty issues, although this is more of a problem in "forums" than in reality.

If you are happy with your performance, I would leave things alone. JMO.

If all you are really looking for is better fuel mileage then Jack is correct on it not being cost effective. I have added a 60 HP  chip and cold air intake to my truck but only because I pull mostly in the west right now and felt better with the additional power for pulling long grades.I did gain fuel milage but at a little over $600.00 for the mods its not cost effective. I started with air intake which really did nothing for me then the  chip.From what I have observed your fuel milage is pretty much in line with everyone else.I don't concern myself to much with warranty issues because it only takes 5 minutes to pull the chip and return truck to stock.

We put a K&N air filter in our truck and I felt it did help power wise and fuel wise also, it's one of the cheapest modifications you can do and you don't ever have to replace it just buy a cleaning kit which is inexpensive and clean it and put it back in. I have also put a chip on our Cummins and as it was a $400 deal I'm not sure it improved the mpg's but am real happy with the preformance of the truck guess that's just the kid in me. Like to think I'm still driving 68 GTO. Niles

Honestly you are towing at max for the F350 or maybe even over so milage is going to be a casualty. The real only way to increase it is your foot. Driving easy from stops and gradual acceleration is about the only thing that is gonna help you. We put a chip in our truck and it did increase the milage 1-1.5 mpg but it also cost $600. So it will be a long time till we recover that. I added it for the power increase.

Hi,
Ford lists the fifth wheel tow capacity for my truck at !8,200#, so I was under the impression that I'm comfortable at 15,500#
Have I misunderstood something?
I agree with you that the cost of a add on chip is cost prohibitive for dollar savings, and I am not feeling that I have any power issues that would justify the investment.
Fred

-- Edited by Luvglass at 10:34, 2006-10-20

Fred I honestly don't recall your exact truck's configuration, but I believe you said it was an F350, crew cab, diesel,  model year (?), 2WD or 4WD(?).

From Ford's own towing guide for 2005, for a 2WD with either the 3.73 or 4.10 rear it lists a loaded fifth wheel towing capacity of 16,100 pounds with A/T.

For the 4WD configuration,  15,600 pounds with an A/T.

If one of these configurations is applicable to your truck then I would also have to say that you are pretty close to your max. and the MPG currently being registered is pretty darn good for that heavy of a trailer.

JMHO

 

ON EDIT:  Sorry, I misread your original post indicating that your truck is a 2006 model.

I don't have the 2006 Ford Towing Guide, but I see that their 2007 Guide lists the same figures as I stated for the 2005 year.

-- Edited by sfischer at 01:02, 2006-10-21

Hi Steve,
That's the rub!
Mine is a 2006, DRW with the 4:30 rear end and tow command package. Fords towing guide lists that configuration at 18,200#. It would be 18,600# if I had the SRW version.
From what I've been able to learn from other groups, I think you're right, my mileage is about all I can expect.
Fred

My mistake also, you must have bought the tow boss package beings you have the 4:30 ring and pinion. In that case your capability of 18k is probably right as that is the only Pickup rated for 26k GCWR. But considering you have the 4:30 gear that is accounting for your milage a bit.

Fred I humbly submit my admission of ignorance.  I didn't realize that you had the Tow Boss package on your truck. (Besides, how are us Chevrolet guys supposed to know about those Ford options!

Now that I found out that you have the 4.30 rear, I think that you are doing really well with your MPG figure.

 

Steve