What is the fuel mileage for a 6.7 Powerstroke towing?
Typical towing fuel economy for a Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel is in the 8–12 miles per gallon range, with lighter loads and flatter terrain sometimes edging higher and heavier trailers or steeper grades pulling numbers lower.
Understanding the question: how mpg is measured for heavy-duty diesels
Unlike light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty trucks such as those with the 6.7 Power Stroke rarely publish official EPA towing mpg figures. Real-world mileage when towing depends on a mix of trailer weight, aerodynamics, road grade, speed, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), axle ratio, transmission tuning, and payload. The following sections summarize typical ranges and the factors that influence them.
Typical towing mpg ranges by trailer type
The following ranges reflect common real-world experiences reported by owners, drivers, and reviewers across model years and configurations. They are intended as benchmarks rather than exact guarantees.
- Light bumper-pull trailers (roughly 3,000–6,000 lb): about 10–14 mpg on highways, with lower figures in city driving or on grades.
- Medium bumper-pull trailers (6,000–12,000 lb): about 9–12 mpg, depending on speed and terrain.
- Heavy gooseneck/5th-wheel trailers (15,000–25,000+ lb): about 6–10 mpg, with significant variation based on grade, wind, and trailer setup.
These ranges are approximate and can vary widely by year, drivetrain, and equipment. Your actual mileage will depend on many interacting factors.
Key factors that influence towing mileage
Several variables can shift mileage up or down within the ranges above. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
- T trailer weight and hitch type (lighter trailers and efficient hitch setups typically yield better mpg).
- Aerodynamics and load distribution (poor trailer aerodynamics or improper tongue weight can increase drag and reduce mpg).
- Driving speed and terrain (higher speeds and steep grades typically reduce mpg).
- Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs 4x4, tire size, axle ratio, and wheel/tyre condition).
- Engine and transmission tuning (tow/haul mode, exhaust braking, and transmission programming can influence efficiency).
- Maintenance and fuel quality (well-maintained injectors, filters, and air cleanliness support better combustion and efficiency).
In practice, drivers often notice the most pronounced improvements by moderating speed, maintaining proper tire pressures, and ensuring trailers are properly loaded and aligned.
Tips to maximize mpg when towing with a 6.7 Power Stroke
Boosting fuel economy while towing hinges on technique, maintenance, and equipment choices. The following tips can help you squeeze more miles per gallon out of your setup.
- Keep highway speeds modest; aim for steady speeds around 60–65 mph where safe and legal.
- Use tow/haul mode and the exhaust brake when descending grades to control speed without excessive throttle use.
- Ensure proper trailer tongue weight (typically about 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight) for stable handling and better fuel economy.
- Maintain correct tire pressures (as recommended by Ford for your vehicle and trailer tires) to reduce rolling resistance.
- Perform regular maintenance (air filters, fuel filters, oil changes, and injector cleanliness) to keep combustion efficient.
- Optimize weight distribution and reduce unnecessary payload to lower overall weight and drag.
- Plan routes to minimize climbs and optimize cruising efficiency, using routes with smoother grades when possible.
Following these practices can help you approach the upper end of the typical ranges and improve overall trip economics when towing with a 6.7 Power Stroke.
Model-year and configuration notes
Fuel economy for the 6.7 Power Stroke can vary with model year, drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), gearing, and any updates to the engine or transmission. While Ford has not issued a single universal towing mpg number for this engine, owners report a broad spectrum of results across 2011–2024 Super Duty trucks and beyond. If you’re evaluating a specific truck or trailer setup, checking owner forums and recent test reports for your exact configuration can provide more precise expectations.
Summary
In real-world towing scenarios, the 6.7 Power Stroke typically delivers about 8–12 mpg, with light loads and level terrain sometimes approaching the lower end of that range and heavier trailers or steep grades pushing it toward the bottom. Mileage is highly sensitive to trailer weight, aerodynamics, speed, terrain, and vehicle configuration. By moderating speed, maintaining proper weight distribution and tire pressures, and following manufacturer towing guidelines, you can maximize efficiency on long trips. Always tailor expectations to your specific trailer, route, and truck configuration, and consult your owner's manual for recommended practices.
