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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg A lead up to a true adventure :) (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=306788)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_and_the_Arch1.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - April 30, 2011

2011 Ford F150 SuperCrew w/ EcoBoost at the St. Louis Arch – “Gateway to the West”.

The “Adventure Challenge” has been a work in progress for more than 6 months. But the idea itself has been germinating for several years. The seed was planted during a road trip to the CleanMPG Fuel Economy World Championship (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12620) in 2008, but it grew into a more definitive concept last year during the Yamaha WR250X (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33889&highlight=wr250x) ride and more recently during the 2011 F-250 Super Duty press launch (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29751&highlight=super+duty).

The goal: To find a 6-, 7- or 8-passenger vehicle that could transport 5 to 7 people (and all of their gear) on a countrywide road trip and prove that a large vehicle can be “the right tool for the right job.” The kicker: It also (obviously) needed to be fuel efficient.

Incorporating guest journalists and CleanMPG members that span the North American continent, we began planning a challenge that would include 400 + mile a day schedule, a wireless hot spot and enough room for 5 adults to be comfortable sitting next to each other without showers for 9 days. (jk ;))

This ruled out every SUV and minivan simply because there was not enough room to carry both the people and the gear. Combine that with the fact that most of the drivers would be high-fuel-economy enthusiasts, and the vehicle also needed to be uniquely fuel-efficient throughout the fully laden trek.

So what vehicle met the basic requirements? A full-sized 6-passenger pickup truck, of course :)

Ford’s F150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost

One of the selling points of the 3.5L EcoBoost truck engine for the mass public is that it produces best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling a best-in-class maximum towing of 11,300 pounds and maximum payload of 3,060 pounds. The selling point for CleanMPG: It also delivers an unsurpassed 22 mpg fuel economy rating on the highway.

For more on the EcoBoost engine from the durability perspective, consider reading Another day in the life of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine # 448AA (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37499)

Mike Rowe:
“It took Ford engineers less than 35-minutes to tear down EcoBoost engine #448AA, something 165,000 miles of Torture couldn’t do…”
Sounds like it’s time to set some goals and start lining up the vehicle, the route, and the drivers…

2011 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost Event Drive Goal(s)

To cross the continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic with 5 in the truck and almost 1,000 pounds of gear at 30 + mpg on each tank (or 150 mpg per person equivalent) takes a special vehicle indeed.

A secondary goal includes “over the shoulder while behind the wheel” hypermiling training in real time so that three guest journalists can perform to the level necessary to meet the primary goal.

2011 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost Event Drive Details

Route

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/A_Star_is_Born_Map.jpg
2011 Ford F150 Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge Route with elevation profiles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Los+Angeles,+CA&daddr=Circle+Pines+Rd%2FForest+Service+Rd+146+to:Will+Rogers+Dr+to:E+Amarillo+Blvd+to:KOA+Ave+to:Chewalla+Lake+Rd+to:Johnson+Ln+to:Tybee+Island,+GA&geocode=FYqYBwIdm77z-CkT2ifcXcfCgDH0CEYlb98v4g%3BFZIBGgIdo0NR-Q%3BFVY6FQIdc_zC-Q%3BFaCFGQIdtMHv-Q%3BFVzBHAId2k9Z-g%3BFQoFEgIdycSs-g%3BFQId-AEdBGn_-g%3BFddI6AEdnmQu-ykBg6i3c3_7iDEYmJqUdtsHQg&hl=en&mra=dme&mrsp=6&sz=15&sll=33.037845,-83.924732&sspn=0.012987,0.028496&ie=UTF8&ll=34.125448,-95.317383&spn=13.114212,29.179688&z=5) (0' to 7,300' ASL and back).

Schedule


Depart Los Angeles early morning Sat 4/30
– Drive 436 miles


Night of Saturday 4/30 - Williams/Circle Pines KOA (http://circlepineskoa.com) - 1000 Circle Pines Road, Williams, AZ 86046
– Drive 468 miles


Night of Sunday 5/1 – Santa Rosa Camp Ground (http://santarosacampground.com) - 2136 Historic Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
– Drive 177 miles


Night of Monday 5/2 – Amarillo KOA (http://koa.com/campgrounds/amarillo) - 1100 Folsom Road, Amarillo, TX 79108
– Drive 409 miles


Night of Tuesday 5/3 – KOA Sallisaw/Ft Smith West (http://koa.com/campgrounds/sallisaw/) - 1900 KOA Power Dr, Sallisaw, OK 74955
– Drive 369 miles


Night of Wednesday 5/4 – Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, Potts Camp (http://forestcamping.com/dow/southern/hospcmp.htm), MS 38659
– Drive 392 miles


Night of Thursday 5/5 – Forsyth KOA (http://koa.com/campgrounds/forsyth) - 414 Frontage Road, Forsyth, GA 31029
– Drive 205 miles


Arrive Tybee Island GA afternoon 5/6

Total distance – 2456 miles – not counting alimentary breaks.

The Participants

Guest Journalists

Jill Ciminillo from Chicago, IL - Jill is a reluctant car girl who loves to drive fast, write well and write well fast about driving for her automotive blog, “Drive, She Said (http://www.chicagonow.com/profiles/jillciminillo)” on ChicagoNow, a Tribune publication. She is an avid runner and marathoner and loves testing Chicago’s cuisine, one neighborhood at a time.

Additionally, Jill is known for her own kind of fuel economy in everything “she” drives including a stint in a competitors SUV hybrid where she averaged only 15.6 mpg!

David Hall from Naperville, IL - Dave is an Associate Editor at Consumer Guide Automotive (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com) and a self proclaimed lifetime car nut. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys both camping and exploring Chicago with friends.

Dave came to our attention when in yet another competitor’s pickup truck; he received just 8.57 mpg over 3-days last winter.

Sebastian Blanco from Lansing, MI - Sebastian has been Editor in Chief for Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com) since its inception in early 2006. He has 15 years of experience as an auto journalist discussing all aspects of clean automotive technology.

Manufacturers and Reps

We cannot begin to imagine performing an event of this magnitude without the support of some very special people including Ford’s Anne Marie Gattari, Global Quality and Design Manager and who just retired, Said Deep Ford North America and Global Product Communications Manager, Matt Leaver, U.S. Media Fleet Rep, Kristin Jankowski, Marketing Communications Manager at Johnson Outdoors and parent to Eureka! Tents and Joey Snyder, ScanGauge National PR Manager.

From the manufacturer side, Ford for supplying the 2011 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost (Ford Trucks – Fuel Economy Leadership from Engines to Alignment (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38836)) and the 2011 Ford Fiesta SES Chase vehicle.

Others include the following:
Eureka! Accompanies CleanMPG Members on a Very Special Adventure (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38894)


New ScanGauge-e Leads CleanMPG EcoBoost Fuel Economy Challenge (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39050)


CleanMPG Previews the Extang Trifecta Tri-Fold Signature Series Tonneau Cover (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39003)
Eureka Draw - Enter To Win! (http://www.eurekatent.com/mpg/)

To celebrate, Eureka! is giving away 5 gear prize packages in a random drawing to be held after noon EDST on Friday, May 6, 2011, so you have a chance to win the same Eureka! camping gear that CleanMPG is using on this drive! Simply complete the entry form below to be entered to win. One entry per person, please!

Your entry constitutes that you have read and agree with the Official Rules. Shipping Addresses in the USA only, please! One entry per person.

CleanMPG Contest – Guess our MPG and Win!

Guess the final fuel economy for the F-150 to the nearest hundredth mpg (for example, 29.37mpg). The closest guess wins a new ScanGauge e. Reply to this thread with your guess to enter.

They should get some like me to drive the truck
I need one for work
Does not the eco boost need 91 gas.
At over 15 cents a litre for 91 ( about $1.50 litre) and $1000 more to buy, is it worth it?

30.07

The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

They should get some like me to drive the truck
I need one for work
Does not the eco boost need 91 gas.
At over 15 cents a litre for 91 ( about $1.50 litre) and $1000 more to buy, is it worth it?

No it does not. 16/22 for the 2WD on regular.

As mentioned, the EcoBoost only needs regular. It does cost more than the 5.0, but the EcoBoost is probably the best engine for towing available in any half ton. Anybody doing much work with their truck should definitely go for it. The amazing fuel economy is simply gravy.

what's the truck specs:
tires? axle ratio? 2wd/4wd?

2011 F-150 Supercrew 4X2 XLT w/ Chrome package
EcoBoost 3.5L V6 with 6 speed selectshift automatic
3.15 Ratio Limited Slip
7100# GVWR 145" WB
P265/60R18 Michelin on chrome alloys

npauli: You won't believe the power AND efficiency of this truck. The 420 ft.lb. of torque is available over over a broad range of RPM. Driving With Load is assisted by the torque.

. 32.54

thirty one point zero nine mpg

Hi All:

2011 Ford EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Crossing_into_AZ.jpg
Team crossing into AZ in the 2011 F-150 w/ EcoBoost.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Leaving_Flagstaff_with_Fiesta_in_tow.jpg
Leaving Flagstaff, AZ with Fiesta right behind.

What we will not do for a pic ;)

Eureka! Gear front and center!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Bob_on_ladder.jpg
Bob on Ladder

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Bobs_Pic_Eureka.jpg
The Result :)

Wayne

Hi All:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Fiesta_with_Frost.jpg
A little Frost anyone :eek:

Wayne

Hi All:

Camp Eureka!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/medium/Camp_Eureka_.jpg
Camp Eureka! in Williams, AZ.

It was in the mid 20's that night and the Eureka! Gear was simply fricken fantastic!

Wayne

Hi All:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Entering_New_Mexico.jpg
Entering New Mexico just before dark.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Johnnie_Law_-_Land_of_Disenchantment.jpg
A 10-minute unplanned stop when taking Jill to the airport.

Johnnie Law in the Land of Disenchantment (New Mexico) when taking Jill back to Amarillo in the Fiesta :)

He just wanted to have a look at the DL I guess??? He would not allow Jill and I to take a snap of him and his car so I took one through the rear view mirror… And the 11 Fiesta finished up the 4,600 ASL to 7,300 ASL back down to 5,200 at ABQ, drop off Jill, pick up Dave, turn around, climb to 7,300’ and down to 4,600’ to catch up with the guys in Santa Rosa, NM at 72.5 mpgUS!

Wayne

Hi All:

New Mexico Overpasses are so cool!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/New_Mexico_Overpass.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

Route 66 was calling our name

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Ford_-_Route_66_sign.jpg
Only Ford’s on Route 66… Ok :D

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Rt_66_Restaurant.jpg
An 11 Fiesta, 65 T-Bird and an 11 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Fiesta_and_Rt_66.jpg
The Fiesta ready to roll :)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_at_Rt_66.jpg
And the 2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost.

Wayne

Hi All:

The team having lunch…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Team_at_Rt_66.jpg
Bob Winger, Mike Sefton, Dave Hall, Wayne Gerdes, Andrew McGuckin, Chris Bernius and Mike Sirach.

Mike Sirach spent all morning running around Santa Rosa, NM looking for a place to eat and guess what? The place offered good food, decent prices and an ambiance that could not be beat.

Bob Winger:
”This place (Route 66 Restaurant) was a throwback to the 50’s. From the cars, the retro chrome bar stools, little juke box on the counter, all the pics of the hot rods on the wall and even the 65 T-Bird sitting out front.

Even the burger was hand patted and cooked on a real grill!

Take your grandkids there to show how it used to be.”
Chris Bernius:
”Classic roadside dining recalling the finest of the golden era of highway travel… And that was just the hamburger :)”
Wayne Gerdes:
“This was like taking a walk back into the 50’s. I have been craving a Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with mash potatoes and gravy for months and guess what I had? It placed a smile on our face :)
Mike Sirach:
“It is rare to find such great food in a small out of the way roadside Café. And it was really “neat”. It reminded me of Fay’s Café in Galatia, IL when I was a kid.
Wayne

Hi All:

A little ode to Jill Ciminillo…

While on our way out of LA, we heard a ballad from the likes of Chicago Now’s very own Jill Ciminillo. And it was not just once but aired frequently like so many top 40 hits. We really liked it as it was all about her :) It is still echoing in our consciousness across the endless Plaines and it will not go away ;)

The La Quinta Inn Ballad is at the end…

http://www.youtube.com/v/UGMADI4x6dw?version=3

Hi Jill from Santa Rosa, NM :)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Vehicles_at_LaQuinta.jpg
The Ford’s at a La Quinta in Santa Rosa, NM.

Wayne

Hi All:

Taken just minutes ago…

A weekday with Bernie…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/R_to_L_-_Chris_-_Mike_-_Bernie.jpg
Right to Left – Chris (at work), Mike (at work) and Bernie… (Doing what he does best ;))

Wayne

^^^
I take it there we no larger laptop computers avail for the trip :-)

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Entering_Texas1.jpg
Crossing into the Great State of Texas, Home of many a pickup truck(s)!

Wayne

Hi All:

Mike saw something over the hill somewhere along the Interstate in Texas? It took him about 1 minute and 30-seconds to find it and than he came back to the truck ;)

Ahhh Ohhh

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Mike_relief1.jpg
Mike looking for relief in a Texas Prairie I think ;)

Wayne

^^^
I take it there we no larger laptop computers avail for the trip :-)

That was the new 21" Compaq laptop from Walmart for $299.

My guess: 32.01 mpg :)

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost on the road

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Dave_behind_the_wheel.jpg
CGAutomotive’s "Ice Man" Dave Hall

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Daves_Score.jpg
Doing well :)

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost Adventure Challenge

Camp Eureka! in Amarillo, TX!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Vehicles_and_Camp.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/EUREKA_1.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/EUREKA_2.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Off-roading_at_25_mpg.jpg
Off-Roading at 25 + mpg!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Off-roading_with_Fiesta_in_tow.jpg
Ford Fiesta forced to take a detour with us… They said it was “Bone jarring” ;)

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/PSL_in_OK_Final.jpg
70 mph max – 40 mph min… :)

Wayne

I guess 37.40 MPG...

Hi All:

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Dave_at_the_wheel_-_Airport.jpg
Dave Hall at the Oklahoma Airport just prior to departure.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Sebastian_Blanco_and_Dave_Hall.jpg
Sebastian Blanco and Dave Hall at the Oklahoma City, OK airport for the journalist swap.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_and_Fiesta_at_airport.jpg
F-150 and the Fiesta at the Oklahoma City, OK airport.

Wayne

36 mpg, looks good....

My guess is 32.30 mpg. Good Luck ;).

33.33 is probably a low estimate but it is my guess.

:flag:

I'd like to gues 34.56 for the entire trip.

"Lead Foot" Jill Ciminillo proves that she is up to any challenge.

Jill Ciminillo of Chicago Now has earned a reputation over the years for being a leadfoot. She can find every last horsepower quoted on a spec sheet. Wringing out the lastest products that automakers have to offer is tough work, actually, and Jill makes it look easy. She will dig up the best and worst of what a given vehicle has to offer, and then gather the information into a friendly yet comprehensive review article that neither insults nor intimidates readers. Those who think it's easy should try it sometime, and you will quickly learn the true meaning of "writer's block".

While Jill's reputation preceded her, I knew she would easily meet the challenge in our F-150. Flogging the latest sedan or SUV is the best way to uncover faults and foibles, and Jill's daily battles on the highways and byways of Chicago can quickly acquaint the driver with what a vehicle does well and what it fails to do. But years of expertise in road testing and documenting results have given Jill a vast skillset that allow her to adapt to any challenge or driving environment. It is "Leadfoot" Jill that I would trust to drive on icy highways on worn tires - she's that good at what she does.

With Jill's contribution, driving across western California into Arizona into 30mph headwinds, the first tank - from Los Angeles CA to Amariillo TX - met the goal of 30+mpg. Her driving skills were quietly revealed as she achieved very respectable fuel economy while heading into the perfect storm of wind and terrain. So, at the risk of tarnishing Jill's "Leadfoot" reputation, our two days with Jill have revealed a hidden "feather toe" side of this fierce warrior of Chicago's surface streets.

I would to thank Jill for taking the time to be a part of CleanMPG's F-150 EcoBoost Adventure Challenge, and for her remarkable contribution to meeting the goal. Her combination of humor and knowledge of "car stuff" made the miles fly by (even while they passed by at a speed between the limits) when she wasn't driving. And when she was driving, her ability to make the F-150 EcoBoost really sing in the opera of cross-country interstate travel revealed a stark contrast to her Leadfoot reputation. She is a true professional, and as such has demonstrated she can meet and beat any challenge. Jill is an inspiration to "lead foots" across the country, and a great example to follow.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Jill_at_the_wheel.jpg
"Feather Toe" Jill concentrating at the wheel of the mighty 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost.

I say 33.41 mpg.

While it is hard to imagine any full-size truck getting better mileage than even a Ranger or S10, I will guess 33.00 MPG for your cross country trip. Surprise me.

Also, are you keeping track of the Fiesta’s mileage as well? OK, surely any hyper miler always keeps track, don’t they?

38.28 MPG is my guess.

Yes, we are tracking the Fiesta's mileage. We're at about 67.5 at the Sallisaw OK stop, pending more SG calibration.

It was rough the first day - cool to cold temps (30F setting up the tents), 30+ mph headwind, climbing from LA to 7000 feet. Now that we're past the mountains and have good weather, she's singing like I hoped she would. The numbers are right in line with my car. That's to be expected, since the Fiesta is rated the same city and +2 highway (28/37) but has more load on board. All our personal bags are in the hatch - an airline carry-on each for 7 people.

Hi All:

Here is what some may have been looking for...

As posted earlier, the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost is spec’ed for a 26-gallon tank but actually holds a touch over 36 gallons. And we have proven it 3 times now! In addition, the odometer study was completed on the drive from Dearborn to Chicago with the 100 mile marker passed showing 98.7 miles per the ODO and trip A/B thanks to the taller 18’s we are equipped with vs. the OEM 17’s. Both are favorable additions imho ;)

All of that said, we filled in LA and headed East hoping for favorable conditions which unfortunately did not appear. From 25-miles outside of LA all the way to Albuquerque, NM, 20 to 30 mile headwinds allowing middling mid to high 20’s segments.

With Dave “The Ice Man” behind the wheel of the mighty F-150 and approximately 2-miles before DTE 0, the mighty EcoBoost’s aFCD turned over to 30.0 mpg. And a wild cheer came from within the cabin as we did it! Rolling into Amarillo on fumes with a DTE of negative 16 miles, it was time to fill and the final real numbers were about to be revealed.

From the drive to CA, the EcoBoost’s display was showing + .2/- .1 mpg vs. our actual fill-ups so we knew it was going to be close…

And the final is…

2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_fcd_record_Kilo1.jpg

(1071.6 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer study))/36.020 gallons filled = 30.142 mpg.

Wayne

Are you across the Mississippi? Just saw tweet that they are closing I-40 there (LR to Memphis) due to flooding.

Hi All:
RichXKU - 30.07

Damionk - 32.54

Nighthawk – 31.09

Sledge – 32.01

Burrin – 37.40

SD3 Driver – 36.0

SentraSE-R – 32.30

EVUser – 33.33

GreatWit – 34.56

Npauli – 33.41

CPLTECH - 33.30

Die2self – 38.28 (I admire your optimism ;))
Wayne

Hi Ksstathead:

After your post, we are looking into it! We are about 200-miles from the Mississippi right now... Wow, this is going to be a challenge after all :D

Wayne

I'm thinking 34.25 mpg. I might be a little high (pass the doobie) :D but looking at the elevation chart it looks do able.

INFORMATION RELEASE
Office of the Director
ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
P. O. Box 2261 – Little Rock, Arkansas Telephone (501) 569-2227
Contact: NR11-073
Glenn Bolick May 4, 2011
501-944-1552
INTERSTATE 40 CLOSURE IMMIMENT OVER WHITE RIVER
NEAR MILEMARKER 202
DETOURS ALREADY IN PLACE

http://www.arkansashighways.com/roads/roads.aspx

# Monroe Co: I-40 WB is now closed at Exit 216 due to high water. Use Hwys 49 and 64 as detour route to Bald Knob” less than a minute ago

Hi All:

In Sallisaw, OK, we had to take down Mr. Stay Puft and he was sad :)

2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Marshmellows.jpg

Wayne

Hi Ksstathead:

Thanks for the heads up and we'll do whatever we have to do :) We are headed to pick up Brandon Daly at the Greyhound in Memphis (on the east side of the river) and we'll get there when we get there I guess?

All said, this is a challenge after all ;)

Wayne

The detour adds ~18 miles to our route. Road quality is unknown and traffic may be an issue. It looks like we may have slowdowns in multiple towns instead of interstate-style bypasses.

Edit: so far only westbound is closed. So far so good...

Don't mess with moving water.

(1071.6 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer study))/36.020 gallons filled = 30.142 mpg.
Wayne

That's a difference of only 0.072 from my guess! (at this point in the trip)

Keep it up!

Hi All:

Here is what some may have been looking for...

As posted earlier, the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost is spec’ed for a 26-gallon tank but actually holds a touch over 36 gallons. And we have proven it 3 times now! In addition, the odometer study was completed on the drive from Dearborn to Chicago with the 100 mile marker passed showing 98.7 miles per the ODO and trip A/B thanks to the taller 18’s we are equipped with vs. the OEM 17’s. Both are favorable additions imho ;)

All of that said, we filled in LA and headed East hoping for favorable conditions which unfortunately did not appear. From 25-miles outside of LA all the way to Albuquerque, NM, 20 to 30 mile headwinds allowing middling mid to high 20’s segments.

With Dave “The Ice Man” behind the wheel of the mighty F-150 and approximately 2-miles before DTE 0, the mighty EcoBoost’s aFCD turned over to 30.0 mpg. And a wild cheer came from within the cabin as we did it! Rolling into Amarillo on fumes with a DTE of negative 16 miles, it was time to fill and the final real numbers were about to be revealed.

From the drive to CA, the EcoBoost’s display was showing + .2/- .1 mpg vs. our actual fill-ups so we knew it was going to be close…

And the final is…

2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_fcd_record_Kilo1.jpg

(1071.6 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer study))/36.020 gallons filled = 30.142 mpg.

Wayne

oh oh, maybe i went too far with my estimate :( :o

I'm gonna guess: 30.57

We got past the flooded area, eastbound was wide open. Westbound had a detour and traffic was lined up for a good 5+ miles.

Hi All:

Here is the problem on I-40 in Arkansas…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Water_to_Median_on_I-40_Westbound_-_30-miles_east_of_Little_Rock.jpg
I-40 Westbound about 30-miles east of Little Rock.

Over the median was about 1’ or more of water…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/I-40_Westbound_at_US_49_-_Divert.jpg
I-40 Westbound at I think US 49 was where the diversion was happening.

We were very fortunate to be traveling Eastbound on I-40 as the back up was hours and the diversion is another few hours… “We heard”. I am not sure what is ahead but we hope everything is good?

Brandon, we are < 50-miles from Memphis so expect us soon :)

Wayne

Hi All:
RichXKU - 30.07

Damionk - 32.54

Nighthawk – 31.09

Sledge – 32.01

Burrin – 37.40

SD3 Driver – 36.0

SentraSE-R – 32.30

EVUser – 33.33

GreatWit – 34.56

Npauli – 33.41

CPLTECH - 33.30

Die2self – 38.28 (I admire your optimism ;))
Wayne

Not to make a big issue, but my entry was 33.00 MPG not 33.30.
My guess is that neither # is close, anyway.

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_at_Camp_Eureka_in_Sallisaw_OK.jpg
Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost at Camp Eureka! in Sallisaw, OK.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_and_Fiesta_at_Camp_Eureka_in_Sallisaw_OK.jpg
11 F-150 and Fiesta at the same…

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tennessee.jpg
Welcome to Tennessee!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Memphis.jpg
Memphis just ahead… and the flooded Mississippi beneath.

All my pics of the flooding along the mighty Mississippi turned out worthless so just take our word for it. There was a lot of flooding.

Wayne

Is it possible to have a couple of shots in L/100km?

Do you think if it was a super cab instead of a crew cab the savings would be higher?

Is the Fiesta an automatic or manual transmission?

Harry

Hi All:

Absolutely the best campground so far and we could only stay < 8-hours :ccry:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Chewalla_Lake_2_-_Holly_Springs_National_Forest_-_MS.jpg
Chewalla Lake in the Holly Springs National Forest. MS.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Chewalla_Lake_-_Holly_Springs_National_Forest_-_MS.jpg
Best shot of the trip with no Ford vehicles, no Eureka! gear or ScanGauge(s).

Wayne

Is the Fiesta an automatic or manual transmission?

Harry
Fiesta is a manual.

Hi Airbalancer:

Here you go :)

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/7_2L_per_100_Km_after_1400_Km_-_474_Km_DTE.jpg
7.2L/100 Km – 1,400 Km into the tank and 474 Km DTE.

The SuperCrew is actually more aerodynamically efficient than either the regular or crew cab but the extra weight harms its EPA and harms us when we get into the city. We lost 1 mpg just getting to the out of the way campground last night and this was after 800 miles had already been accumulated :eek:

We are still trying to find a weigh station to find out what the final load out is but they have “all” been closed while heading Eastbound on I-10, I-15 and I-40 :(

Harry, the Fiesta is a manual. If you have any more questions about it, feel free to ask.

Wayne

7.2L/100 Km – 1,400 Km into the tank and 474 Km DTE.

With that added into the previous tank I figure you need to push the truck for 71.4 miles to hit my estimate of 32.54 MPG on the trip. I calculated the current trip MPG out to 31.04 MPG.

And before you ask, yes at times I do have too much time on my hands.:D

I calculated the current trip MPG out to 31.04 MPG.



keep it right there guys!

Hi All:

Mike Sirach took this shot just after dawn at the Chewalla Lake - Holly Springs National Forest in MS.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Chewalla_Lake_-_Holly_Springs_National_Forest3_-_MS.jpg

And the mighty 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost or “Monster Gear Hauler” as it has become to be known…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_Ford_F-150_at_Chewalla_Lake.jpg

Wayne

keep it right there guys!

Hope i don't burst your bubble, but the 7.2 l/100k is 32.67 MPG. Right in line with my guess of 32.54. :D:p

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Entering_Alabama.jpg
Entering the great State of Alabama!

The current second tank average is sitting at 32.2 mpg...Still trying to recover from the of-road excursion to last nights camp... It was too beautiful to miss however :)

Wayne

Helps push the truck... :D

i;m thinkin......30.1

Hmm.. maybe 32.7

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

While passing just North of Birmingham, we came across but one of the many tornado touchdown sites in the state and all I can say is god speed to those that lost their lives in this one… It is one thing to see a natural disaster from the LCD and quite another to see it in person. You just cannot imagine the damage path from a screen in your living room.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_1.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_2.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_3.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_4.jpg

Wayne

Wow! Must have been hard driving through knowing what happened beforehand.

Thanks
But now your screwing with my mind on what to get next :eek:
That great at 7.2 l/100km I usually get 16.5 l/100km with my 2003 GMC extended cab , with a Leer cap on
and i usually drive the limited with 85% hiway

When I use thw wife's prius for work, with a cargo box on top I was about 5.5- 6 l/100km, without box and roof rack it down to 4.5 l/100km

Is this 2wd truck?

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Sebastian_Blanco_of_Autoblog_Green_in_the_F-150.jpg
Sebastian Blanco of Autoblog Green behind the wheel of the 11 F-150 w/ EcoBoost.

And we blew through the second Kilo tank (1,030 miles as of this writing) with one-quarter of a tank left and 208 miles DTE :)

Wayne

Hi Airbalancer:

The 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost truck we are driving is 2WD.

Wayne

Hi All:

Sebastian’s new nick is… Drum roll please…

“The Saboteur”

To go along with Jill “Feather Toe” Ciminillo and Dave “The Ice-Man” Hall.

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Entering_Georgia.jpg
About 30-minutes ago we crossed into Georgia…

Wayne

Hi All:
RichXKU - 30.07

Damionk - 32.54

Nighthawk – 31.09

Sledge – 32.01

Burrin – 37.40

SD3 Driver – 36.0

SentraSE-R – 32.30

EVUser – 33.33

GreatWit – 34.56

Npauli – 33.41

CPLTECH - 33.30

Die2self – 38.28 (I admire your optimism ;))
Wayne

I was in a day dream, but i stand by it. I know that if it were just you in the vechile Xcel, more the book would be thrown at it and that number would be easily passed. :p Hey if I can get 24-25 in my v6 FSP dakota what is 38 in this new shiny Ford with ecoboost :rolleyes:

Hi All:

Sebastian’s new nick is… Drum roll please…

“The Saboteur”

To go along with Jill “Feather Toe” Ciminillo and Dave “The Ice-Man” Hall.

Wayne

Does that have some sinister implication for your tank average??

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_Ford_F-150_weight.jpg

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge truck was weighed at Douglas County Weigh Station Ramp near Atlanta, GA on May 5, 2011.
The scale read 6720 lbs. One passenger was in the weigh station with the attendant (+190lbs.) and the truck had the low fuel light on.
At that point, it could hold 34.6 gallons (210lbs.) for a total of 7120lbs.
The rated capacity is per Ford specs is 7100lbs.

2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L with a 5 speed transmission

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_Ford_Fiesta_Loaded_Weight1.jpg

Orange Crush is a 2011 Ford Fiesta that was used for a transport vehicle to shuttle auto journalists to and
from the airports for the challenge. Ford specs the curb weight at 2537lbs and it weighed in at 3360lbs. The Ford spec weight is 3620lbs.
at the Douglas County Weigh Station Ramp near Atlanta, GA

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tank_2_Collage.jpg

1,190.0 miles * (100/98.7 (Odometer offset study)) = 1,205.67 miles traveled divided by 35.308 gallons total filled = 34.147 mpg.

Wayne

Double-u zero zero tee exclamation mark.

You wrote
The SuperCrew is actually more aerodynamically efficient than either the regular or crew cab

Why is that?
If you had a cap on would that be better?

You should have Ford increase the maximum MPG on the chart to 40 or more.

Nice job; 30MPG+ in a pickup is amazing. The pictures look good too.

where are waldo and the gang now?

Ford doesn't show a weight for the Fiesta on their spec page but according to Edmunds the Curb weight: 2578 lbs. Just a few pounds more than what you found.

What have you been feeding yours or is that weight ticket the totally loaded weight?

How is the ride in the back of the 150?
Don't need to ask about the back of the Fiesta.

Loving those 30+ numbers.

Ford should give that ECO F150 to somene's mom for Mother's Day:flag:

i'll guess 32.32 mpg final....

interesting that they spec the truck at 26 gallons... but you can fit 36 in there? obviously that all can't be in the piping, but i am still rather surprised...

Ford doesn't show a weight for the Fiesta on their spec page but according to Edmunds the Curb weight: 2578 lbs. Just a few pounds more than what you found.

I have media access to Ford technical data and that number is straight from their technical data sheet.

What have you been feeding yours or is that weight ticket the totally loaded weight?

Look back at the pics of the loaded bed. It is actually a little lighter than it was. One of the journalist left today and took his bag with him. Wayne is delivering the rest to Chicago to two of the journalist.



This is from Jill Ciminillo regarding the back seat.
The cloth seats are comfortable and supportive without being stiff or squishy. The material is on the rough side, but that's perfect for a work truck. Rugged and stain resistant is what I'd look for here, and that's exactly what it is. Plus, there are plenty of cup holders. The F-150 can hold up to 6 passengers, and everyone gets at least one place to stash a beverage. With 5 of us, we each had 2 beverages in holders at all times (coffee, water, Pepsi, water, coffee, water ... sense a theme?).

My one complaint in the 3 seats I occupied (driver's, shotgun and rear middle) was always the seat belt. In each position it was situated too high and cut into my neck. Even though the front seats had adjustable height for the shoulder harness, it was draped over the top of the seat, which was a couple inches taller than my shoulder. So, I still had this problem. A couple of the rear outboard passengers also noted similar seatbelt complaints.

The shoulder straps are the main complaint in the back seat. Also, I have ridden in the back middle position for two days. I have found the seat bottom to be too flat. My lower thighs are not supported and my knees get sore.

Loving those 30+ numbers.

Ford should give that ECO F150 to somene's mom for Mother's Day:flag:

In a super cab in Canada the ecoboost engine is a $2000 option :eek:

In a work truck I want the nice seat possible

Spend a hour or so driving to the job, 8-10 hours on the job, then another couple hpurs driving home

I want a nice heated/cooled seated

You can't beat the comfort of the F-150. The 18" wheels roll across many bumps making them inconspicuous. I'm not sure how they did it, but if you have the windows up, virtually all outside noise is isolated from the cab.
Sorry about your big price uptick for the EcoBoost. I would forgo other options before I deleted the EcoBoost. YES! It's that good!

1,190.0 miles * (100/98.7 (Odometer offset study)) = 1,205.67 miles traveled divided by 35.308 gallons total filled = 34.147 mpg.

I'm thinking 34.25 MPG . I might be a little high (pass the doobie) but looking at the elevation chart it looks do able.

Do I know my guys or what? :p

In a super cab in Canada the ecoboost engine is a $2000 option :eek:
That's over the 3.7. If you are doing much towing or hauling with the truck, the 3.7 is probably not going to cut it. The 5.0 is a $1k upgrade over the 3.7, and the EcoBoost is another $1k. The $1k over the 5.0 is worth it for the power alone if a person is going to be doing some heavy towing, never mind the fuel economy that comes along with that upgrade.

Hi All:

A few from the road. Namely, Forsyth, GA.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Camp_Eureka_at_Forsyth2.jpg
The Ford F-150 and Fiesta at rest.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Camp_Eureka_at_Forsyth.jpg
And camping after one long day on the road :)

Wayne

How about 31.06 mpg?

My guess = 33.10 mpg

Everyone here is in the ballpark. The Eureka FB page had guesses as low as the teens. You could tell they didn't even bother to look and see what we do.

Hi All:

Planning for the Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge occurred over many months, the launch detail occurred in the Ford Trucks – Fuel Economy Leadership from Engines to Alignment (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38836) thread. In it, we honed down the available automobile universe discarding cars, SUVs and Minivans with only the 6-passenger Trucks meeting the passenger and cargo capacity to perform the challenge as outlined. Once the 6-passenger trucks were decided upon, the table embedded in that thread lead us to only one. That being the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost.

And so the planning began ;)

Picking up the truck just two weeks ago just outside of Dearborn, MI.

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_Profile.jpg
Profile

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_Driver_Side_Rear_Profile.jpg
Drivers Side Rear

Washed the truck, went shopping for all kinds of stuff for the trip and finished off with some pics on the shore of Lake Michigan ;)

2011 Ford F150 w/ the 3.5L EcoBoost

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_-_On_Lake_Michigan_3.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_-_On_Lake_Michigan.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_-_At_Marina.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/2011_F150_-_At_the_movies.jpg
An appropriate location for a "Star is Born" ;)

First day heading toward LA from Chicago and making our way around downtown St. Louis. When in St. Louis, you must visit the “Gateway to the West”.

2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost – Westward Bound

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/CleanMPG_and_the_Arch.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_and_the_Arch.jpg
At the Gateway to the West! :)

Wayne

Hi All:

What else do you think Missouri is known for?

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Vacuum_Cleaner_Outlet_and_Museum.jpg
Taken out the window of the F150 in St James, MO.

2011 Ford F150 on the road heading West!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Crossing_into_NM.jpg
Entering NM.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_on_Indian_Reservation.jpg
On an Indian Reservation in NM.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_-_Mountain_Peak.jpg
Mountain Peaks in the Background prior to crossing the Sierra Nevada’s!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/100_degrees_F.jpg
CA desert and it was 100 degrees F!

A little taste of Hollywood Blvd. near the Launch point with the 2011 Ford F150 w/ EcoBoost and the 2011 Fiesta SES Hatch ;)

2011 F150 and Fiesta at 4 Lady Statue in Hollywood

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_and_Fiesta_at_4_Lady_Statue.jpg
The 4 ladies are: Mae West, Dorothy Dandridge, Anna Mae Wong, Delores Del Rio.

Wayne

32.27 is my guess.

Would love to hear details on what techniques seemed to work best, as I have an identical truck, except mine is 4wd and has the 3:55 ring and pinion.

Is there a breakdown somewhere of specific driving techniques so I don't have to keep experimenting myself? :-)

Congrats on your great choice of trucks! I'm jealous.:D The truck is amazingly easy to drive. Wayne will post a full expose' when we are finished. The main key is to watch the instantaneous fcd (Fuel Consumption Display). Try to keep it maxed out at 30mpg. The average mpg displays a horizontal bar across the fcd. So your goal is: "To raise the bar!"

Do you use the truck for work to pull any loads?

Good Luck and stay tuned here for the synapses.

Good Luck and stay tuned here for the synapses.

http://scienceblogs.com/purepedantry/upload/2007/03/synapse.gif

Synopsis ? LOL :D

Hi All:

The ScanGauge-e Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge Contest guesstimates…
RichXKU - 30.07

Damionk - 32.54

Nighthawk – 31.09

Sledge – 32.01

Burrin – 37.40

SD3 Driver – 36.00

SentraSE-R – 32.30

EVUser – 33.33

GreatWit – 34.56

Npauli – 33.41

CPLTECH - 33.00

Die2self - 38.28 (I admire your optimism ;)

MillCityPrius - 30.57

ALS - 34.25

Linux Gold - 32.70

Randalert - 30.10

bethomas463 – 32.32

elw – 31.06

tpmjr2004 – 33.10

96 Escort Wagon – 32.27

Airbalancer – 33.60
Wayne

Can I pick 7L/100km:cool:

I think in 10 years, I have tow about 4-5 times and that was taking the son stuff to school each year

But my box cap is full everyday and sometimes with ladders on top

I found in the pass, comparing the 4.8L gmc and 5.3L the 5.3L was better mileage because the truck with 4.8L would down shift going up hills all the times and 5.3 would keep in 4 gear no problem

I should really take one out for a drive

Hi All:

And then it began.

I have to say that the guest auto journalists stepped up to meet the challenge goals like the true professional’s they are. All knew what the goals were when I asked them to join this ragtag team of CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) members (30 mpg, > 150 mpg ppe and < 3-tanks to cross the Continent in a loaded out 2011 Ford F-150) and not only did they step up; each slammed a grand slam in their own right for all of our sakes.

We setup the day 1 segments to give Jill Ciminillo a shot at the best numbers. ie, a downhill segment knowing what we faced ahead with weather data showing extremely high and unusual headwinds for well over 300-miles. To begin, we had Jill looking over my shoulder as I took the wheel of the 11 Ford F-150 for the “Escape from LA”…

Day 1

For the F-150’s maiden segment out of the heart of LA, a mountain range called the Sierra Nevada’s lay before us. With a climb from essentially sea level to over 4,000’ ASL, it was going to be a “real ... fun ... day”. I took the wheel for the initial segment and climb up and over the first of many mountain ranges ahead settling in at ~ 2,500' ASL after a tougher than expected drive. In addition to the climb out, we were headed into the teeth of unusually strong 20 to 30-mph headwinds which caused more than a few expletives to be released from said driver as we made our way slowly east. The segment and topped off tank in LA (over 36-gallons as most should have read by now) ended with a lousy 26.3 mpg. For better or worse, I turned the Ford F-150’s keys over to Jill for a descent to the desert floor … Along with those wicked 20 to 30 mph headwinds.

After a quick stop, Jill began her stint and pointed the heavily loaded 11 F-150 into the same winds and gently accelerated the truck to slow highway speeds in an attempt to save the goals outlined earlier… With Jill driving to the to the desert floor near Needles, CA, and the tank was now holding at 28.6 mpg.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Jill_at_the_wheel.jpg
Jill doing what she does best… That is driving but maybe a little slower than she may have driven in the past ;)

We stopped hoping for a break from the incessant head winds when it was Mike Sirach’s turn behind the wheel. And hallelujah, as the afternoon turned into evening, the winds finally began to subside :) Unfortunately, a climb that began at essentially the desert floor was before Mike with Chris to follow… Mike drove the loaded 11 F-150 w/ EcoBoost to Kingman (~ 3,500’) finishing his segment at 26.7 mpg while the tank average slowly climbed to a whopping 26.5 mpg.

The final segment belonged to the big guy Chris. The winds had dropped to essentially nill so the only thing he had to navigate was the climb and another unusual issue ahead. That being cold temperatures! From Kingman up to Flagstaff and on to William’s AZ, temps dropped through the 50’s, the 40’s, the 30’s with a final low of just 29 degrees… We are going to camp in this? With the climb from 3,500’ ASL to over 7,300 and a small segment down to William’s at ~ 6,800, his segment yielded a best for the day, 26.8 mpg and a tank average slowly climbing to a whopping 26.6 mpg for the days effort. At least we were all now close to the peak elevations for the entire drive across.

After a camp setup in the dark, temps fell to an unheard of low of just 22 degrees. Thank goodness for the Eureka! camp gear we were accompanied by :eek:

Wayne

Hi All:

Day 2

From Williams, AZ, temps were just above freezing as we broke camp to hit the road for a 470-mile drive to Santa Rosa, NM.

Mike Sirach took the wheel for the first 60 + miles warming up the truck as he bounced around the 7,000’ elevation level finishing his segment with a net 300’ elevation climb to Flagstaff, NM at 31.9 mpg.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Leaving_Flagstaff_with_Fiesta_in_tow.jpg
Leaving Flagstaff, NM with the Fiesta in tow.

Chris than grabbed the wheel and drove down to Winslow and back up to Gallup, NM w/ a net elevation loss of ~ 800’ at 31.8 mpg.

From there, it was Bob’s turn to slog over 250 miles, landing in Santa Rosa, NM after a 2,000’ descent with a 32.9 mpg segment in low 30 degree temps to show for the effort. The tank average was sitting at 29.6 mpg.

Wayne

Hi All:

Day 3

Leaving Santa Rosa, it was who we are calling the “Ice Man’s” Show. And we finally received some tail winds! CGAutomotive’s Dave Hall took the wheel of the Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost from start to finish pulling not only a best of the trip segment of 34.2 mpg but pulling the tank average up to 30.0 mpg with just 2-miles DTE still left to go. And oh boy you should have heard the cheer that was emitted from the mighty EcoBoost when we broke through that barrier with jut a touch over 1-gallon left from fuel starve and entering Amarillo, TX about 3 miles from our final destination and a net descent of over 1,000’.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Dave_at_the_wheel_-_Airport.jpg
Dave hall at the wheel of the mighty 11 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost!

And as we reported earlier, the Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost’s actual tank average came in at 30.142 mpg after an eye-opening 1,085 miles. That EcoBoost sure can run when allowed to do so :)

Wayne

http://scienceblogs.com/purepedantry/upload/2007/03/synapse.gif

Synopsis ? LOL :D


Funny Rich! I hope my wife doesn't see this. She is a nursing educator and med term is a pet peeve.:biglol:

Hi All:

Day 4

Dave “Ice Man” Hall took the wheel mighty Ford F-150 EcoBoost for a second straight day (when they are that good, you let them run, right ;)) in which he drove from Amarillo, TX to Oklahoma City, OK. And since we were getting close on time, we had Dave drive the F-150 right into the Oklahoma City Airport with all the city miles that it entails. The result? A wonderful 33.8 mpg over 257.1 miles :)

So what is all of this about “Ice Man”? Because of Dave’s steel eye’d stare and stern demeanor, the consummate driving professional showed all of us his skill as he took instruction and moved the average ever higher with each mile traversed.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Dave_behind_the_wheel.jpg

Up next, a “Saboteur” takes the wheel…

Wayne

http://scienceblogs.com/purepedantry/upload/2007/03/synapse.gif

Synopsis ? LOL :D


Funny Rich! I hope my wife doesn't see this. She is a nursing educator and med term is a pet peeve.:biglol:

10π, or 31.42 MPG rounded to the nearest hundredth :-)

Hi All:

We are in TyBee Island Ga. so the guesses are over... And the numbers are fantastic :)

Wayne

I'm new here at cleanmpg and wish I would have known about the F150 Ecoboost challenge. What a great idea!

I can't wait to see the numbers from the trip. I'm so glad you guys missed I-40 being closed here in Arkansas due to flooding when you came through here. It would have really messed up the numbers having to take the detour.

I have a 2009 F150 with the 4.6 liter 3 valve per cylinder six speed tranny. I wish I could be getting 30+ mpg like you guys got! Great job!

I would have gladley donated one of my aerodynamic covers I have developed for the trip if I would have known about the challenge in time. It would have contributed to your overall mpg figure I am sure.

I am presently testing an improvement in the design of the aerodynamic cover. I got 25.6 mpg on a test run of 200 miles I made today at 70 mph in ideal atmospheric conditions. My model F150 is rated at 20 mpg highway

Last week I got 25.1 mpg and 25.67 mpg on two indentical runs.

I would have loved to have been one of the lucky few who went on the Ecoboost challenge. Ford is a great company and their CEO, Alan Mulally, is the best. I wish he would consider running for President!

Sculptair

Brett Herndon
Little Rock, Arkansas

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge – Tank 3

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Fill_3_Collage.jpg
That is CleanMPG's Brandon Daly filling the 11 F-150.

Here are the finals…

Tank 1: (1071.6 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer study))/36.020 gallons filled = 30.142 mpg.
Tank 2: (1,190.0 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer offset study))/35.308 gallons total filled = 34.147 mpg.
Tank 3: (207.1 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer offset study))/6.155 gallons = 34.091 mpg.

Total: (2,468.7 miles * (100/98.7 from odometer offset study))/77.483 gallons = 32.281 mpg

Wayne

Congratulations! You guys did it. Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sculptair

SO 7.29l/100km for the rest of the world :D
Went to local Ford dealer, no ecoboost in town, no 6's in town no 2wd in town :confused:

Great job and congrats to all.

Outstanding guys. :Banane57:

Hi All:

Finally able to relax a bit and we are now getting our steady state speed numbers on our way from Savannah to Atlanta’s Hartsfield for everyone to fly out as Bob Winger and I take Brandon Daly to the Greyhound in Atlanta and than we begin the trek up towards Washington DC and the final push to Dearborn alone while hauling the Fiesta…

So here are some steady state numbers in the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost. This truck is equipped with the 3.15 rear axle which certainly helps vs. the 3.7x that can be installed. We do not currently have 5 in the vehicle as Mike Sirach is currently on a plane destined for parts unknown (his flight was diverted and he missed connections). Even with four, the load is still in the bed which drops the mpg readings by maybe .5 mpg on the highway?

2011 Ford F-150 w/ the 3.5L EcoBoost – Steady State MPG Study

70-mph - 22.3 mpg (6th gear w/ TC lock)
60-mph - 25.5 mpg (6th gear w/ TC lock)
50-mph - 31.6 mpg (6th gear w/ TC lock)
45-mph - 33.9 mpg (6th gear w/ TC lock)
40-mph - 32.6 mpg (5th gear w/ TC lock)

This was using CC on a relatively flat section of the Interstate +/- 20’ over approximately 5-miles. Winds are calm with a temperature range from 70 to 72 degrees F.

The Fiesta drivers are currently performing (2) odometer studies, one w/ P&G and one without and the steady state at various speed FE numbers.

Wayne

Hi All:

Just one shot of hundreds of the truck on the Atlantic coast in Tybee Island, Georgia.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/522/F-150_Front_Driver_profile_close.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Andrew_and_the_F-150.jpg
Andrew behind the wheel of the F-150 w/ EcoBoost just minutes ago as we completed the steady state speed study’s.

Wayne

Hi All:

The 11 Fiesta -- Tybee Island on the Atlantic after the sun set.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Fiesta_-_Eureka_.jpg
Eureka! and the Fiesta – Lightweight and a smaller footprint for a better world.

Wayne

We're an astute group of hypermilers. 96 escort wagon edged me out by .01 mpg, and we had 5 guesses out of 21 that were within .3 of the F150's cross-country accomplishment!

Hi All:

A very interesting finding during the drive from Savannah to Atlanta in the 11 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost using the latest ScanGauge readouts. Watching HPR (instantaneous HP) even while climbing an ~ 3% grade, we were using < 65 HP while still loaded out at ~ 6,900 pounds.

Wayne

Hi All:

Video of the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost HP study in real time.

http://www.youtube.com/v/3uV1Src5_5w?version=3

Wayne

Looking at the steady state numbers it's looking at 29 ish mpg's at 55 mph and maybe very close to 30.0 mpg's with an empty truck with just the driver.

Ford has really raised the mileage bar with the F-150 running numbers like this.

We're an astute group of hypermilers. 96 escort wagon edged me out by .01 mpg, and we had 5 guesses out of 21 that were within .3 of the F150's cross-country accomplishment!

Everyone here had some great guesses! They were MUCH better than the Eureka! site. Several in the teens??? You have to be kidding.

Hi All:

We have another challenge in the making, only this time the truck weighs out at about 6,000 pounds, but it’s towing approximately 3,100 pounds of Fiesta and tow dolly. We are hoping to bust the EPA in the chops. With that the 2011 Ford F-150 with Ecoboost is rated at 22 mpg highway. After leaving Atlanta 35 miles later, we are sitting at 25 mpg, while DWL between 50 and 55 MPH. Whether this can be held only time will tell. But it sure is easy to tow.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_Trailer_Tow.jpg
2011 Ford F-150 with Ecoboost with the Fiesta in tow for real.

Wayne

Everyone here had some great guesses! They were MUCH better than the Eureka! site. Several in the teens??? You have to be kidding.

Skimming the Eureka! Facebook site of about a dozen guesses I think only one or two were over 30.

Congrats to all.
It always seems like fun.

Questions:
Cross country, What was the average speed driven on the F150?

The horsepower video is very interesting. Got any more?
________
Kartess live (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/Kartess)

You mean I won?!

Woot!!

Regarding the mysterious 26 gallon tank that holds 36 gallons. Not sure if it's been said or not, but the 36 gallon tank is an available option. However, it was my understanding the 36 gallon was only available with the 6.5' bed/supercrew.

Don't quote me on that, I'll have to pull out my literature to confirm.

I have to concur with your thoughts on the 3.5 ecoboost. It is awesome motor and pulls my 7000# travel trailer with ease, even through the smokey mountains here in east Tn. The selectshift 6spd automatic is a great compliment to the ecoboost with it's close ratios and double overdrive gears in fifth and sixth.

I went for the 3:55 limited slip for more pep and towing ability (I roll in my 96 geo metro with a lifetime 51.4mpg average for my daily driver).

With slightly over 1100 miles, I'm running around 21.5 mpg combined with my 4x4 combo. I figure I can hit 25-26mpg once it's broken in and I learn to drive it. However, I do enjoy hearing the turbos whistle on occasion. :-)

Curious to hear what the return mileage is towing the festiva. I can say my first towing with my travel trailer netted a whooping 10.5 mpg. Of course I was in the smoky mountains headed to pigeon forge, quite an uphill adventure.

Anyhow, I digress, carry on!

Well, a bit off with my 36mpgs :(

Hi All:

This is what we are doing today :)

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_towing_Fiesta_in_Rain.jpg
She tows well…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/24_6_mpg_-_332_miles_towing.jpg
24.6 mpg over 332 miles.

While the mileage is pretty darn impressive, it’s the ability to tow and not feel the 3,000 + pounds back there that impresses. And now that it is just Bob and I driving up to Williamsburg, VA., the room of the F-150 SuperCrew is back to gigantic proportions. I think the back seat is in another zip code in fact ;)

Wayne

Hi Darrell:

Good point about the guesses coming in as close as they did. I too was surprised how close everyone was… I think we have some pics of flags we passed while climbing the Sierra Nevada’s and you would not believe it. They were standing straight out and snapping. And it was right down the middle of the hood for those very challenging miles too! "If only...", I can almost bet the F-150 would have pulled a very comfortable 33.5 to 34 mpg run across the continent.

ALS, when you mentioned raising the bar, the Ford truck guys sure did. There are a lot of car companies that could use the Ford truck engineers expertise as the F-150 w/ the 3.5L EcoBoost and the 11 F-250 Super Duty w/ the 6.7L Power Stroke certainly do lead their respective segments in FE while providing class leading towing power and out of the hole performance as well. Think about this. The F-150 w/ EcoBoost is an 8-second truck that allowed more fuel economy at maximum payload (even slightly over depending on who was in the truck at the time) than the combined ratings of all 11 Yaris’, all 11 Corolla’s, all 11 Cruze’s (Cruze Eco w/ a stick not withstanding), 11 Aveo’s, 11 Fit’s, 11 Civic’s, all the 11 Mini’s and 11 Versa’s let alone everything bigger in the respective companies lineups! Even Ford’s own car guys could use the truck guy’s expertise! I am simply amazed.

Vangoneby, comfortably between the PSL other than when climbing the Sierra Nevada’s into that wildly strong headwind. At that point, I instructed everyone to go right to the bottom including myself. I was holding my breathe with each step into the accelerator pedal to maintain speed during those long hours of Day one.

96 Escort Wagon, I guess you did ;) Send me a PM of your address and I will have the SG-e we used for the trip sent to your door as soon as I get back. Trust me, you are going to like it :)

In addition, this is the 26-gallon spec tank as you have to go to the 4x4 for the 36 gallon unit. If you fill slowly enough however, 36 + is in your account and darn this thing has some range at 30 + and 36 gallons to consume. Tank 2 was out over 1,200 miles and we did not run it dry either! Imagine what it is worth when unloaded?

And towing the Fiesta… Yet another feather in the cap of the Fiesta. We are DWL between 48 and 55 mph per the U-Haul Tow Dolly’s 55 mph max speed limitations and we are still over 24 mpg! The pic I posted bit ago is right around a 50 mph avg. with rest stops and breaks for dinner/breakfast.


2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Entering_Virginia.jpg
Entering Virginia w/ the Fiesta in tow and still > 24 mpg!

Wayne

Great drive, Thanks for bringing us along.
:flag:

BTW I hope you don't mess up the front of the Fiesta, with some vehicles those tow dollies are famous for rock chips should you encounter some lose surface material. :( But hypermiling speed likely minimizes the potential. :)

Hi EVuser:

Thanks for following this challenge adventure :)

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Savannah_Traffic.jpg
Care for a little traffic while on a Fuel Economy Adventure ;)

Mike Sefton was behind the wheel of the 11 F-150 when we had to literally traverse downtown Savannah through a gauntlet of lights and light to light heavy traffic at rush hour. He topped out at 35.9 mpg and only lost 1-mpg after ~ 10-miles of this non-sense.

Wayne

Hi All:

Another of those really excellent bridge shots at the Chewalla Lake Camp area in the Holly Springs National Forest in MS.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Chewalla_Lake_in_Holly_Springs_National_Forest.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_on_the_Atlantic.jpg
The 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew on the Atlantic in Tybee Island, GA.

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

Determination = Success!!!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Success_-_In_the_Atlantic_Ocean.jpg
The Atlantic Ocean - Mike Sefton swimming and Wayne revealing his triumphant relief that we did it!

Wayne

Hi All:

A few pics from Bobs home in Williamsburg VA.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Stealth_Ford_F-150.jpg
To catch an EcoBoost, you have to move in quite stealthily ;)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Ford_F-150_at_Bobs_Home.jpg
Are you ready to Rrrrruummmmbbbbblllleeee?

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F-150_towing_Fiesta_from_Bobs_home.jpg
Ready for yet more towing… And still holding onto 24.1 mpg!

Wayne

The Fiesta is NAKED!!!!

Hi All:

More tornado damage near Birmingham, AL…

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_in_MS.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

Looking through everyone’s pics and saw Andrew taking this one from behind the passenger side windscreen of the Fiesta.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Arkansas.jpg
Welcome to Arkansas!

Wayne

Hi All:

Did the 5-cases of Pepsi loaded up early on in the trip suffice for the trip from Dearborn to Chicago to LA to Savannah?

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Under_Rear_Seats.jpg
10-cases loaded early on but left 5 back due to room constraints :(

As we crossed the Georgia border, I started begging Fiesta drivers for one from their stash because the F-150 was out. By central Georgia, the Fiesta was out too :eek:

Georgia is a Coca-Cola state so it was not until stopping for a break in NC did I find a machine at a rest area to pick up another! Oh how Happy Days are here again :D

Wayne

FWIW,

My pickup: 2009 F150, 4.6 3v, 6 spd auto, regular cab, long bed, stock steel wheels with p235/70r17's @ 40 psi, tailgate down, 1 person in pickup,

Wx: OAT 89 deg f, s wind 15 to 25 mph

Tested going both north and south and averaged the mpgs
60 mph -- 26.4 mpg (Wayne's EB number 25.5 mpg)

Tested going both east and west and averaged the mpgs
40 mph -- 33.5 mpg (Wayne's EB number 32.6 mpg)


My numbers were with no A/C, cruise control on, pretty flat terrain, taken from a "dialed in" (last 4 tanks have been within .1 mpg of hand calculated) scangauge ii that was reset at speed

add....


Forgot to say I have the 3.55 rear end.

Would be very interesting to see a nose to tail mpg comparison of equally equipped 4.6 3v vs 5.0 vs 3.7 vs EB F150's.

I agonized over my purchase in 2009 wondering just what I'd be missing out on with the turbocharged 6's. Preliminary indications are not much if anything as far as mpg goes (?), .... it's always nice to have extra power though.

"The Fiesta is NAKED!!!!"

I'll tell you, Mike, it was sad to have to remove those beautiful graphic wraps. Good thing you were not here to witness it. I tried to get the boys involved so they might have a little "fun", but for me it was more than just a little bit sad.

Bob

I bet! It sure doesn't look the same.

BTW: You need to sharpen your lawnmower blades. I see considerable bruising on the grass blade tips. The cut on each blade of grass is jagged. :D

Great job guys! =)

Is there any word on maintence with the turbocharge ?
I read somewhere that you have "rebuild" them after 100,000 miles or is this a myth?

BTW: You need to sharpen your lawnmower blades. I see considerable bruising on the grass blade tips. The cut on each blade of grass is jagged. :D

That's the kind of focus these guys had on the trip. Everything was scrutinized and followed to ridiculous levels of detail.

The Fiesta definitely doesn't look as good without the wrappers. It was easy to pick out in traffic at any distance.

My impressions of the drivers involved. I was in the Fiesta so didn't get to interact with the journalists much.

Wayne - Intense and focused. Always ready to bark a few orders if you're driving too fast or dare to touch the brakes. He made this whole event happen, so he has skills of persuasion. Also a story teller - the journalists know about all our other event drives now.

Mike Sirach - How can one man generate so much social media?! At times he was running both a smartphone and Ipad at the same time! Also, the coffee man. We may not have had haute cuisine, but we had the best coffee you could ask for from around the world.

Bob - Smooth and steady behind the wheel. Thanks for the updates from home - those boys know how to have "fun". ;)

Chris (Maxx) - Knows details about nearly any subject, like the gear ratios on an AMC Matador. He can make you laugh while telling you those details. Made the trip much more interesting.

Mike Sefton - Down to earth, practical, dedicated. Knows how to enjoy life while still being practical. Few others could have made the numbers he did in the Fiesta. Drives a TDI at home. From Canada - he was the only one to dive into the ocean when we finished.

Brandon - wired and connected. Dedicated and works hard - nearly finished with his Master's. Keeps his mind open to alternatives. (he's hypermiling with us, right?)


Thanks to all for a great event. There were minimal personal conflicts. That's commendable considering the close proximity we had for such a long time.

My impressions of the drivers involved. I was in the Fiesta so didn't get to interact with the journalists much.
And I will add my impressions as well:

Wayne - Intense and focused. Always ready to bark a few orders if you're driving too fast or dare to touch the brakes. He made this whole event happen, so he has skills of persuasion. Also a story teller - the journalists know about all our other event drives now.
Wayne switches from "Challenge Mode" Drill Sargeant to politician and cheerleader as trip conditions dictate. You never know if you're going to hear "BACK OFF!" or "That was perfect", and you need to be mentally prepared for either. He is the best of the best, so you take the compliments and corrections in stride and most importantly - analyze and learn as you go because the wisdom imparted carries over to your daily driving.

Mike Sirach - How can one man generate so much social media?! At times he was running both a smartphone and Ipad at the same time! Also, the coffee man. We may not have had haute cuisine, but we had the best coffee you could ask for from around the world.
Mike Sirach is a walking Best Buy store. Equipped with a smart phone, iPad, and notebook, I was surprised to see that he wasn't typing on two devices simultaneouly with his two hands. Definitely a wizard of social media and current computer and communications technology, he is also an excellent instructor. Mike was up at dawn every day, setting up the coffee pot and catching the rising sun with his Olympus pro-grade camera. Not only was he a major part of the success of this challenge, but he was also a critical part of capturing images and text to document it along the way so we have detailed content to share with the CleanMPG membership.

Bob - Smooth and steady behind the wheel. Thanks for the updates from home - those boys know how to have "fun". ;)
Bob is a pilot and so the smooth and steady driving wasn't a surprise. It's the result of years of training and hours of flight time. Just casually watching Bob at the wheel, you'd never know that he was doing anything much different from the rest of us, but the numbers he achieved revealed that there are years of experience and impressive skills that make him an excellent hypermiler.

Andrew (PaleMelanesian) - Quiet and reserved. And when he speaks, the number crunching and data analysis are nothing short of amazing. He is passionate about saving fuel and it is reflected in comprehensive spreadsheets and dinner-napkin calculations (that take place on a virtual dinner napkin on the laptop PC). Meal breaks would be spent discussing terrain, temperature, wind speed/direction, and the plan to push the Fiesta to higher numbers in the coming segment. Check Andrew's mileage logs (60+mpg from a stock '96 Civic) to see the payoff anyone can realize when they approach driving with the level of focus Andrew has.

Chris (Me) - Knows details about nearly any subject, like the gear ratios on an AMC Matador. He can make you laugh while telling you those details. Made the trip much more interesting.
If this challenge drive could be correlated with the movie "Stripes", Wayne would be Sargeant Hulka, and I would be a hybrid of John Candy along with a healthy blend of Bill Murray in the dialog. The comic relief comes in handy when the tension runs high (such as when driving uphill into gale force winds at freezing temps), and to instill memories of laughter and fun not only in the seven CleanMPG'ers but also in our three guest journalists. If they didn't think hypermilers are crazy before the trip began, they do now!

Mike Sefton - Down to earth, practical, dedicated. Knows how to enjoy life while still being practical. Few others could have made the numbers he did in the Fiesta. Drives a TDI at home. From Canada - he was the only one to dive into the ocean when we finished.
Mike Sefton is one of our elite manual transmission drivers. Along with Andrew, he can wring fuel economy out of any stick-equipped car and make it look effortless. A man of few words, Mike's conversations are direct and informative, and he's the kind of guy you want to speak with so you can learn. He's the opposite of me (first gear on an AMC Matador 3AT, by the way, is 2.70:1), where his informative dialog contains facts and tips that drivers can use to reach for higher mpgs. And he's always smiling, the sort of person you want to spend time with in conversation.

Brandon - wired and connected. Dedicated and works hard - nearly finished with his Master's. Keeps his mind open to alternatives. (he's hypermiling with us, right?)
Brandon is ambitious and eager - ready to tackle the challenge and come out - as he says - Winning! Great personality, talkative, and he drove the F-150 EcoBoost into the 33mpg range during his segment. He's a big guy - at over six feet, and evidently pretty flexible, because he could fold himself up to fit in the rear seat of the Fiesta. The fact that he was willing to take the Fiesta's rear seat for so many hours of driving will tell you how eager Brandon is to learn from all of us, and also share his knowledge and experiences. He's ready for any challenge, and he doesn't plan on losing the battle. An excellent part of the challenge team.

Thanks to all for a great event. There were minimal personal conflicts. That's commendable considering the close proximity we had for such a long time.
No personal conflicts at all, that I could see. And as you said, the close proximity as well as the hectic schedule, fast food, and lack of sleep could have made for the perfect storm. But everyone rose to the occasion and everything worked without a hitch.

My guess... 31.87

My guess... 31.87

just a weeeee bit late :D

My guess... 31.87

Who said hindsight was 20:20?

Vangonebuy posted this question on Saturday. It would be interesting to know what the answer is.

Questions:
Cross country, What was the average speed driven on the F150?


Sculptair

"Average" speed can be misleading in that it is a calculation based on engine hours and distance. The drive was completed with interstate speeds that are "between the limits" - above minimum and below maximum. Reviewing the steady state numbers Wayne gathered during testing last Saturday morning, it appears that the F-150 EcoBoost prefers to cruise in the 45-50mph range, with a minimal degradation of FE as you approach 55mph.

Stating an average speed for the trip doesn't reflect the unique conditions we encountered in our 2500+ mile journey, and simply saying "40" or "45" or "55" or "60" would mislead readers who might think that we were blasting down the Santa Monica Freeway at 55mph, weaving in and out among the dense thicket of leased European exotics carrying Saturday morning shoppers to their destination, or crawling across the endless fields of Oklahoma at 40mph. Part of wringing the best mpg out of any vehicle is learning and understanding its capabilities and then working with what the vehicle offers.

If you were to drizzle me with pancake syrup and threaten to toss me onto a fire ant mound (readers are encouraged to dream up other fiendish methods of coercive interrogation), I would attempt to avoid the dreadful end by saying parts of the trip were covered with the speedometer needle pointing toward numbers starting with "4" and "5". :)

Now that I am home and somewhat rested, it is time to reflect. A few of you now know I'm short and to the point, and this post will reflect that. It was great to meet all of you for this amazing drive. Each had unique and valuable contributions and I am glad to have met each one of you who came along. Thank you all for making this such a fun trip, and of course, thank you to Wayne for brainstorming the thing and inviting me to come along. It is always an honor to participate in events like this.

Thanks MaxxMPG for the excellent answer to the question about the average speed of the Ecoboost F150 as it ventured across country.

At speeds of 55+ mph and up, air does get to be a real drag!

Sculptair

Yes, air drag increases with the square of speed, so the blocky shape of any pickup is going to cause you pain at the pump if you like to keep the speedometer needle at or above the "12 o'clock" position.

Other than the tonneau cover installed over the bed, the F-150 challenge truck is one that can be ordered from your Ford dealer and driven to well beyond 32mpg while offering head-of-the-pack cargo and towing capability. Modifying the truck beyond stock would make it interesting in an "ultimate FE" sense, but the result would be less repeatable and certainly less relevant considering few commercial pickup buyers mod their truck beyond painting their company logo on the door. As for the Urban Cowboys who mod their trucks with window tint, HID headlights, ridiculous chrome wheels and summer tires, etc etc etc - well... - they should be driving a Focus instead of an F-150.

Ford has changed the lower air dam twice in the past two years on the 2009 -2011 F-150 to improve aerodynamics. There is a bulge to the sailplate plate on the cab, connected to the side view mirrors, to improve aerodynamics. The tailgate top has an extended flat surface and the truck bed is deeper to enhance the proverbial bubble that forms there to improve aerodynamics.

Not to take anything from what you guys have accomplished, it is a remarkable achievement requiring alot of hard work. I am just saying that, unless we lower the speed limit on freeways back to 55 mph, like is was at one time here in the US, most of us are going to drive the speed limit, non-urban cowboys included.

I do have aerodynamic modifications to my truck. I am presently testing a new one which is showing alot of promise. I'd love to make that same cross country trip you guys did in an Ecoboost F-150 with these, functional utilitarian aerodynamic devices mounted to the truck.

Since I have been getting 25+ mpg highway ( my truck is rated at 20 mpg highway) with my 4.6 liter 3valve per cylinder V-8, 6 speed tranny, 3.31 ratio axel , I feel with the aero-add-ons the 6 cylinder Ecoboost F-150 could possibly see 27, 28, 29 mpg @ 70 mph, of course depending on atmospheric conditions and the grade of the road.

Bottom line I am on your side. I love fuel efficiency too!

Sculptair

One item that was rather strange, Was the large gaping whole in the lower front where the license plate bracket would be in most states. It leaves the intercooler exposed to what may be thrown at it.

Thanks Sculptair for getting a better answer.
Any vehicle has it's best MPG highway number.
I figured with the turbo's aerodynamics, and the gearing. I thought it at 50 MPH.
But xcel's earlier posting of best at 45 didn't surprise me too much.

My family minivan performs best in Park. :(


A Great trip to follow.
________
MagicNight live (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/MagicNight)

Hi All:

After the LA to Tybee Island drive goals at > 30 mpg and just two fill ups were met, I thought it would be another neat addition to tow the 11 Fiesta chase vehicle with the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost and see if we could not bust OPEC in the chops with an EPA busting drive up the Eastern Seaboard and then onto Dearborn itself…

Here is that story in pictures.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_with_Trucks.jpg
At a Rest area in NC -- Which truck was receiving the best FE ;) There load out was much higher however!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_-_24_0_mpg_-_Atlanta_to_Norfolk_VA.jpg
Atlanta to Norfolk, VA – Just outside Langley AFB allowed 24.0 mpg.

Wayne

Hi All:

After filling up, Bob and I drove around Langley AFB in Hampton, VA (he works there) so I was very fortunate to be able to not only meet his co-workers but drive around the base for some pics. While my picture taking capability definitely needs help, to see these beautiful planes representing America’s Air Power displayed with the American made 2011 Ford F-150 and Fiesta in tow was simply mind boggling! I am a closet jet fan and to see a B52, F86, F16 and F-15 mounted in an entry and central park location was a spectacular sight :)

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_with_the_B52.jpg
An honest to goodness B52 w/ the F-150 and Fiesta in tow displayed as a showpiece.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_with_the_F16.jpg
2011 Ford F-150 with the American Flag and an “F-16” Fighting Falcon.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_with_the_F15_and_F86.jpg
2011 Ford F-150 with the “F-86” Sabre and the F-15 “Eagle”.

I stayed until almost lunch time as there is sometimes an F-22 Raptor pilot or two that goes out for lunch to get their airtime in… And they are usually “hitting it” when doing so from what I was told ;) We drove out on the tarmac (as close as we could get anyway) and I could see two Raptor’s ready for flight but had to get moving as there was a long ways to go before reaching Dearborn and then onto Chicago… Maybe next time.

Wayne

Hi All:

Another from the Langley AFB I thought was worth posting.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_at_Langley_AFB.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

After leaving Langley AFB, I drove to the Ball Corporation in Williamsburg, VA to give an impromptu presentation on the 2011 Ford F-150 and its capabilities including the Adventure Challenge drive details to some of the employees there.

What I found fascinating was that they make 8-million empty cans per day for the likes of Pepsi, Coco-Cola and Anheuser Busch. This plant and others just like it across the country supply an area of ~ 800-square miles so that we (the beverage consuming public) not only receive our drinks in a convenient and mostly recycled aluminum container but in cans that look “pretty” thanks to the extremely advanced printing systems Ball has in place. The next time you pick up a can of soda, look at the printing and more than likely that HQ print and can was provided by a Ball plant just like the one shown below.

Thanks Marjorie!

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_at_Ball_Corporation.jpg

Wayne

Hi All:

After ~ 40-miles of Langley AFB and Williamsburg stop sign to stop sign and light to light driving, it was time to get out of Dodge. IIRC, she was hanging on at 21.x something after a far worse driving segment than the FTP-75 portrays and see if it would pick back up over the EPA highway. By the time I had reached Washington DC and 175 miles out following I-64, I-95 and the I-295 bypass, she was up to 23.1 mpg. She only lost .1 mpg while running through that nightmare over the next 1.5 hours and that included a climb a decent 800’ climb IIRC?

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/F150_towing_the_Fiesta_Washington_DC_traffic1.jpg

And then the real climb over the Appalachian’s occurred. Give me a few as I put the video(s) together.

All while towing the Fiesta of course.

Wayne

Hi All:

It takes me a while to put these vid’s together, doesn’t it ;)

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.youtube.com/v/OY_CT2JyrdY?version=3
Towing an 11 Fiesta up and over the Appalachian’s :)

Wayne

Hi All:

A very interesting finding during the drive from Savannah to Atlanta in the 11 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost using the latest ScanGauge readouts. Watching HPR (instantaneous HP) even while climbing an ~ 3% grade, we were using < 65 HP while still loaded out at ~ 6,900 pounds.

Wayne

What was the fuel consumption rate (mpg) while you were taking the HPR (instantaneous HP)?

Hi 50 mpg by 2012:

While climbing the 4 to 5% grades, she was holding about 12 mpg with the Fiesta in tow... I mentioned it in the vid I thought but it was ok given we were still well over 9,000 pounds with the truck, the gear that was still onboard and of course the Fiesta and Tow Dolly.

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Saying_Goodbye_-_Motor_City_Solutions_2.jpg
Saying goodbye to the 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost at Motor City Solutions in Taylor, MI :ccry:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/26_5_mpg_over_last_83_0_mpg_segment_towing.jpg
26.5 mpg over her last 83 miles with ~ 25% city driving.

Video Review/Overview will be up in a minute. And I only made one small screw up over almost 9-minutes of jabbering ;)

Built Ford Tough… AND Ford Efficient!

Wayne

Well Done!

This has been an excellent thread which I've been following everyday. I wouldn't mind taking a week or two off for one of these adventures.

Seems like the charging system in the F-150 lets the battery float fairly often. In both videos the SG was showing 12.x except in fuel cut.

So what was the climate control situation during this whole trip? Blower fan off? on? windows open a little?

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.youtube.com/v/qmdd5pHEGwM?version=3
Video Review/Overview of the 2011 Ford F-150.

Let me know what you think about this one as it is one of my best yet :)

Wayne

Hi Rich:

This was the best of all as I have a vid I am trying to get up on A/C use. We did not use A/C the entire “Challenge” trip but Mike Sirach and I did use it across the CA desert when temps rose to 100 degrees on the afternoon of the 28th. During the “Adventure Challenge” itself, the windows were cracked about an inch and the fan speed was ramped up from 1 to max whenever we reached 72 degrees F ambient up to the 81 or 82 degree high we saw driving across. In other words, we could have ran max A/C all the way across and the 30-mpg would have still been nothing but a rumble strip we encountered if it did get that hot. Of course we were traveling in below freezing temps for much of the way across Arizona and New Mexico so A/C use was not even a consideration up in the mountains and at night when we did do some of the driving :rolleyes:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/100_degrees_F.jpg

The kicker is we saw no difference with it on or off. The additional fuel consumption was surely there and I will show you that later this evening but the power use and additional fuel consumption under A/C was so small that it was lost in the noise of the terrain following regimen at highway speeds. Really amazing actually given what I am used to when actually turning on the A/C (you know that does not happen very often too ;)) in every other car I have driven.

Wayne

Hi All:

The second to last low res rendering of vids but this one is the compilation… If only I had a decent sound recording over a short distance. I boosted the gain on the video at the and to the max and it is still soft. Turn up the volume and listen closely.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.youtube.com/v/SdhsExQp43U?version=3
The compilation :)

Wayne

Great Video! Thanks!

I'm not sure about the others, but I'm bored at home now.:D

Hi All:

Here is that A/C use data I was writing about yesterday… Who does this kind of stuff anyway :D

At idle, the 2011 Ford F-150 is using so little additional fuel to run A/C that at highway speeds, its fuel consumption and fuel economy delta with or without was so small to be almost undetectable. In other words, leave the windows up and run the A/C for maximum comfort and maximum fuel economy in the warmer summer months.

While driving across the California desert with temps that reached 100 degrees F, we could switch A/C on and off again and saw no change to the trucks fuel consumption as it was hidden within the noise of the terrain following regimen.

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost - Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

http://www.youtube.com/v/yIJH8bnPi_Q?version=3
With and without A/C - fuel consumption at idle

Wayne

In our not-so-scientific study of the A/C use in the Fiesta, we were tailing the F-150 on the way to the ATL airport. For a 30-mile or so stretch, we ran the A/C and were driving between 55-65 MPH and the Fiesta got around 42 MPG per the onboard aFCD for the stretch. It appears the Fiesta's A/C made very little impact at cruising speeds as well. I imagine the city/surface stop/crawl would take much more of a hit.

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost – Fuel Economy Adventure Challenge

While passing just North of Birmingham, we came across but one of the many tornado touchdown sites in the state and all I can say is god speed to those that lost their lives in this one… It is one thing to see a natural disaster from the LCD and quite another to see it in person. You just cannot imagine the damage path from a screen in your living room.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_1.jpg
Wayne

Using Google Maps and retracing our route, I found a "street view" of the station pictured above. I confirmed the correct route and location based on photos I have of the damage in the same area. Below is the before photo and above is the after photo.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Before_Tornado_Damage_-_North_of_Birmingham_1.jpg

WOW! Just WOW! It sends shivers down my spine. You can still see the green sign in the damage photo on the column in the structure still left.


Great DD Chris!

Wayne,


At idle my 09 F150 (4.6 3v) also will show a .1 gph split with a/c when at idle (mine goes from .38 gph a/c off to .48 a/c on -- and will cycle between the two as the compressor kicks on and off)

But,

On the highway at a CC 60 mph I'm seeing a fair drop in mpg with a/c on.

72 deg light winds out of the s. (5 to 8 mph) tests run north and south then averaged:

No A/C : 26.8 mpg
A/C: 24.8 mpg

/ as an aside, tailgate up on the long bed will drop mpg 1 mpg at 60 mph.
// maybe Ford did some work on the air conditioner efficiency between '09 an '11 ... I don't know. But I do know from servicing air conditioners that you'll see a much higher pressure drop (high side to low side) and a corresponding higher load from the a/c compressor once the rpms come up from idle.


/// BTW, I don't mean to come off as overly critical. I do appreciate all the info you provide on this website. I've learned a lot. And ... I'm a Ford fan myself.

WOW! Just WOW! It sends shivers down my spine. You can still see the green sign in the damage photo on the column in the structure still left.


Great DD Chris!

Mike,
For more shivers (you can't see these things and not be affected), consider the photo here.
Another Google street view, this is a small development with maybe 100 hi-ranch homes. The street just left of center goes away from the camera and then curves right (not shown in photo). But from this perspective, that street you see in the photo runs two blocks ahead and perpendicular into the property (up to the rear) of that gas station before turning.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/658/medium/Before_Tornado1.jpg

When you see the photo of the gas station with what looks like an empty field behind it, that empty field is where the homes pictured here once stood.

Hi Carcus:

I am sure Ford and the rest did a lot of work on A/C use as it is now a mandatory inclusion in the 5-test cycle calc’s. When running across the desert of California at 60 mph, we were hanging onto 28 mpg and she hung there with A/C or not. The GPH simply did not move and I made sure the A/C was on a number of times because I could not believe it…

Wayne

Wayne,

I wonder if your "special edition" F150 had Ford's new variable displacement air conditioner installed? I can see no reference where it's listed as being on the F150 as of yet, but they have talked about it being new to the 2011 explorer.

http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/news/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-2011-ford-explorer-with-ecoboost-32991

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/40649-variable-displacement-air-conditioning-compressor/

There is no mention of variable displacement a/c in any of the literature that I have for mine that I'm aware of. I'll doublecheck and see.

Hi Carcus:

Doubtful as this was pulled off the Kansas City assembly line early and had over 7,500 miles on it already...

All told, if you need a heavy LD hauler during the week and a semi fuel efficient ride when it comes to the really light duty tasks, little can match what the EcoBoost provides as demonstrated during the Challenge Drive.

Wayne

Hi All:

2011 Ford F-150 vs. 2011 Ford Fiesta - Battle of the “Door Ajar Warning Chimes”

http://www.youtube.com/v/vfRtWoEgmGo?version=3

When on a X-Country trip with a 2011 Ford F-150 w/ EcoBoost and a 2011 Ford Fiesta and have too much time on your hands, this is what you do.

That was absolutely the stupidest vid I have ever uploaded :rolleyes:

Wayne

LOL! :p

It's funny they made the effort to change the tone. It would be easier to use the same in both vehicles, but they thought it worth the time to program a different pitch for each. Manly vs cute?

It may actually be due to manufacturing tolerances? I've seen the same make and model vehicles with different blinker rates.

I am seeing a lot of EcoBoosted F150's on the road now. I have 2 friends that are owners also.

One is a motorcycle dealer and just bought a new 2011 Supercrew 4x4 F150. He said he couldn't pass the deal up. He got $6000 cash back from Ford.

Hi Mike:

$6K pays for the EcoBoost upgrade!

How is his fuel economy now that he has a few miles on it and its getting downright cold for the morning commute in particular?

Wayne

Just had to read this adventure all over again after overdosing on GM truck news..

My favorite video:


http://www.youtube.com/v/qmdd5pHEGwM?version=3