Great news... Just got back from my trip... went 1743.9 miles instead of 1200.
Here is the breakdown.. Cruise control set at 70 mph and 2000 rpm, tailgate up, two people with about 100 pounds of (things).
188 miles 10.6 gal. 17.74 mpg (hills)
488.9 miles 25.9 gal. 18.88 mpg
220.4 miles 11.67 gal. 18.89 mpg
242.6 miles 12.42 gal 19.53 mpg
307 miles 16.7 gal 18.38 mpg
297 miles 17.7 gal 16.78 mpg (strong 30 mph headwind)
Coming up I5 from Bakersfield, pushing the headwind I noticed boost was between 5 and about 8 pounds on level ground to maintain 70 mph. I lowered the tailgate and did not notice any difference in boost pressure, so I put the tailgate back up.
Total average = 18.35 mpg.
2006 F350, S/C, 4x4, 8ft bed, 3.73 posi, Camper Package, 6 spd manual.
Just turned 2,000 miles on the odometer.
Conclusion: I do not think it matters if the tailgate is up or down. I am very happy that it gets 18 mpg, and look forward to getting better mileage as it breaks in. Cheapest fuel was in Las Vegas at $3.059 per gallon, highest was $3.329 near Willows California.
Here is the breakdown.. Cruise control set at 70 mph and 2000 rpm, tailgate up, two people with about 100 pounds of (things).
188 miles 10.6 gal. 17.74 mpg (hills)
488.9 miles 25.9 gal. 18.88 mpg
220.4 miles 11.67 gal. 18.89 mpg
242.6 miles 12.42 gal 19.53 mpg
307 miles 16.7 gal 18.38 mpg
297 miles 17.7 gal 16.78 mpg (strong 30 mph headwind)
Coming up I5 from Bakersfield, pushing the headwind I noticed boost was between 5 and about 8 pounds on level ground to maintain 70 mph. I lowered the tailgate and did not notice any difference in boost pressure, so I put the tailgate back up.
Total average = 18.35 mpg.
2006 F350, S/C, 4x4, 8ft bed, 3.73 posi, Camper Package, 6 spd manual.
Just turned 2,000 miles on the odometer.
Conclusion: I do not think it matters if the tailgate is up or down. I am very happy that it gets 18 mpg, and look forward to getting better mileage as it breaks in. Cheapest fuel was in Las Vegas at $3.059 per gallon, highest was $3.329 near Willows California.
