Not sure if this is the right forum, but i have a question. What are you guys with V8's getting in real world fuel economy in your V8 crew cabs???

I started a new career and need to down size my truck to save on fuel costs and more affordable truck. I don't have a preference over Ford/Chevy/Dodge. To me a truck is a truck i'm not a huge "car" guy. I am wanting a crew cab with 4x4, that can get 20 or better MPG's as i drive 0ver 75 miles per day for work. I am only buying used under $30k up to 75k miles. I drove the 3.5 ecoboost's they are getting 19-20mpg, my boss has a GMC and gets over 20mpg's in his sierra but it is a 2wd. I also hear the 1500 Dodges with 5.7 Hemi and 8 speed show to get 20's on the highway. I tow a 20' basscat and a 32' bumper pull but not concerned about towing MPG's just daily driving MPG's.

2012 Chevy 5.7 Vortec. Last trip to Nevada, drove 2757 miles, burned 147 gallons of gas. 18.76 mpg. That was at 75 to 80 mph. No trailer. Averaged just over 20 mpg on flat lands, 18 in the hills and mountains. AC running.

Not a V8 but you did post 3.5 ecoboost.
A 2.7 ecoboost should get you mid 20's fuel efficiency while being able to pull your boat. They are impressive. There are some 2015's used under 30k.

If you want a real world 20 plus mpg average out of a full size 4 door 4WD truck I think you really only have about 2 options and they are a 2.7 ecoboost and a 3.0 ecodiesel. Both can be had used in your price range.

Have you checked the Fuelly website? I would normally say do not buy a diesel for MPG alone because the payback is a ways out there but in your case with the miles you drive and stuff you tow it might make sense.

Agreed.

If you look hard and don't mind skipping a few options, the ED can be had new at the top end of your budget.

I think you mean 5.3 vortec. I believe the last year of the 5.7 was 99.

My dad really likes his 3.5 ecoboost. I know you already mentioned it, but he really enjoys his. He gets over 20 on the highway, right around 21 I believe. He commutes a lot, so mpgs were important. Its 4x4. And man, for a little engine, that thing puts out some power. Tows my boat without even thinking about it. It's pretty zippy too. Guess the twin turbos help with that. My 2 cents

Yep, guess I had 7 on my mind.

Hard to pin a number down that would be correct , but my thoughts are if it does what you want it to then that number is good .

Pulled an auto transport trailer to Houston yesterday and pulled it back with a jeep on it. 301.6 miles, 21.9 gallons equals 13.77 mpg. 2012 Chevy 5.3 rear wheel drive. Trip to Houston I could use overdrive, trip back was in 5th gear.

So did you buy something? What was your pick? Are you happy with it?

I just bought a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT with the 2.7 Exoboost. Drove 200 miles to Lake Fork last night and got 22.7 MPG with driving 75-80 on the interstate and 60-70 on the state highways. Driving 80 on the interstate it was holding at about 21.6. Mine is the extended cab Sport Package model and I got it for $28,300 on their Blac Friday Sale in College Station. Sticker was $41,000. Bought a Leer cap for it and hope to have it by Christmas. Love it so far!

I'm surprised the 2.7 are that inexpensive. You got a good deal. Let us know what your mileage is when you pull with it.

2012 Expedition,small V8
16 Average
10-12 Towing an FX21