I towed my open trailer and car for years with an old 1994 Dodge B350 with the 5.9L (360) Magnum engine, A518 overdrive trans, 4.10 gear. I was very happy with it and got 12 mpg towing. I finally sold it with 215,000 miles on it.

This year I am using a 2005 Ford E350 with the 5.4L engine and 3.73 gears. I haven't done any long trips towing, and to my local track it gets about the same 12 mpg. Empty, with no trailer and 55 mph it can get up to 17 mpg.

Don't waste your time with any Ford truck with the little 4.6L V8. Not for towing. But the 1-ton (E350) comes standard with the 5.4. It was optional in the 3/4 ton (E250).