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Ford F-Series Real World MPG Numbers

151 messages,  Last post on Dec 26, 2011 at 1:32 PM

You are in the Ford F-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford F-350, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Fuel System, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

If you're looking for a place to discuss real world mileage figures for your Ford F-Series pickup, this is the place!

Messages Page 12 of 15

#111 of 151 99-05 F350 DRW Mileage ? Help by rpsmith1

Feb 06, 2008 (9:08 pm)

Hello, Just Joined, and I need some help.
 
What I have now: 1997 Ford F250 SD 4X4, 460 V8 (rebuilt 30K ago), Auto (rebuilt 20K ago), rearend gears Unknown, shortbox, extended Cab, 35" Tires, 6" lift, Airbags. 8-9.5 MPG, empty, loaded, or pulling Horse Trailer with 2 Horses, and loaded with Camping Gear. Paid for.
 
What I want to do: More Mileage (Hauling Horses to Montana with current Rig is $600 round Trip) Add Camper (can't with Short Box and Pull Horse Trailer, unless I go with small SB Camper), go up to 3-4 Horse Trailer (will add 5000lbs to tow weight). Long box also better for hauling Hay.
 
What I think I need, but am not sure. 99-05, F350 DRW(?) 4X4 crewcab, not a huge payment. Not sure on Manual or Auto, Gas or Diesel.
 
I love my current Truck, if it had a long box for the Camper, I would eat the Gas Mileage, but we really need to move to a Camper, and my younger Horse, needs to start going with us. Please give some suggestions on what to look for used and why or why I should just stay with what I have.

#112 of 151 Re: Moding the Engine. [germantech] by gaspasser2

Feb 07, 2008 (7:33 pm)

Replying to: germantech (Dec 12, 2007 3:02 pm)
Found this re: acetone
http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/
 
Also this: http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Acetone_as_a_Fuel_Additive
 
Good luck.

#113 of 151 Re: Moding the Engine. [pjw72] by firewalkerjohn

Mar 01, 2008 (7:17 am)

Replying to: pjw72 (Sep 13, 2007 9:28 am)
The 10-20K miles for break in, is this for the 2008? I've been told that the V10's gas motors get about 12mpg as my 2008 diesel is getting and with Diesel fuel being an average of .60cents more a gallon ($3.50 gallon in the St. Louis area) we will never be able to say that the Diesel motor & transmission has paid for itself. And what in the world is up with the Diesel prices, is it because of the Iraq War where a lot of diesel is needed to support our military troops?
 
If this is the SO REASON and the prices will drop back down to being .60cents below gas prices when its over, I have NO problem paying an extra $100 a month in fuel cost over the V10 gas motor if it means supporting our troops to ensure there safety and to protect our shores. (So I will just have to eat at home more often)
 
John

#114 of 151 Re: Moding the Engine. [pjw72] by bowkill

Mar 03, 2008 (9:33 pm)

Replying to: pjw72 (Sep 13, 2007 9:28 am)
I purchased my 08 f250 srw 3.73 gears after trading in my 04 6.0L. My dealership told me that the break in period was 10 tanks of fuel! I am at 10k right now, and am only getting 200 - 250 miles per tank full. The cold weather definately brings down the mpg, hoping it gets better this summer.

#115 of 151 Re: MPG on 05 to 07 6.0L Diesel F350 [rodoug] by cetane

Mar 07, 2008 (12:48 am)

Replying to: rodoug (Jan 20, 2008 8:12 am)
Just joined to give my answer to your question. Purchased a 2006 F-350 PSD 6.0 DRW last month. The last fill equated to 21.05 MPG. That was with a refuel on the same pump, same side, facing same direction, with the hold open nozzle clip in the same position. That trip was all highway between 45 and 55 MPH. The truck is a 6 speed manual. I avoided spooling up the turbo as much as possible and coasted when able. No load or tow on that run. The truck has 33,000 miles. This was the extreme to see if I could match other similar claims. However, the worst I managed to get thus far [without a load] was 16.5 which still satisfies me even at $3.50 per gallon.

#116 of 151 Re: Fuel Tank Modifications [superduty1] by wittsend

May 05, 2008 (1:30 am)

Replying to: superduty1 (Jan 22, 2005 11:57 pm)
I have the F-350 version and the stock 29 gallon tank was not enough when pulling distance. I add another 25 gallon w/ tool box and run it thru a gravity valve incorporated into the main tank inlet so I would not have to add pump wiring gauge etc..... When main tank gauge moves you know bed tank is empty.
 
1) I have found BIO diesel cause this valve to stick.
2) If you want to use this tank in winter paint it black or Line-X it to obsorb heat from the sun, or add heater.
 
The problem is some states don't allow this set up so check first (or who's to know?). The reason the manufactures quit putting bigger or duel tanks in is because people were falling a sleep at the wheel from not stopping on long drives. Hence not liable for law suits of this type.
 
I stayed with a small tank to allow more use of the bed. found best deal at TSC.

#117 of 151 5.4L mileage by 22k2

May 23, 2008 (6:43 pm)

2005 f-350 5.4L fuel mileage 8.5 MPG towing and 10.5 MPG. Any tips on increasing mileage?

#118 of 151 Re: 5.4L mileage [22k2] by gregg_vw

May 28, 2008 (6:41 am)

Replying to: 22k2 (May 23, 2008 6:43 pm)
Slow down.

#119 of 151 Re: Moding the Engine. [germantech] by stevedebi

May 29, 2008 (11:46 am)

Replying to: germantech (Dec 12, 2007 3:02 pm)
"I've had carbureted cars that didn't have even one computer that got better than this."
 
Cars that could tow the same amount of weight? Cars that weighed in excess of 5000 lbs? Cars had had the drag coefficient of a brick? Cars that had the same large engine?
 
Full size pickups have all of the issues; each one causes a decrease in MPG.
 
Having said that, you might check out the driving tips from the various hybrid forums. The "battery" related stuff (like EV - "electric mode") won't help, but there are other tips that can help.
 
Research has shown that leaving the tail gate on a pickup is the most aerodynamically efficient.
 
Try and keep moving. By this I mean don't tailgate, and try and slow gradually when approaching a red light - it may turn green before you get there. Remember (in town) the biggest issue is that you have to get that 5000+ lbs up to speed - and that takes energy. MPG directly relates to the speed being traveled and the RPMs of the engine, so try and find the "sweet spot" of your engine for in town use where the RPMs are lowest for the highest speed achieved.
 
On the highway, reduce to the lowest safe speed that you can stand, preferably 60-65 MPH. The higher you go, the worse the MPG.
 
My last pickup was a 1996 F150, but it had the 4.2 and a manual transmission. It returned 17 MPG city / 23 MPG highway. But at the time I wasn't driving for MPG, except in the city where I used the OD at normal speeds where possible.

#120 of 151 4.6 mileage by laci73

Jun 03, 2008 (8:28 pm)

Replying to: 22k2 (May 23, 2008 6:43 pm)
04 f150 4x4 supercab. smaller V8, got it 2 month ago, 170 000kms on it. Rear end is 3.73.Tires 265/70 r 17 BFG AT.Driving to work and for fun( fishing, exploring country) I'm averaging 13-14 litres per 100 km's.combine driving city-hwy -gravel roads. I did 1000 kms trip in the mountains last weekend, at one tank. 135 litres tank and still some gas left.
the key is keep rpm less than 2000, even in the city. Have no upgrades, stock vehicle.
just my rear end is bit of whining, when under a load or accelerating. I changed gear oil for full synthetic 75W-90, but did not help at all.

Messages Page 12 of 15

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