Need apples to apples gas mileage comparison- Need ASAP - Diesel Forum

BILLS1 · 12-27-2002, 11:38 AM

I have a F350 SC DRW 4.30 axle,V10, 1000miles on it so far. I have about 800lbs of sand and fifth wheel hitch in back.
What are those that have the same truck really getting in city and highway. Break it down as almost all city and then almost all highway. I cant break 8MPG in town and on a 80mile run on the highway at around 65MPH, I got 11.7MPG.
The dealer is gonna take a look at it on Monday, but I'm being told by them to expect 8-10 City and 12 Highway.
In previous posts, it seemed that 10-12 city was the norm.
But I have to compare apples to apples. A F250 or F350 with 3.73 axle isnt the same.
Mike

bajarunner · 12-27-2002, 01:02 PM

Keep your foot out of it and stay as close to 2000 R's as you can. I don't haul sand unless I need to, but 12 or so mixed city/hywy with big tires (or two extras) is about the deal. I have the 4.30 and flying to Vegas and back at 75 MPH (about 2350 RPM's) I used 90.397 gallons [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] for that 1136 miles. Comes to about 12.5. It might get a smidge better, but gas motors don't really break in like a diesel does. You might see what happens without the sand, I know that would affect my mileage. Sure is fun, quiet, not noisy and FAST though. My apple is green and yours is red, but I HTH.

Rob

SD-SDv10 · 12-28-2002, 01:17 PM

Hi Mike,

I don't think you can expect to many answers to your request. Most who order your configuration get the diesel engine.

For what it's worth. I have a '02 F-250 Supercab SB with 3.73s and I only get 9.5-11 mpg in the city. That is unloaded. Your truck is bigger, heavier and has lower gearing. I think what you are getting sounds about right to me.

Don

HeavyAssault · 12-29-2002, 11:31 AM

I would say your MPG is based on your gears. If you put on larger tires you may see an increase.

1TUF250MI · 12-30-2002, 05:08 AM

Thats about the same as I get, with or w/o sand. When I keep my foot out of it. Mine is a SRW. w/ 285's
on it in the winter. With that gear it really dosn't matter if its loaded. Lots of Low end power. Very happy
with Gasser, Who needs noise of diesel, extra oil, Fuel filter everyother oil change, additive to coolant to make
heat, Black smoke, $ up front to buy, Smell of diesel fuel, Additive for fuel in winter so it won't sludge up. When
was the last time you had to plug in your gas truck?
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Just Kidding diesel guys [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] I don't haul, or drive far enough to justify $ up front, or I would have
a diesel. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Team_Yamaha · 12-30-2002, 01:17 PM

I personally don't have a V-10, but the company I work for does. The one is a 00 F-350 4X4 DRW reg cab with V-10, auto, and 4:30's. I can only give you MPG while loaded. In town pulling about 12,000 lbs it gets about 7.5-8, and on the highway about 10.5-11. When runnning on the highway I usually run in OD at 55-60. I don't really push it higher than that because it really likes to suck the gas at 65-70. (right around 8 mpg)

BILLS1 · 12-30-2002, 01:47 PM

That is my point, I cant hardly get 8MPG in town EMPTY!! And when I tried 80 miles of mostly 65MPH, I got 11.7 EMPTY except for the 800lbs or so of weight I have in the back. The truck is at the dealer as we speak. I havent heard if they found anything yet. But the mechanic was telling the service advisor the other day that I should expect 8-10MPG in town empty. I really dont think that 800lbs should make that much difference
Thanks for the info.
Mike

BILLS1 · 12-30-2002, 03:17 PM

Well, the dealer did a road test. They use some kind of "gas card" and then enter it into the Ford system to see if it is within specs.
It showed 6-8 MPG city and 11.8-12.4 MPG hwy. Their Hwy test is at 55MPH I believe. They say that is within specs. They also say that the engine has more breaking in to do and should improve. They suggested doing several fill ups at the same gas station to compare gas quality between one station and another. They also suggested going to Mobil 1 synthetic when its time to do the oil change.
I dont know, maybe the engine is still tight, maybe the 800lbs of sand makes a difference, maybe the cold weather makes a difference. What has me scared is if it doesnt get better, what will be my mileage when I tow in the summer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
I'll wait till about 3000 miles on it and see what happens. I will probably research proven modifications others have done to improve mileage. I have no idea if the power I have now is enough for towing until I throw the trailer on the back in about 3-4 months.
Otherwise, I really like the truck and the engine. Its so much more "peacful" than the the Dodge cummins I had.
Can someone point me to any discussions on simple, inexpensive mods. to help with fuel economy.
Mike

andrewzx92000 · 12-30-2002, 09:25 PM

Just for info. I noticed my V10 van used more fuel in cold weather. that could be a factor. 800lbs is going to kill gas mileage in town. thats a lot to take off with from several lights and expect decent mileage.
The V10 I have does well on 5/20 oil, I am waiting until Mobil 1 comes out with their 0/20 in the spring, then I will switch over. but 5/20 helps economy for sure.
Andrew.

SD-SDv10 · 12-30-2002, 11:13 PM

My experience with loaded versus unloaded city mileage is different. I get the same 9-10 mpg regardless if I am empty or if I have my pop-up camper on (~1000-1200 pounds). Doesn’t seem to make any difference to my ’02 F-250. I've been logging the mileage since new.

Don

outpost22 · 01-01-2003, 04:32 PM

Even though I have the 3.73, here are some facts from personal research.

1. I lose 1-2 mpg when temps drop below 45.

2. Winter fuel blends have a LOT to do with mileage decrease (usually 1-2 mpg).

3. These trucks usally pick up 1 mpg or more after 3000 miles.

4. Stay 65 mph and below for economy. Mileage drops exponentially after this speed. These things are like flying bricks for aerodynamics.

5. Reduce idling times for better mileage. If you encounter several long red lights, don't expect high numbers.

All of my fuel calculations are based on actual "fill & calculate" numbers, NOT the trip computer. If you are using the trip computer for your mileage figures, you should really figure it the old fashioned way.

On a side note, I consistently get 10.5-11.0 mpg with my camper loaded on the back. I also cruise with the camper BELOW 65 mph (usually 60-62). Speeds above 65 really take their toll on economy.

Hope this helps.

BILLS1 · 01-02-2003, 11:48 AM

Thanks for your info. I know on my Dodge diesel that I traded in that it was worse in winter time. But I thought it was due to diesel winter blends. Didnt know gas can be the same. I'm reluctant to take any of the weight out of the bed or put more air in tires till after the winter. I am also gonna try using the same gas station for several fill ups to compare between gas brands. Hopefully, as you guys say, it will improve with more of a break in. Then will see how the weight has affected it when I take the sand out.
Mike

3992824 · 01-03-2003, 02:43 AM

BILLS1, We all feel your pain. MPG has been talked to death on these trucks. I've got the V10, 3.73 in an Excursion, and tow a 31' TT. Several LONG (20-22k total in the past three) summer trips net a general range of 7.2-8.7 mpg depending on speed, wind, hills, (or mountains!), and if I can hold in OD, which isn't very often! Your 4.30 may do a better job at this.

If I'd have anticipated our use of the vehicle more accurately, and if gas would have spiked in early 2000 BEFORE I ordered the V10, I'd have sprung for the Diesel. (I think) The V10 does well, but I think we would have made better use of the PSD.

Don't underestimate the basics of better fuel mileage. Correct tire psi, reduced weight/payload, anticipate traffic flow (easy on the gas and brakes).

Take Care

Harald · 01-03-2003, 11:08 AM

Hi Bill,

I have pretty much the same truck, but a crew cab without the sand. I do have a Superhitch and frame mounted camper tie downs, tire chains, tools, hand winch, bottle jack, small shovel, etc. I get very close to the mileage you get with 20k on the odometer. My driving conditions in town are very hilly terrain with many stop signs/lights. Plus we have oxygenated fuel in the winter which lowers mileage. I don't think I've ever had above 9mpg in town. Highway unloaded at 70 mph, I get in the 11's. I have seen 12mpg with my 4400 lb camper loaded while driving 55mph on flat terrain. Best mileage ever was 13.5 mpg on the highway unloaded at 55mph. If I lived in Florida, I could expect higher mileage but you can see the gas guage drop on each hill (it takes some power to pull 7300 lbs up hill). BTW, all mileage numbers are manually calculated. My computer consistently reads about 0.5 mpg high.

ozman2005 · 01-05-2003, 12:47 AM

I don't want this to be taken the wrong way, but you bought a big engine with 10 cylinders and a 4.30 rear. Not being sarcastic, but what kind of mileage were you hoping for? Just one more reason I like my diesel, I have no problems getting 20-22 mpg in the summer doing 70 on the interstate. Yours does sound a little low, but it just seems that with that rear and the V10 your tank will drain quickly. I'll bet it pulls great though [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Oz