Excessive Fuel consumption - Diesel Forum

FordF350Newbie · 05-29-2008, 09:41 AM

I am the unhappy owner of an 08 F350 Dually 6.4l. I am unhappy because of the excessive fuel consumption of this truck.
A little headwind brings it down to 13mpg. If I haul trailers with it, it goes down to 7mpg.

My question is there anything a guy could do (besides of driving slow and cautious, which I already do) that will have a positive effect on fuel mileage?

I had 2001 F350 earlier, which was a lot better on fuel.

RjeffJ · 05-29-2008, 11:54 AM

Suggest you read the 6.4 Engines upgrade posts. Fuel mileage on the 6.4 with emissions control equipment is much poorer than prior Ford Diesels. My opinion is there isn't much you can do that doesn't (probably, most likely) cost you the engine warranty. That said, many people have chipped and upgraded diesels without exploding the engine. Job 2 air dam, drive slow etc etc will help some.
Rjeffj

shooters · 05-30-2008, 07:26 AM

Hey brother, I'm right there with ya. I have the F-350, 6.4L as well and all I can say is DAMN! It take me right at 50 gallons of fuel to pull my toy hauler to Glamis and back again. About 330 miles round trip.

I don't know what the hell people are going to do if this gouging keeps up. I even had to go buy another vehicle for a commuter. Pretty sad when you have to take on additional car payments because the monthly payment is the only thing that saves you from a gigantic fuel bill.

Your not alone. Best of luck.

happycamper · 05-30-2008, 10:01 AM

The DRW costs you 1 MPG over a SRW and I'm betting you have a 4X4 that costs you another 1 MPG.

FordF350Newbie · 05-31-2008, 11:00 PM

Happycamper, you are right. DRW and 4x4 costs something extra, BUT also a Dodge is available that way and from what I have learned from Dodge owners they fare a lot cheaper....

mick1955 · 05-31-2008, 11:39 PM

Don't feel bad. Most are complaining about the fuel mileage. I can get 13-13.5 if I keep it at 60 mph, around 2000 rpm. Any faster it drops like a rock. Towing 11000, 5.6-6.7 at same speed. Sooner or later if Spartan Diesel ever releases their tuner, and if it does increase mileage I think I will purchase one. Even with the warranty issue it will make it very tempting. Fuel cost, and no fuel mileage on this truck is killing me.

timid1 · 06-01-2008, 05:25 PM

Just by comparing your numbers to mine, 4x4 DRW doesn't cost you jack over a 4x2 SRW. I get between 12 and 14 MPG unloaded. Don't know what it's like loaded yet because I haven't tried, but from what I read, it gets around 6-8 MPG which would be comparable to what you got.

happycamper · 06-01-2008, 05:33 PM

But neither Dodge or GM can match the GVWR of the Ford. Chevy needs a dually to beat the SRW Ford by 200 pounds. Dodge's back seat is a joke in the crew cab, almost straight up back and small seat. It's really onlt a 3/4 seat.

FX4Driver · 06-01-2008, 09:09 PM

Rumor has it that there is going to be an computer reflash that will help mileage. I'm going to keep waiting and hoping that there is one...

It's a thirsty beast but it's a really nice truck.

FordF350Newbie · 06-02-2008, 09:05 AM

Actually it was the back seat situation in the Dodge, which kept me from buying the truck. I cannot understand the philosophy behind it. Dodge's Mega Cab is not available with a long bed. They have changed a concept which was proven to be working almost since pickup trucks were invented. Also, I don't like the looks of the Dodge, but that is not a major reason to stick to the Ford.

penguinsarecool · 06-02-2008, 07:31 PM

I have the same problem as everyone. I traded a 2003, getting 17-18 in town, and now getting 12-13. If I had only waited, I never would have purchased the 2008. Does an air intake system improve the gas mileage? Even though the mileage is lousy, I love the truck. The saving grace in our household is we have a 2005 F150 as an everyday driver. I took delivery of the SD in March 2007 and the truck only has 11,000 miles on it. Currently only driving on Saturday and when we travel to Iowa, from Texas, to visit our son. Any ideas would be appreciatged.

firecopter · 06-03-2008, 07:18 PM

I have my King Ranch F350 SRW 3:73 plus my 08 Dodge Mega Cab 6 spd auto (both 4x4) 4:11 DRW. Been swapping back and forth and now have a pretty good comparison. I just ran the Dodge to Tucson and back (San Diego) 80 mph all the way (2200 rpm) and coming back had a bad head wind - 13 mpg. the KR would have been 10 or 11 mpg. I have seen 22 mpg on the Dodge but that was at 60 mph with perfect conditions - which never last long. the Dodge rides smoother and quieter than the KR - but has squeaks and rattles at just 3k mikes. . With the Mega cab you only have a short bed - needs a long bed for sure (after market but not cheap) That Cummins with the 6 spd auto and turbo/exhaust brake is awesome. The brakes are also much better than Ford. Without these attributes Dodge would not have a product. I am seriously looking for an 07 KR gasser and an 08 Dodge Cummins 6.7 wreck (donor) and will put the Cummins in the King Ranch. Then you will have the perfect truck. Otherwise, all the big 3 have major faults in their truck designs. = no winners!

Kingf-350 · 06-12-2008, 12:01 PM

i traded an 05 ram 2500 ctd for the 08 f350 and loved every aspect of the truck except the milage with the ram normal every day driving i was getting about 16.5- 18 mpg the 08 i was getting about 10-11.5 thats a big difference very dissapointed in that

FordF350Newbie · 06-13-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firecopter

I have my King Ranch F350 SRW 3:73 plus my 08 Dodge Mega Cab 6 spd auto (both 4x4) 4:11 DRW. Been swapping back and forth and now have a pretty good comparison. I just ran the Dodge to Tucson and back (San Diego) 80 mph all the way (2200 rpm) and coming back had a bad head wind - 13 mpg. the KR would have been 10 or 11 mpg. I have seen 22 mpg on the Dodge but that was at 60 mph with perfect conditions - which never last long. the Dodge rides smoother and quieter than the KR - but has squeaks and rattles at just 3k mikes. . With the Mega cab you only have a short bed - needs a long bed for sure (after market but not cheap) That Cummins with the 6 spd auto and turbo/exhaust brake is awesome. The brakes are also much better than Ford. Without these attributes Dodge would not have a product. I am seriously looking for an 07 KR gasser and an 08 Dodge Cummins 6.7 wreck (donor) and will put the Cummins in the King Ranch. Then you will have the perfect truck. Otherwise, all the big 3 have major faults in their truck designs. = no winners!

The Cummins engine in the F350 - yeah that sounds good, but is it possible? I would love that.