[rbraucht]

I guess first off, I'm a new user and I'm blown away from the camaraderie I've seen here. No BS and loads of sarcasm. Nicely done!

The reason I'm here, I want to upgrade my pick up. I'm currently driving an '01 Ford Ranger, but want to get an F-250 PSD. My reasons are:
1. It will last longer
2. I'm anticipating better fuel mileage both while empty and when towing snowmobiles, dirtbikes, camper, etc.

I want to get a 2000 F250 and I am curious about what pitfalls I should avoid. Obviously, high mileage might be a big factor, but how high is too high? Can I reasonably expect to get 18mpg or better unloaded and 14mpg loaded (camper weighs less than 5000lbs., or 4 snowmobiles/dirt bikes). My Ranger gets 16-18 average unloaded and 10-14 w/ toys. I live in Colorado and all of my driving takes place between 5,000 and 11,000 feet.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance!

 

[marino]

Welcome to the stop. I love my rig and I think if you make this investment you will be happy with your decision. I dont know how much you have looked around here but the sky is the limit with what you can do to these trucks. The mileage you quoted is about what I got out of my 02 7.3 As for the thin air air of Colorado that will deffinately affect your mpg. Good luck with your purchase....

 

[rbraucht]

Does the thin air have detrimental affects on MPG? Obviously at $2.30/gal, its a big deal to me. I do think that I would be better off with teh bigger truck.

 

[harmonjustin]

where can you get fuel for $2.30 a gallon? here it is right at $2.99. if i drive somewhat responsibly i can get 14 city and 17 on the highway. i haven't found that elevation has a lot of affect on mpg - doesn't the turbo negate elevation differences? ego seems to affect mine a whole lot more.

 

[jamjriii]

I have owned a Ranger, a 1/2 ton 4x4, a 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 460 and now the PSD. Built 460 = 5mpg. Chipped 7.3L = 10 when I drive like a banshee and 13-14 when I drive like a sane person. (big tires eat MPG). Can't beat the turbo diesels for their power / economy combo. I can out tow just about any gas rig out there and get twice the mileage doing it. My brother in law has a built 454 in a 1989 1 ton chevy 4x4 and he pulls a 6,000lbs RV at 4mpg loaded. I run a 9,000lbs toy hauler and leave him in the dust at 10mpg.

HAPPY SHOPPING, there are lots of them out there to choose from...

 

[ponyboychris]

Welcome,

I live in Denver Metro area and I can get 17.6 MPG out of my rig in town and slightly less pulling in the hills - about 17.0 MPG. Overall, you will not be disappointed in these trucks. My truck is basically stock with an upgraded intake (Ford AIS) and a built tranny (BTS). No chip or big exhaust (yet). I run 235/85R16's and am happy with the set up. I pull a 6500# 5'er every once in a while but drag my 4 wheelers (approx. 2500#'s) every weekend to the hills for camping and riding. Bottom line: more than enough power, better MPG than a gasser pulling in the hills and a solid truck with plenty of room for the rug rats and the wifey (thanks to the crew cab).

You might be able to find a better deal looking in the Denver area for your truck. I see plenty for sale in lots and in the paper. Have fun and keep reading on this site. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[ShayB]

colorado_okie,

Jump over on www.coloradopowerstrokeclub.com as well. There is no fee to join and occasionally we get some trucks listed for sale in the area.

Like the name by the way. It describes me as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif