One thing I noticed when I bought my '03, I reset the mileage calculator and it registered 6-6.5 mpg for the first tank. After about 1,000 miles the mileage had come up into the 11s and it continued upward as the miles increased finally hitting 14.5 in combined driving at 95,000 miles. (I reset the calculator every time I refill) At 95,000 I took the truck in and had the plugs changed, throttle body and injectors cleaned and they found some cracked boots so those were changed out along with the fuel filter. My mileage immediately dropped into the 12s and now at 98,300 miles it's creeping back up toward 13.5. Not sure what they did, but whatever it was it affected the economy.

 

What rear end ratio are you guys runnin with these trucks? I just ordered an 05 V10 F250, SC, 4x4 SWB, 6spd, with 410s, and Im hoping my mileage is a little bit higher than whats being reported here. The truck should be lighter than most. Around town isnt really an issue, but on the highway it would be nice to get a few more miles out of a tank. I may end up swapping out the stock rubber for some bigger tires, to effectively get a higher (lower numerically) rear end ratio. Just lookin on specs such as cab and bed config, and rear end gear for what you guys are running. Thanks for the help.

 

I just drove from GA to NJ in my new truck (350 King Ranch, dually, 4.3 LS). I put two hundred miles of break-in mile on the engine with 'around town' stuff and then hit the road (200 miles was all I had time for). It was an 800 mile trip (so I've got 1000 mils on the truck now) and I average 11.2 MPG (highway).

 

Hah, my 5.4 get's 11.3 on the highway, lol, it does kinda suck a little doesn't it...


Texas Cadilac you are going to be right there with us, those bigger tires will cost you a good mile per gallon, sorry buddy! The manual does put a little more power to the ground, hope for 15mpg on the highway, hope....

 

On the last pickup that I had, F150 4.6V8, I upgraded the standard tires to 265s and squeaked another 1mpg or so out of it. I understand the concept of needing more power to take off with, but with that much torque on tap, it shouldnt be of any concern. Past experience has shown me that a small increase in tire size to get lower RPMs on the highway will get better fuel mileage. Just like 3.73s (on the highway) will get better MPGs then 4.30s, or in my case 4.10s

 

I think it's the rolling resistance that gets you, I went from 265's to 295's and I could feel it suck some power and milage out of my truck. That truck will have some power!

 

I agree 100%, It is definitely the rolling resistance that affects it. The 265s I had were the same width as the stockers. I ran 285s for a while, but they were very wide, and did indeed cut down on MPG. A taller, same width tire should help the MPG, within reason.

 

Texascadillac, I got a 2005, 4.10 rear gears, F250 CC, SRW, LWB, V10/auto. Getting 10, almost 11 mpg.

mike

 

Almost time for the next fillup on my 9300LB '05 4x4 6spd DRW Platform dump w/4.30 LS and it looks like I may get a whooping 8mpg this time. I can hope anyway!!

 

I did 8.5mpg on the last tank! Almost all city driving. What's strange to me is the way Ford has calibrated the gas guage. I think I have a 30g tank (250 SB CC) and yet I only have to put in 22g when the needle is on the Empty line. The 'refuel needed' indicater comes on ever earlier.

I guess when you get 8-10mpg, a 10g reserve is a good thing.

 

CWILLI, it's a well documented problem with the gas tank on the short bed trucks and not the gauge. The filler neck extends too far down into the tank. If you have the patience you can squeeze in an extra 5-6 gallons in the tank after it first shuts off.

 

I guess so, but it sure can be annoying - especially with the 29 gallon tank on the short boxes.

I record every one of my fillups, and I have yet to put more than 24.5 gals into the tank, despite some of those being hard on empty with the warning light flashing for many miles.

Just the opposite of some of the small Japanese cars I have had, where empty means "time for a scenic walk".

Bill

 

I thought the foaming thing was a diesel problem - didn't know it occurred on gas trucks as well.

Bill

 

Just an update. 1535 miles driven to date and 6.89 average mpg. I think that I am going to try the battery disconnect option and see if it helps.

 

Ford lists the gas tank on the SB as 30.5.