I just purchased my first Powerstroke truck, a 2001 F250 4x4 Crew Cab, 7.3 PSD (Turbo), Automatic transmission, 265-75-16 tires, and right at 100,000 miles. I finally gave up on my 97 F350 with the 460 (171,000 miles). I believe my PSD truck has 3.73 gears.

My question is what to expect for a completely stock 7.3 PSD for mpg while towing? I am going to be towing a 30 foot 5500-6000 pound Silverstream (like an Airstream) bumper pull RV trailer. I was getting between 6-7 mpg with the old tired 460. I know there are a lot of factors involved that affect mpg, so all I am looking for is a ballpark idea of what to expect/budget for. I have taken the RV out for a couple of short distance test runs and can't hardly tell I'm towing anything, especially at highway cruising speeds.

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

sa_rains

 

If I was pulling that load with my truck, i would probably be getting between 10 and 12 mpg maybe even better. I drive 65 with the 5th wheel, it is tall and heavy and am usually netting just over 10mpg. Have had 11.3 once. Wind was probably blowing in the right direction.

 

I agree with cangim - about 10-12 at highway speeds. My mileage experience reflects his. I've pulled a bumper that weighed about the same as yours all through Colorado and New Mexico at about 11-12 mpg. With my fw i get 10-11.5 (on a good day) and it is between 9-10K loaded.

 

Yea I'd agree with Cangim - 10-12 sounds about right That's not a lot of weight for a PSD - but a lot of wind resistance. I got just about 15mpg ,pulling that kind of weight, on the way to vacation last year... but that was a flatbed skid-loader trailer full of 4-wheelers with less frotal area than an RV trailer

 

I'll be that if you keep your rpm's right, you'll do slightly better than 12. Magic number is not going over 2000 rpm's on the highway.

Around town expect 14-15 unloaded, and about 17 on the highway. This of course is driving conservative. Punch it and it'll sip a little more.

 

Many thanks all for the input! Sounds like I will just about cut the fuel cost of my vacation in half over the old 460, which thrills me. Obviously the mileage will be a little better in the flatlands of Oklahoma and Kansas and a little less going through the mountain passes in southern Colorado.

Thanks again!

sa_rains