Hi fellas,

I have had good luck in the past with gathering important information from forums like this. So, I decided I would try my luck here. I currently drive a 2007 Chevrolet 6.0L gas 1/2 ton pickup. It's been a good truck, but I'm not happy with the overall mpg. I don't expect to get mileage like a Prius, but I have been getting between 10 and 12 mpg without doing a ton of hauling. I tow a pretty heavy boat in the summer and trailers w/4 wheelers, etc. during hunting season. The chevy pulls great physically, but gets terrible mileage with a decent load in tow. With the boat (about 5,500 lbs total) I get about 7 mpg. In short, I am looking for a better option for all types of driving, including a moderate amount of towing. If I am going to tow, I might as well get decent mileage doing it.

My questions:
1. Has anyone had any issues with the new 2011 F250? I am reluctant to to buy a 1st year production model of anything, especially one with a totally re-designed motor.
2. What kind of mileage are those new f250 owners getting?
3. Can anyone suggest a Ford truck dealer in the Dallas/Ft Worth area?
4. Will I regret driving an f250 around Dallas?
5. do they make Lariats without the snakeskin-ish inserts in the seats?

Thanks guys, any feedback would be much appreciated.

NL

 

Two minutes looking around this forum will answer all your questions. Here is a short answer to your questions:

My questions:
1. Has anyone had any issues with the new 2011 F250? I am reluctant to to buy a 1st year production model of anything, especially one with a totally re-designed motor. Very few issues at all and no recurring problems.
2. What kind of mileage are those new f250 owners getting? Depends on ow you drive. 18 to 22 has been reported
3. Can anyone suggest a Ford truck dealer in the Dallas/Ft Worth area? Not my territory
4. Will I regret driving an f250 around Dallas? No
5. do they make Lariats without the snakeskin-ish inserts in the seats? Yes, all current production leather interior trucks are now monotone color

Regards

 

You should have just left that

 

He asked for some help. I gave him the condensed version...but your point is well taken

 

1. Only had my truck for 600 miles, but no issues so far.
2. On my trip from El Paso to Fort Hood I got about 21 MPG with tires at ~50 PSI. The warning light went on but was late at night and did not want to mess with the tires. Inflation is suppose to be 80 PSI. So far many gas station pumps are not strong enough so inflation is very slow. Luckily, I get them to give me air for free (heck full tank of diesel it is the least they can do).

BTW I got the SRW 3.31 axle ratio. The higher the ration the more towing power but you sacrifice fuel economy. According to the Ford Truck **** DVD (and several of the reviews I have read) the 3.31 should be able to tow a trailer without any issues. If you are looking to do a 5th wheel you probably want a higher gear ratio and maybe DRW.

3. I cannot recommend anyone in Dallas but I bought mine from El Paso Shamaley Ford. They only charged me $500 plus invoice. The local dealers were giving me the run around at invoice. I hate to haggle so went elsewhere.
4. No clue. I hope to get between 25-30 mpg with properly inflated tires but that cannot beat my Prius' 62 mpg. I still have my Prius as a regular commute car. I will drive the truck for long family trips, hauling stuff, towing a trailer, and once a week just to keep it lubed.
5. No originally I tried to get a Lariet with cloth seats. I did not want the leather as the leather in the 2005 was like a leather jacket and had to be constantly conditioned. I changed my mind upon seeing the new leather. Much more rugged. Plus the seats are heated and air conditioned so went with the leather.

 

mine has been great so far, I'm at almost 9k miles since 9/04/2010
I always separate towing mileage from unloaded. They are two separate beasts. Unloaded, I am getting about 17.5 mpg on average, without too much concern for keeping my speed down or babying the throttle. Most of that is highway. Towing, I actually get better mileage pulling my 5th wheel than my 16' vending trailer, even though the 5th wheel weighs almost twice as much. towing, it obviously has a LOT to do with aerodynamics... so take this with a grain of salt. I get about 10.5-11.5 pulling my 14k# fiver.
I bought mine at Bill Utter Ford in Denton. My salesman was Mark. I highly recommend them, it was the best sales experience I've had. no pressure, great price, nice people.
I don't think so. the only time I've had issues with the size of my truck is in some tight parking lots in apartment complexes. I can't say it was really much worse than any other full size pickup. If anything, you will enjoy all the envious stares
already answered... but all new lariats should have monotone.

Hope that helps! If you do decide to hit Bill Utter, PM me. I can give you some tips

 

Thanks for the tips guys. Really very helpful. Sorry for not doing my homework and looking around for my answers. I'm new at the forum thing.

By the way, these fuel economy figures you guys are giving me are amazing... That's my reasoning for going for the 2011 rather than a used 2010 or 2009. I've heard it's sort of night and day between 09/10 and 2011.

Thanks again fellas. dj, I will let you know if I try Bill Utter Ford.

 

I looked at the 2010 trucks when I was shopping. In the end, I just wanted to get away from Navistar engines. I had several phone conversations with Cheezit and he was absolutely against me getting a 6.4. I figure in the end, I will get my $4000 back.

Regards