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2015 F250 Lariat 4wd
We're making an Alaskan road trip so I have a HUGE to do list for the truck. We tow a Travel Trailer so setting it up right will make life a little easier along the road. This week I'm installing an Via-Air onboard air system with a 400H compressor on a hard mount bracket and 2.5 gallon air tank outside the Rt. frame rail. My primary need for a compressor is to air up the rear airbags and to fill a small Zodiac inflatable boat. Next week I need a spot inside the bed to install an Inverter Generator. Then a Yakima Rack on top the Shell and a set of Bilsteins all around.
im in the same boat as you, we're gearing up for a 2 week excursion next year to the sawtooth mountains in Idaho . What shocks you planning on using?
On Friday, got rid of the dreaded BFG Rugged Terrain tires I was trying to make through another winter with. I tow a lot so usually run with BFG or Michelin ATs, but gotta to say those T/As had to be the worst and shortest lived model they ever put out.
For a split second, I thought about going with their KO2s, but opted for a set of Nitto Ridge Grappler LT295/65R20s. Wow, so far very impressed, quiet and have yet to engage the front while tooling around this weekend.
Last edited by Tower Boss; 02-25-2018 at 06:24 PM.
Reason: Spelling
On Friday, got rid of the dreaded BFG Rugged Terrain tires I was trying to make through another winter with. I tow a lot so usually run with BFG or Michelin ATs, but gotta to say those T/As had to be the worst and shortest lived model they ever put out.
For a split second, I thought about going with their KO2s, but opted for a set of Nitto Ridge Grappler LT295/65R20s. Wow, so far very impressed, quiet and have yet to engage the front while tooling around this weekend.
Very smart move! I have been a BFG(KO/KO2) guy for years. I have got nearly 13k on these Ridge grapplers, and I can honestly say I will never buy another set of BFGs now.
IInstalled the 3 nozzle meth injection collar today. at the intercooler out so I would have plenty of room for the nozzles, check valves, etc. so now I am running three 250ml nozzles and three 16PSI check valves.
Unfortunately, I traded it. I love the truck, but moved to am F150 because I really had not used it lately and wanted a little better MPG. Still in the Ford family.
Unfortunately, I traded it. I love the truck, but moved to am F150 because I really had not used it lately and wanted a little better MPG. Still in the Ford family.
Unless you sold/bought it privately at a very good rate you're likely never going to even break even on the difference in mileage, especially with low usage.
I use my f250 for towing hauling etc and use another small car for daily stuff. Once in a while I use the truck just to have it not sit endlessly but...
This way mileage really isn't an issue at all. Winter it sits mostly and summer it gets boat duty or haul some motorcycles or quads.
Unless you sold/bought it privately at a very good rate you're likely never going to even break even on the difference in mileage, especially with low usage.
I use my f250 for towing hauling etc and use another small car for daily stuff. Once in a while I use the truck just to have it not sit endlessly but...
This way mileage really isn't an issue at all. Winter it sits mostly and summer it gets boat duty or haul some motorcycles or quads.
Hi Geek,
Thanks for the input, but my math works out much differently. I paid $6000 to trade, moved up two years and bought a truck with more options (so the $6000 trade amount is actually high). In addition, I write off my trucks, so I do see some tax benefits.
Aside from all that, my F250 got 11.5 MPG for the life of the truck (calculated manually, not on the vehicle computer). My new truck is getting 21+ MPG in the first 1000 miles, so I expect it will increase slightly. If you calculate 15,000 miles per year at 11.5 MPG that would require 1304 gallons of fuel or $3000 of fuel annually at $2.30 per gallon. Driving 15,000 miles annually in the new truck at 21 MPG will require 714 gallons of fuel. At $2.30 per gallon that will cost $1642. That is a difference of $1357 annually in fuel costs or $4071 over three years, or $6785 over 5 years. That is just fuel.
The lesson here - do your math first. Over 5-years I am clear money ahead. Over 3-years I am still money ahead if you consider I moved up two model years and added options. The tax benefits are not even included.
I considered purchasing a 3rd vehicle (econo car like you), but by the time you consider additional license, insurance, and depreciation, it just wasn't a smart move to have another vehicle sitting around. The cost of insurance alone on a second or third car will virtually negate any fuel savings you are seeing.
Thanks for the input, but my math works out much differently. I paid $6000 to trade, moved up two years and bought a truck with more options (so the $6000 trade amount is actually high). In addition, I write off my trucks, so I do see some tax benefits.
Aside from all that, my F250 got 11.5 MPG for the life of the truck (calculated manually, not on the vehicle computer). My new truck is getting 21+ MPG in the first 1000 miles, so I expect it will increase slightly. If you calculate 15,000 miles per year at 11.5 MPG that would require 1304 gallons of fuel or $3000 of fuel annually at $2.30 per gallon. Driving 15,000 miles annually in the new truck at 21 MPG will require 714 gallons of fuel. At $2.30 per gallon that will cost $1642. That is a difference of $1357 annually in fuel costs or $4071 over three years, or $6785 over 5 years. That is just fuel.
The lesson here - do your math first. Over 5-years I am clear money ahead. Over 3-years I am still money ahead if you consider I moved up two model years and added options. The tax benefits are not even included.
I considered purchasing a 3rd vehicle (econo car like you), but by the time you consider additional license, insurance, and depreciation, it just wasn't a smart move to have another vehicle sitting around. The cost of insurance alone on a second or third car will virtually negate any fuel savings you are seeing.
02-24-2018, 09:41 AM
