real world MPG
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
I have a 22 F250 CCSB 7.3 with 4.30 gears and use it to tow my 37 ft 8k loaded camper. Previously I had a 5.0 F150 and while it towed my camper fine, the sway sucked in the wind. the 250 pulls my camper like a dream and will never go back to an F150 as a tow rig again. Gets similar MPG towing as my F150 did, 8-10. Unloaded highway is probably 15-16 if you stay under 65, and any stop and go is going to be single digit MPG. Luckily I work from home so I didn;t buy it for MPG but if you need it mainly for a DD along side pulling your 7k loaded camper here and there an F150 will probably suit you better. The MPG between the gearing is negligible, so there's no reason not to go with the 4.30 IMO esp if you have future plans to upgrade your camper.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 684
Likes: 84
From: Green Bay Wi
I’m getting a pretty consistent 13 mpg with my 7.3.
with the price of gas I’m thinking of downsizing to a F150 ,maybe the hybrid . I don’t see the lightning working for me as I’m not sure how or where I’d charge it at the cani.
with the price of gas I’m thinking of downsizing to a F150 ,maybe the hybrid . I don’t see the lightning working for me as I’m not sure how or where I’d charge it at the cani.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
Yeah if you don't use it for towing, or doing SD type things I find it hard to imagine having an SD with gas prices that are likely not going away any time soon. Mine is used for towing our camper and here and there just so it's not sitting in the garage luckily.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 75
Likes: 28
My 2021 F-250 4x4 with 7.3 and 4:30 has averaged 14 mpg since new 8,000 miles ago. Best was 17.3 but under 60 mph. My 2018 F-150 4x4 regular cab short box with 2.7 has averaged 22.1 mpg since new 45,000 miles ago. Best was 27.3 at highway speeds.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
IF eco mode was the only factor there I'd be really surprised, you'd have to replicate the exact driving conditions to get that close of a number comparison. I didn't expect a huge jump either way, and this kind of confirms my suspicion. Thanks for the feedback!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 1,116
Definitely depends on where you are driving. I hardly ever use my trucks unloaded, but I have a 2016 6.2L that is averaging 12.9mpg towing 2900lbs anytime its driven.
That 6.2L is my dedicated mowing truck and is always hooked up to a 10ft single axle utility trailer weighing 1,000lbs empty and a 1900lb 6ft zero turn on it. If I can achieve almost 13mpg constantly towing 2900lbs I cant see why not these newer trucks can achieve 15mpg or better unloaded.
That 6.2L is my dedicated mowing truck and is always hooked up to a 10ft single axle utility trailer weighing 1,000lbs empty and a 1900lb 6ft zero turn on it. If I can achieve almost 13mpg constantly towing 2900lbs I cant see why not these newer trucks can achieve 15mpg or better unloaded.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 280
Likes: 67
From: N.E.Indiana
For everything that's been thrown out there I'll probably do a 150 ecoboost, all though later in the year if the dealer tells me he can get Super Duties easier than 150's that could change. Based only on the "build and price" the 150,250,and 350 are only about $2500 apart spec'd similar and any of them will handle my 7k car trailer. I just plain like the SD better
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
For everything that's been thrown out there I'll probably do a 150 ecoboost, all though later in the year if the dealer tells me he can get Super Duties easier than 150's that could change. Based only on the "build and price" the 150,250,and 350 are only about $2500 apart spec'd similar and any of them will handle my 7k car trailer. I just plain like the SD better
Unless the 2.7 has changed I think the max towing capacity is 7500ish give or take a couple hundred, I wouldn't order that if you're wanting to tow 7k, but that's the only engine where you're going to see a big MPG jump.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 343
From: PG, BC, Canada
With 1,200Lbs in the back I got... In three exact same trips, there and back, road clear, strictly highway...
T/H mode; 15.9 MPG
N mode; 16.2 MPG
Eco mode; 16.7 MPG.
With todays gas prices around here I would save $6.85 using N instead of T/H mode per tank, $11.20 per tank using Eco instead of N, $18.27 per tank, using Eco instead of T/H...
BUT, with any kind of city driving thrown in there, my MPG easily drops to 14.6 MPG average for the whole tank, and at 50/50 city/highway its around 13 MPG for the average tank...
T/H mode; 15.9 MPG
N mode; 16.2 MPG
Eco mode; 16.7 MPG.
With todays gas prices around here I would save $6.85 using N instead of T/H mode per tank, $11.20 per tank using Eco instead of N, $18.27 per tank, using Eco instead of T/H...
BUT, with any kind of city driving thrown in there, my MPG easily drops to 14.6 MPG average for the whole tank, and at 50/50 city/highway its around 13 MPG for the average tank...
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 280
Likes: 67
From: N.E.Indiana
Uhhhmmm ok what dealer and what line? I reread my whole post and never mentioned talking to a dealer yet, And I haven't. I did say that if it's easier to get SD's when I'm ready that may change my mind, perhaps I should have said quicker or less pandemic drama. I definitely want more butt that the 2.7, would be the 3.5 Eco . I have one in a 17 Expy and love it, and it's the old motor with the lower ratings. Even at 65 and gray headed I still like some usable horse power (see picture) I don't exactly baby it!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 1,027
From: Michigan
Uhhhmmm ok what dealer and what line? I reread my whole post and never mentioned talking to a dealer yet, And I haven't. I did say that if it's easier to get SD's when I'm ready that may change my mind, perhaps I should have said quicker or less pandemic drama. I definitely want more butt that the 2.7, would be the 3.5 Eco . I have one in a 17 Expy and love it, and it's the old motor with the lower ratings. Even at 65 and gray headed I still like some usable horse power (see picture) I don't exactly baby it!
Jim,
If you drive conservative you could get 18 or better from a 250 with a 7.3 and 3.55s. ya, it's no 150 but I would never go back to a half ton after my 350. Even with $6 gas, I love it. I know you will too.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 280
Likes: 67
From: N.E.Indiana
Ya I don't run my trucks all that hard on highway. I don't dislike my F150 but I miss the SD. The only thing I'm sure of is I'll probably change my mind half dozen times by Novemberish when I'll be ready to pull the trigger on this. Jim