Real life MPG of F250/F350 with 5.4L
I think I know why some people (myself included) say that they got 20 MPG with the 5.4L on an F250. When I first got my truck, I was getting between 12 and 13 mpg in town and 18 and 20 mpg on the highway with the stock 265/75R16 tires, one time I even got a little over 22 mpg! Wow! That's great except it's not true because the speedometer on my truck was off at least 3 to 4 mph at 60 mph according to those road side radar units so the odometer was indicating more miles than I actually drove. When I put on 33 x 10 tires on my truck, the speedometer is now about 1/2 mile an hour off. The result is that the odometer is a lot more accurate and I get between 16 and 18 mpg on the highway and about 9 to 11, maybe 12 in town. And that's with a reg cab, 4x2, 3.73LS, 6-speed manual, no load and driving no faster than 60 MPH! (After all, it says F250 on it and not NASCAR Craftsman Truck series.) So real life with accurate speedometer/odometer: 11 city and 17 highway are my averages.
Last edited by n578md; Jun 8, 2004 at 07:32 PM.
in this continous argument about fuel economy, no one ever mentions their altitude or location in the country, which could have a great effect on the numbers. I have a 250 5.4 4x4 x spring, and pulled over 16.5 on a trip down to nc from jersey. I was opperating at near sea level (heck, the drive through the outer banks down to avon was like 40+ miles cruising alongside the ocean dunes) , so probably optimal conditions as far as height. this is also the reason out jersey tracks (atco raceway and englishtown raceway park) are often the fastest tracks in the country. If i had driven at a nicer speed and less like a jerk, and had cruise control to keep speed more consistent, and even better yet, had a lower 2wd truck, i wouldnt not be surprised at all to see 18-20 mpg. as far as the speedo is concerned, i was reading close to the three other trucks we were cruising with, all relatively new various makes (explorer, durango, another super duty but diesel 350, ...)
just some of my thoughts to make the matter even more confusing
i love my super duty, didnt buy it to expect the best fuel economy, as as far as the 5.4, since i only tow at most 1/5 of the time, it has more then enough power for me, and pulls my car trailer without much work. sure, the diesel or v10 will tow it faster, and would work maybe a little less hard, but i am happy with my choice/purchase. I see tons of vans and super duties every day with 5.4s hauling cargo towing trailers and working their buts off day in and day out, and loving it.
(BTW - normal stop and go driving to work i get between 12 and 13.5 vs the 11.5-12.5 i use dto get my with my 351W bronco on the same commute, depending on how many traffic lights i hit that week)
just some of my thoughts to make the matter even more confusing

i love my super duty, didnt buy it to expect the best fuel economy, as as far as the 5.4, since i only tow at most 1/5 of the time, it has more then enough power for me, and pulls my car trailer without much work. sure, the diesel or v10 will tow it faster, and would work maybe a little less hard, but i am happy with my choice/purchase. I see tons of vans and super duties every day with 5.4s hauling cargo towing trailers and working their buts off day in and day out, and loving it.
(BTW - normal stop and go driving to work i get between 12 and 13.5 vs the 11.5-12.5 i use dto get my with my 351W bronco on the same commute, depending on how many traffic lights i hit that week)
Last edited by iskybantilus; Jun 9, 2004 at 12:13 PM.
I get between 11.5-13 in stop and go Houston traffic. If depends on how big a jerk I want to be. I drive from Houston to Austin, Dallas, and Baton Rouge on a regular basis and get between 14-15 on those trips.
I have 2004 XLT F250 3.73 4x4 CrewCab and I do 90% Town and 10% highway and in town I get approx 10-13 and 14-16Highway if I keep it around 2000 rpm.
Does anyone know if a chip makes a difference?
Does anyone know if a chip makes a difference?
2008 F350 4.88 gears and 37's
Hey guys, I know this thread is super outdated but I’m just looking for answers here. Like the title says, I have a 2008 F350 SD on a 6 inch lift with 37’s and 4:88 gears. Now I’ve read the thread and I’m wondering how in the world y’all get that kind of mpg? As of right now I’m getting 7.8mpg and my truck is also tuned. Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks I’m advance.
2008 F350 4.88 gears and 37's
yeah you’re right. I just figured with the hearing and tuning it would be back to stock mpg. I also have a P0446 code showing for my truck, has anybody had issues with their 5.4 and that code and what the problem was. Thanks in advance






