Highway Milage
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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The Oct flash knocked mine from almost 17 (new with pilot injection) to 15.5 and the Dec flash reduced mileage to 14 and hurt performance - all mostly highway (build date
Aug04 - 04/03). Friend in my office has an 04/04 and he gets 17-18 for all round driving. Mileage does matter to me, especially when an identical truck with similar driving habits gets 3 mpg better for no apparent reason other than Ford's magic flashing.
Aug04 - 04/03). Friend in my office has an 04/04 and he gets 17-18 for all round driving. Mileage does matter to me, especially when an identical truck with similar driving habits gets 3 mpg better for no apparent reason other than Ford's magic flashing.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by KurtNJr
The Oct flash knocked mine from almost 17 (new with pilot injection) to 15.5 and the Dec flash reduced mileage to 14 and hurt performance - all mostly highway (build date
Aug04 - 04/03). Friend in my office has an 04/04 and he gets 17-18 for all round driving. Mileage does matter to me, especially when an identical truck with similar driving habits gets 3 mpg better for no apparent reason other than Ford's magic flashing.
Aug04 - 04/03). Friend in my office has an 04/04 and he gets 17-18 for all round driving. Mileage does matter to me, especially when an identical truck with similar driving habits gets 3 mpg better for no apparent reason other than Ford's magic flashing.
I would be upset about that also, if I did not use mine for just towing, I wonder if my thoughts would be different.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
I too lost mpg with the Dec flash...
and still waiting for the "cure-all" flash to reinstate pilot injection and our 2 to 3 mpg we lost...
but, given that, i am still more than happy with the Ex...
especially with the improvements of the power and mpg with the predator !
around the DFW area I still get about 16+ on the overhead (I don't care about it enough to measure it exactly - but know it's in the 15+ ballpark!)
But maybe if I DIDN'T have the predator I woudl get better mpg cuz I wasn't having so much FUN with it !?!?! NAH - I couldn't imagine NOT driving with the predator it improves tha character of the Ex so much !
Now I see MANY more Ex's around the area and appreciate that they know a good vehicle too !
Highway mpg is a hard thing to quantify because I'm typically loaded down with "stuff" on top and on the hitch-a-haul out back and 4.5 people and 2 large dogs...
no trailer (yet) but always at as much speed as traffic will bear --- I like to be there, not go there :-)
so I've gotten anywhere from 14 to 19 on the highway - too many variables to list !
two lane vs four lane... hilly vs flat ... few number of ricers to show up vs none :-)
and still waiting for the "cure-all" flash to reinstate pilot injection and our 2 to 3 mpg we lost...
but, given that, i am still more than happy with the Ex...
especially with the improvements of the power and mpg with the predator !
around the DFW area I still get about 16+ on the overhead (I don't care about it enough to measure it exactly - but know it's in the 15+ ballpark!)
But maybe if I DIDN'T have the predator I woudl get better mpg cuz I wasn't having so much FUN with it !?!?! NAH - I couldn't imagine NOT driving with the predator it improves tha character of the Ex so much !
Now I see MANY more Ex's around the area and appreciate that they know a good vehicle too !
Highway mpg is a hard thing to quantify because I'm typically loaded down with "stuff" on top and on the hitch-a-haul out back and 4.5 people and 2 large dogs...
no trailer (yet) but always at as much speed as traffic will bear --- I like to be there, not go there :-)
so I've gotten anywhere from 14 to 19 on the highway - too many variables to list !
two lane vs four lane... hilly vs flat ... few number of ricers to show up vs none :-)
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 2
From: Northern Utah
My 03 F250 CC 6.0 has 32,612 miles which include several highway roadtrips, some towing 7,400 lb boat. My recent 3,226 mile road trip (no towing) yielded 17.1 mpg including high winds/ heavy rain and about 150 miles of city driving. Speeds were typically 80-85 mph. I averaged 18.4 mpg during the first 650 miles. Other roadtrips have averaged slightly higher with hwy miles at 17.5-19.4 mpg. The best mileage has been when outside temps were very hot at 100-108 degrees. Towing has ranged from 11.5 to 13 dependant mostly on the wind speed and direction. During the winter months with studded snow tires, mileage drops 2 mpg during both city and hwy driving. The more agressive tires clearly reduce mpg. I do have the Dec flash.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by utahtom
My 03 F250 CC 6.0 has 32,612 miles which include several highway roadtrips, some towing 7,400 lb boat. My recent 3,226 mile road trip (no towing) yielded 17.1 mpg including high winds/ heavy rain and about 150 miles of city driving. Speeds were typically 80-85 mph. I averaged 18.4 mpg during the first 650 miles. Other roadtrips have averaged slightly higher with hwy miles at 17.5-19.4 mpg. The best mileage has been when outside temps were very hot at 100-108 degrees. Towing has ranged from 11.5 to 13 dependant mostly on the wind speed and direction. During the winter months with studded snow tires, mileage drops 2 mpg during both city and hwy driving. The more agressive tires clearly reduce mpg. I do have the Dec flash.
This I have never read this before from any of our members, this is good stuff.
Never have thought about it either, we all think about how cold affects MPG
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by tsheriff
Ok im lost what are you guys talking about "flashes" during the months. Does this mean i shouldnt let ford reprogram the comp.
OK the flash is a new operating system for your trucks computer.
Look at it like that, if your truck is happy and you are happy do not let them flash the truck........you probably got that form my first answer.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 347
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tsheriff - Tim and I are telling you absolutely don't let the dealer touch it unless there is a problem!!! However, you didn't tell us when your truck was built. My dealer told me that he had a problem with his own (demonstrator) 6.0 which is a very recent 04 and there is a flash for that engine that did cure the problem. Things get complicated don't they!
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by KurtNJr
tsheriff - Tim and I are telling you absolutely don't let the dealer touch it unless there is a problem!!! However, you didn't tell us when your truck was built. My dealer told me that he had a problem with his own (demonstrator) 6.0 which is a very recent 04 and there is a flash for that engine that did cure the problem. Things get complicated don't they!
We do need the build date
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
Ive asked this in a couple of posts but what final drive ratios are ya runnin? Guys I ve talked to runnin 3:73 are tellin me 20-21, but these are in cummins and the old 7.3's. I am looking at a new truck with 5 sp auto and 4:10 rear and am tryin to get an milage idea as it may become my daily driver of 150 miles minimum per day and my toy hauler other wise!
Hank
Hank
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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I have the 5 spd auto and 3.73 gears in my Ex...
and average a realistic 16 or so with the predator, turbo back, and my horrible driving style and perpetual idling to keep the black Ex cool in the summer and warm in the winter.....
R u sure you need the 4.10 gears ???? the 6-oh and 3.73's can pulll a ton !
(actually a few tons !)
and average a realistic 16 or so with the predator, turbo back, and my horrible driving style and perpetual idling to keep the black Ex cool in the summer and warm in the winter.....
R u sure you need the 4.10 gears ???? the 6-oh and 3.73's can pulll a ton !
(actually a few tons !)
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
JD no I dont need the 4:10s but this vehicle is on the dealers lot and set up that a way. Have chance for around $38K on this truck as it sits. Dont need the DRW either but with a heavy camper looks like it is the way to go. Salesperson called and said there may be a vehicle in next month SRW same type configuration. Think I would miss the 11500 weight for the camper though!
Anyhow thats why I asked about milage as I may have to drive to work and get 20mpg with my ranger which is 10 better than my f250. Just hate to lose the milage if I can help it.
Thanks Hank
Anyhow thats why I asked about milage as I may have to drive to work and get 20mpg with my ranger which is 10 better than my f250. Just hate to lose the milage if I can help it.
Thanks Hank
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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I can almost guarantee that you will not get 20 mpg. I have been watching mpg posts since I bought my 2004 f-350 (built 8/03 Oct. flash) and have been bummed out about the mileage compared to my 1994 f-350.
With my new truck I get 16-18 highway, 14.5 city, 12.5 with a 2700 lb camper. My old truck, which has the same options (3.73 gears,etc.) got an EASY 20 mpg on the highway and 14.5 with the same camper. I think that mpg is the last thing that Ford looks at when they are fixing something with a flash, even they even look at mpg at all.
I have seen some guys talking about >20 mpg, but they go to extremes to get it. They have higher than 3.73 gears (meaning a smaller number), covers on the bed, 235 tires that are at high psi, 2wd, and always a 6 speed. Many of these high mpg machines are from the april-may-june 2003 vintage and have the ORIGINAL flash.
If you want 20 mpg, I think you need to keep your old rig or go somewhere else besides Ford. Ford just doesn't seem to have mpg as priority. Remember the line about the smaller 6.0 engine getting better mpg than the 7.3? I haven't seen anyone verify that claim yet.
With my new truck I get 16-18 highway, 14.5 city, 12.5 with a 2700 lb camper. My old truck, which has the same options (3.73 gears,etc.) got an EASY 20 mpg on the highway and 14.5 with the same camper. I think that mpg is the last thing that Ford looks at when they are fixing something with a flash, even they even look at mpg at all.
I have seen some guys talking about >20 mpg, but they go to extremes to get it. They have higher than 3.73 gears (meaning a smaller number), covers on the bed, 235 tires that are at high psi, 2wd, and always a 6 speed. Many of these high mpg machines are from the april-may-june 2003 vintage and have the ORIGINAL flash.
If you want 20 mpg, I think you need to keep your old rig or go somewhere else besides Ford. Ford just doesn't seem to have mpg as priority. Remember the line about the smaller 6.0 engine getting better mpg than the 7.3? I haven't seen anyone verify that claim yet.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by dugslug
I can almost guarantee that you will not get 20 mpg. I have been watching mpg posts since I bought my 2004 f-350 (built 8/03 Oct. flash) and have been bummed out about the mileage compared to my 1994 f-350.
With my new truck I get 16-18 highway, 14.5 city, 12.5 with a 2700 lb camper. My old truck, which has the same options (3.73 gears,etc.) got an EASY 20 mpg on the highway and 14.5 with the same camper. I think that mpg is the last thing that Ford looks at when they are fixing something with a flash, even they even look at mpg at all.
I have seen some guys talking about >20 mpg, but they go to extremes to get it. They have higher than 3.73 gears (meaning a smaller number), covers on the bed, 235 tires that are at high psi, 2wd, and always a 6 speed. Many of these high mpg machines are from the april-may-june 2003 vintage and have the ORIGINAL flash.
If you want 20 mpg, I think you need to keep your old rig or go somewhere else besides Ford. Ford just doesn't seem to have mpg as priority. Remember the line about the smaller 6.0 engine getting better mpg than the 7.3? I haven't seen anyone verify that claim yet.
With my new truck I get 16-18 highway, 14.5 city, 12.5 with a 2700 lb camper. My old truck, which has the same options (3.73 gears,etc.) got an EASY 20 mpg on the highway and 14.5 with the same camper. I think that mpg is the last thing that Ford looks at when they are fixing something with a flash, even they even look at mpg at all.
I have seen some guys talking about >20 mpg, but they go to extremes to get it. They have higher than 3.73 gears (meaning a smaller number), covers on the bed, 235 tires that are at high psi, 2wd, and always a 6 speed. Many of these high mpg machines are from the april-may-june 2003 vintage and have the ORIGINAL flash.
If you want 20 mpg, I think you need to keep your old rig or go somewhere else besides Ford. Ford just doesn't seem to have mpg as priority. Remember the line about the smaller 6.0 engine getting better mpg than the 7.3? I haven't seen anyone verify that claim yet.