Here is what I got. I have a 05 f-250 xlt ext cab fx4 5.4 4x4 short bed with 7k miles with a western v-blade 8.5ft plow. Ok I got this truck 2 years ago after probably the worst snow year we have ever had in the cleveland area so I got this truck with intention to make big money by snowplowing. I wanted a diesel but there was none on the lot and I got A plan.

Now that gas sky rocketed in the past 2 years this truck is killing me. 10mpg unloaded not plowing. I only plow on the side and have no intention on working for anyone or starting my own company.

I recently wanted to trade my truck in on a honda ridgeline or a toyota tacoma or a tundra to get better mpg. I have a beater toyota corrola to get to and from work approx 30 mi everyday. But they only wanted to give me 22k for trade in which there is no way in hell I am going to give my truck away.

My friend recently got a job at ford selling cars( he took the buyout from the factory) and called me knowing I hate the bad mpg and was trying to talk me into getting a diesel. Well he has a 07 xlt reg cab long bed loaded 6.0 4x4 he wants to get me to trade my truck in on. I will get A plan so the sticker of the truck is 37000 and will get it down to 28 and change with rebates and a plan. I said he would have to give me 25000 for my truck on trade swap the plow on the new truck and give me the 07 for 28???.

That is where I am. I need to figure out if its worth it to give up my ext cab for a reg cab 6.0 diesel. How much better will this diesel be on gas for me? Basically I will be paying 3500 more in the end to get the diesel reg cab. What should I do?

 

The diesel powered truck will give you about 15 to 16 MPG with normal driving.

Even though you would get better fuel economy with the diesel the difference in price between regular gas and diesel fuel might eliminate that advantage.

If you do go with the XLT, make sure that the snow plow option is included. This gives you the 6K front axle and fan clutch needed when carrying a plow. The standard cab long-bed truck is the way to go for snow plowing use.

Lou Braun

 

Remember, diesel is more expensive, plus maintenance costs are higher. You need to factor in these costs when making your decision.

 

You shouldn't have bought the truck in the first place. You NEVER buy a new truck JUST for snowplowing. With that said, keep the truck you have and sell it outright.

Don't buy a diesel, don't buy another Super duty. If you're considering a Taco or Ridgeline for gas mileage, than that must be where your interests are.

I love the Superduty, but I know what you mean. The gas mileage can be a PIA, but I couldn't care less what the gas mileage is. I bought my truck for my business, so gas is a write-off.

Like was said, diesel is alot more expensive than gas right now. So, the fuel difference is going to wash out in the end. And you'll still be in LESS of a truck than you started with. Let us know what you decide.

 

I live in Indiana about 5 hours from you. Have you looked at the price of diesel fuel? It its about .30 more per gallon. So getting a diesel isn't going to save you any money. Plus up keep is about twice the cost of a gas truck. I think you first need to look at why you are only getting 10mpg. I have a 04 250 CC SD 4X4 with a 5.4L 3.73 gears and I get 13.5mpg and do virtually no highway driving. Maybe lay off the right peddle a little and you milage will go up.

 

I think the trade sounds like a very good deal, but the new PSD isn't going to get the mileage you are wanting to get.

 

I was going to write something, but it has been said...

 

I had a poll going a few months ago in the diesel forum. Looks like a lot of people get 15 mpg or less with the 6.0. If it were me, I'd figure out the price of fuel in my area, which has consistently been 10 - 15% less for gasoline than diesel and how long the $3500 will take to pay off, keeping in mind the maintenance cost is different. Does the reg cab v ext cab make a difference to you, etc.

If it were me, I'd make sure you have the tires inflated properly, and have regular maintenance done, i.e., air filter, oil, etc. and then realize your mileage is probably close to what everyone else is getting. Also, if you really want a SuperDuty to plow with you might even ask your friend if he has any V10s. You may be able to trade across, get the V10 for no new money and have the same mileage with significantly more power. That's of course if you really want a SD.

 

I would do this in a heartbeat. He's getting a 2 year newer truck with no miles and upgrading to the diesel for $3000. If he drives it for a while and decides that he doesn't like it I'm sure he'll have a much easier time trying to get rid of it than the V-8.

 

Very true, but he should be realistic on his expectations of the new truck.

 

That's a hell of a deal... I would go for it in a heartbeat!!

But my wants and expectations differ from yours

 

Regarding MPG differences versus gas/diesel pricing....

My decision was based partly on the fact that when I pulled my 6500lb travel trailer with my '05 5.4L Expedition, I got about 7mpg. I get about 13mpg pulling the same trailer with my '03 F250 6.0 PSD. That more than beats the added cost of diesel.

Of course, I didn't get rid of the Expy, I just added the cost of a $25K truck

Guess I could've bought a lot of gas for that money

But the travel trailer was also just a little too much for the Expy.

TX

 

If you want to buy a Powerstroke, just get it! You only need to justify that to your wife, not us.

 

I just don't see where the "mileage" issue is killing him with his current truck. If he's got a Corolla for the 30-mile daily commute, then he should just be able to drive his truck once in awhile and then use it for when the snowplow is needed. What's the problem?......

 

keep the truck and get a DBA (Doing Business As) and start writing things off on your taxes...ie: fuel, maintenance, etc...
there are creative, yet legal, ways to save.