Is It Worth It??
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New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
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From: Alabama
Is It Worth It??
Gentlement I need some help. I really really want a new F-250. I currently have a F-150 that is going to have to go if I get a new 250. I am wondering if there will be a difference in gas mileage when I haul my trailer. I haul a 7x16 trailer that averages about 6000lbs as far a weight. In my F150 I usually get about 7 to 8 miles per gallon on the highway. Will having a F250 be worth getting? Will it save me any money in the long run? Help me out guys. If it is not going to make that big of a difference I want to know. Tell me what you think. Positive or negative. Thanks for your help all.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 441
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From: Birmingham, AL
Are you looking at a diesel? Diesels are known for their ability to get good fuel mileage with in tow. With that load and a reasonable speed I would expect 12 mpg on the interstate. How often do you tow? That is the determining factor.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 149
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From: SW Illinois... near St. L
What Momorris said! The 5.4 will work, but mileage won't be there. You'll wind up not much better than you are now. The V-10 might work better, but you'll suffer if you aren't pulling the trailer. The Clean-Air Converter (Diesel 
) would be your best bet if you pull regularly.
What would help is to know the type of use your truck will see, and you driving style, too. Those are the main factors!
) would be your best bet if you pull regularly. What would help is to know the type of use your truck will see, and you driving style, too. Those are the main factors!
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New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
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From: Alabama
I pull the trailer about a half dozen or so times a month. Besides that I would like a big truck and deck it all out with all the after market parts and options. When I am not hauling I dont really drive my truck alot. Maybe 50 miles a week tops. When it comes to hauling though it is killin me in gas. I know diesel is more expensive now than gas but if I will get more gas mileage then it might be worth it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Yep -- you're in the perfect position to benefit from a diesel. I don't even tow with mine, and I love it!! I wanted to upgrade to a full-size truck, and now I have one that gets the same mileage as my Ranger!! 
You should get about twice that mileage with a diesel. That little bit of load will be like nothing's there. I pulled my Dad's 5500 lb. boat and it felt like an empty trailer.
You should get about twice that mileage with a diesel. That little bit of load will be like nothing's there. I pulled my Dad's 5500 lb. boat and it felt like an empty trailer.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 745
Likes: 34
07 and later Diesels simply don't get the same fuel economy as the pre emissions smothered engines.
Fact, with the price of fuel well exceeding premium gas unless you need to work a 07 and later diesel on a regular basis it's simply not practical owning one. And God forbid owning one when the warranty expires...you better have deep pockets to pay the diesel techs that can't even figure out these new over complicated fuel guzzling beasts.
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Basically, unless you put huge miles on a diesel truck, you will not recoup the cost of the increased initial purchase price. But....ya can't argue with that diesel torque.
Fact, with the price of fuel well exceeding premium gas unless you need to work a 07 and later diesel on a regular basis it's simply not practical owning one. And God forbid owning one when the warranty expires...you better have deep pockets to pay the diesel techs that can't even figure out these new over complicated fuel guzzling beasts.
__________________
Basically, unless you put huge miles on a diesel truck, you will not recoup the cost of the increased initial purchase price. But....ya can't argue with that diesel torque.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
You don't need a diesel. A 5.4L V-8 will pull the load just fine, a V-10 even better.
When I pull my trailer (pictured) with my 5.4L V-8, I get 8.5-10.5 MPG, depending on loaded weight. My trailer weighs 3500 pounds empty. With 4000 pounds in the trailer (7500 gross) I get around 9 MPG.
Aerodynamics play a huge part in mileage. Towing my trailer empty but with my hard tonneau cover on the truck, I get 7.5-8.5 MPG. If I remove the bed cover, but no other changes, my mileage goes jumps to 10-10.5 MPG. If, at this point (no bed cover) I remove the tailgate, mileage drops to back down to around 8 MPG.
When I pull my trailer (pictured) with my 5.4L V-8, I get 8.5-10.5 MPG, depending on loaded weight. My trailer weighs 3500 pounds empty. With 4000 pounds in the trailer (7500 gross) I get around 9 MPG.
Aerodynamics play a huge part in mileage. Towing my trailer empty but with my hard tonneau cover on the truck, I get 7.5-8.5 MPG. If I remove the bed cover, but no other changes, my mileage goes jumps to 10-10.5 MPG. If, at this point (no bed cover) I remove the tailgate, mileage drops to back down to around 8 MPG.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Mass
1/2 tons are good and do a suitable job for work BUT you will love the differance in a 3/4 or even one ton. everythings a little bit bigger and stronger. there's a differant feel in the suspension-a stronger more confident feel. cause it really is. everythings tighter and heavier. i remember when i went from a half ton to a three quarter ton-it was an awesome feeling. you'll love it. gas is going to be pretty much the same. if you can (diesels) the way to go.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 336
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From: Leander, TX
with a mid weight load like that, a gasser would likely serve you fine. now the F250 (gas or diesel) and up will handle the load much better. if you were working it harder and towing heavier, i'd say spring for the diesel. but with the somewhat questionable longevity of these new diesels coupled with much higher diesel fuel prices, not to mention the amount of gas you can buy for the initial $6000+ for the diesel motor, gas looks pretty good to me for what you will use it for..
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Go find you a nice, low mileage (under 100k) 7.3 -- you'll be very happy with it. Go look at the "Which Diesel" poll and see which diesel people seem to like the most...
I bought mine for 21k with 60k on it. I have 5x the truck I had with my Ranger, and get the exact same mileage. (17-19). When I'm not too nice with the skinny pedal, I get between 15-16. You gotta pay if you wanna play...
Redford tells everyone they don't need a diesel. "Need" is relative...
I bought mine for 21k with 60k on it. I have 5x the truck I had with my Ranger, and get the exact same mileage. (17-19). When I'm not too nice with the skinny pedal, I get between 15-16. You gotta pay if you wanna play...
Redford tells everyone they don't need a diesel. "Need" is relative...
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Montana
V 10 is the way to go. They only get about 1 mile per gallon less than the 5.4 and they have alot more power. The milage is actually better than the 5.4 when towing because it doesn't have to work as hard. And no smell and noise of a diesel. Diesel is $4.09 here.
Budman
Budman