Hey guys,
I've joined this forum because I'm looking to buy a 2009 FX4 with a 6.4 Power stroke. I have never owned a Diesel engine before and was looking for some info on things to be aware of and MPG while not towing. I have a travel trailer now but a 5th wheel is in the future. I'm not unmachaniclly inclined but I have no clue when you add all the new EPA crap to the diesel. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Forgot. 3.73/w 20"

 

well I would start here: http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/p...ailerGuide.pdf

that would give you some info on towing spec's to consider. With that in mind I will help with...250/350/450? questions.

Don't get the truck with great mpg's in mind, epa/tree huggers have seen fit to ruin that for oil burners.

It is also hard to nail down what you will get because you are looking at a 8,000 lb truck and things get vary greatly on your uses.

What I can say is I generally get 12-14 city and 14-16 hwy unloaded and around 10-12 towing up to about 10K depending on the profile of what I am towing.

Nothing really to be aware of if you are buying new 2009 model. Most of the recall stuff had to do with the 08's that I am aware of.

Best advice is read the manual, follow the break in periods on the motor. Do change your oil and filters following the severe svc schedule (just my opinion) as I think that will be better for the truck.

Once you have completed the break in, remember it is a Diesel and it will run better if you run it hard/work it.

 

Welcome to the forum.

so . . . if you're "not unmachaniclly inclined" does that mean you are mechanically inclined? Explain FNG ?s please. Maybe some of the others understand that term, but I don't.

You may average 15 to 18 mpg empty on highway if you keep the tach at 2000 RPM or less and the turbo boost under 15 psi. You won't average much more than 8 or 9 towing heavy. City and short driving may be around 12 to 13.

 

My guess is "freakin' new guy questions"????

 

It means I know my way around an engine. I've never owned a Ford much less a diesel truck. As far as diesel engines, the ones I have some experience with have pistons larger around than a football. Those don't apply here.
FNG= F#*%king New GUY. The guy that asks all the dumb *** questions.
Anyhow, all info is and will be greatly appreciated.

 

I understand dude.

 

Sorry I asked. That kind of language will get you nowhere with me. It is downright offensive!

 

Larry NCKS

If you didn't serve in SE asia, gunslingers spelling of F'ing new guy means just that. No offense was meant on his part. "Freaking" was for those who don't cuss.

 

All I can say is that if you get the '09 you would love it. My '08 is the best truck I've ever been in, work or daily driver. Tows the best, handles the best. Less practical point of view: Looks the best. That's an opinion though!

I also think it's crazy that with the amount of towing a lot of us do, I have gotten over 40,000 miles on both sets of tires (52,000 on my current set) and I have 92,600 on the original brake pads. Other trucks I have had, rated as 3500 class, just ate tires/brakes/ball joints/tie rods. My 250 is the most comfortable towing machine I have ever driven. I can't imagine how a 350/450 would be. Also, my transmission has been worked pretty hard and the fluids are still like new.

There are plenty of positive and negative threads on the 6.4 here. Just read for an hour and you should get the gist of most people active on this site.

If you tow a 15K fifth wheel, you'll be lucky to break over 10mpg. Empty, you could eek out over 16 if you drive at optimum conditions. Don't expect it to be consistent though.

Mechanically inclined? I used to enjoy the maintenance on my vehicles, now I like to drink coffee and chew the fat at the Ford dealer while they do it.

 

You will love it for sure. Just yesterday I was towing down the road at 55 and two...not one but two SUV's pulled out in front of me. Almost ate them both but because of good braking I stopped on a dime...even got the finger!