I have a local service business. I have a 350 which gets about 11 mpg. I am thinking about a 150 for lighter duty jobs. I need the 8' bed for all our junk, (along w/ 4x4, super cab, automatic, gas engine). (I wont pull anything heavy w/ this truck). (I will occasionally need to haul about 1 ton of material, which either truck can handle).

On the 150, the 8' bed puts me into the 5.4L engine (w/ 3.73 limited slip axle ratio).

On the 250, I would get the same engine and axle ratio, but it comes with a non-limited slip axle ratio.

The only main differences I can tell between the 150 and 250, is that the 250 would weigh 1200 lbs. more.

Or I could order a 2011 250 but that would have a 6.2L engine (and 3.73 Non-LS axle ratio.

So which truck would get better mileage around town?
Are there any pros or cons to either option?
What effect would the limited slip vs. non-limited slip have?
Would the extra 1/2 ton of weight have a huge impact on gas mileage?
I realize we're only talking a mpg or two here, maybe I'm nit picking. I am assuming that ford tests their mpg's with the smallest engine, bare bones truck they offer, which is why I am wondering if the bigger engine, etc., takes it way out of the 14 mpg they claim.

Thanks.

 

Empty the 150 will probably give you 1 or 2 mpg better around town. Once you load em up they'll probably do about the same. I don't have any side by side info to give you though. All of my trucks have been limited slip rears, I don't think I'd want one without it, but then again they aren't all that aggressive. The biggest reason I would go with a 250 vs the 150 is the heavier trucks have a solid front axle instead of IFS which seems to be more finicky about holding alignment.

 

Wait for the new 6.2 in a 2011 F-250

 

For fuel economy, i'm thinking this new Powerstroke. Maybe the F250 as it sits a bit lower than the F350, minimizing drag, and get the 3.3 rear axle to keep revs down. Or get the F150 with the EcoBoost when it comes out. That engine has loads of power and torque.

 

New 6.7 Powerstroke is gonna be mean, i think Ford did a goos job testing it, and the mpg rating is gonna be around 21-23, but if your not towing to much just stick with a gasser.

 

can you get a 150 SCAB with the 8' bed? I'd probably wait for the 6.2 in the 250 as well. The solid front axle is definately tougher. Ride won't be as nice, but it will probably last you longer. As far as the LS, it SHOULD also be available in the 250, but don't quote me... I'd never get a 4x4 without at least a LS rear. Maybe you'll get lucky and the 6.2 will become available in the f-150...

 

If you are going for the F150 I can tell you I just bought one and LOVE it. But only 15 mpg non-towing.
I have owned all three diesel 3/4 tons and I would say get the Dodge cummins if you want the 3/4 ton. I know this is a Ford truck forum but I am telling it like I see it from the experience of having had all of them. Ford still doesn't have anything that will touch the Cummins. Mine gets 22 mpg.

 

As with most questions there are always various opinions about which of this or that is best. I've had a 99 ford 7.3 powerstroke for 8 years and the mileage has been about 18-20 non towing and 15 pulling 4500 pounds with perhaps 300 pounds in the bed. My pal has an 09 6.0 powerstroke; his mileage is about 16 non towing and about 12 pulling 8,000 pounds, nothing in the bed. For sometime in most of the country diesel fuel costs about 10% more than gas. My pal also has had two 5.4 Fords, both 1/2 ton.
His mileage is about 14, and towing down to 9 pulling a 6,000 pound trailer. As you likely know the premium price for a diesel is generally justified only if you tow, or haul heavy loads and drive a lot of miles. If 70-80% of your use is non towing it's a no brainer decision; you get the nice riding, comfy, F150 with 5.4. Safety is much more of an issue than just fuel mileage/performance. Most of us do not like marginal, or at the limit loads or towing so opt for what you'd be safe in as a priority. Generally the F250 with larger brakes, frame, springs, and on and on will afford you more options for heavy towing. While I like my older diesel for towing our RV I don't use unless I have too; it's large, bulky, slow, and all U turns require two turns. My pals 09 6.0 is so much quicker, abit firmer ride, but a nice ride and has an improved turning radius. You can find great used 06-07 loaded Ford 5.4's for 15-20K. A new ford powerstroke will run you about $40K. Our local dealers are taking about 10-12K off sticker which typically are around $50K. When we last took towed his trailer with his 07Ford with the 5.4 you could tell the engine was working pretty hard. Once under way the diesel just purred.
If you drive a lot, tow or haul often & money isn't the primary issue I'd vote for a newer Ford 6.0. Good luck CJ

 

Over a ten-year period, I owned six Powerstrokes. Each got good mileage on the highway. The last two ['06 & '08] got horrible mileage in stop and go traffic. For short trips and city driving, I recommend a 150. For highway driving, a diesel will give you the best mileage by about four or five mpgs.

 

I hope I don't regret asking this but, what's the EcoBoost and when is that coming out?

 

+1 if your looking for a gasser.

 

6.2 is already available in the 150 just under the Raptor model.

 

True, but in may case, sadly no Raptor SCREW, or else I would have gotten it, and in the PM's case, no Raptor 8' bed.

 

The ecoboost is a direct injected, turbocharged V-6 currently offered in the Taurus SHO. It makes great power and torque while offering mid 20's mileage. It is rumored to be in the F-150's new engine lineup also including the new 5.0 coyote and 6.2 Boss motors. We all hope to see them released sometime later this year in the F-150.

 

That's true, I was just dealing with the fact of rather or not it was already available in the 150.