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...While this is an extreme example, the fact remains, anytime you are not in the high gears, you are killing gas mileage. This is what 4.30's will get you, more access to 6th gear...
Agree with sentence one; disagree with sentence two. I'm not sure how the math works out, but the bottom line is RPM. More RPM, more fuel. So its possible a 6.2L with 3.73's in 5th gear is turning less RPM than a 6.2L with 4.30's in 6th gear.
Agree with sentence one; disagree with sentence two. I'm not sure how the math works out, but the bottom line is RPM. More RPM, more fuel. So its possible a 6.2L with 3.73's in 5th gear is turning less RPM than a 6.2L with 4.30's in 6th gear.
Didn't run the math myself either, just giving a general example. However, if that is the case, there would be situations where a truck with 4.30's can hold 6th gear and a truck with 3.73's would have to drop to 4th gear.
Didn't run the math myself either, just giving a general example. However, if that is the case, there would be situations where a truck with 4.30's can hold 6th gear and a truck with 3.73's would have to drop to 4th gear.
The thing is -- How often will you need that numerically high of a gear? The 4:30??
If you're towing and going up a grade, you can manually downshift as much as you want. To heck with the computer. Watch your fuel economy on the dash readout.
A lot of times, 5th gear will get better fuel economy than 6th gear, depending on the situation.
If you need to maintain 75 MPH Highway speeds while towing a 12,000lb Trailer all day all the time.......
Options are great... Like I said, my current truck has 4.10's and I have never regretted it. When it came time to order this one, because of my needs and applications, I thought I would be better suited with the 4.30's... If I didn't live in the hills I may have considered my options.
My 2015 F-150 averages around 20 MPG, so if an F250/F350 averages 16 MPG and you drive 15,000 miles per year at the current national average fuel price of $2.37 - the difference is gas cost between the two trucks is a little over $49 per month. If you can afford a $50,000 to $75,000 truck, the extra $49 a month shouldn't be your deciding factor.
I ran through several scenarios using the average price differential between diesel and gas, maintenance, initial cost, resale value, etc., etc., etc. You'll recoup the price differential between a diesel versus gas between 185,000 and 195,000 miles.
If you're hauling heavy enough, often enough, over a long enough distance, the diesel makes sense. I'm not. My gooseneck horse trailer loaded with 2 horses and all the gear, feed, water, etc., tips the scales at just under 9,000 lbs.
Besides, mileage isn't all that bad. I'm very, very happy with what I was able to get today!
tj: I'll bite ..... since nobody else will. 210.2mpg ... not to bad!!
And I think your calcs of 185K-195k are pretty close ........ except that probably only includes routine/anticipated maintenance. Having any additional repairs on the diesel sends that even higher. My 3 diesels ate batteries (2 @ a pop). Then the fuel pumps @ 100K, etc. etc.
Back to the 6.2 ......... thanks for all the input!!
Would you go with the 3.5 eco max tow f150 if you dont plan on exceeding 8-9000lbs? I have no need/want for that large of a fifth wheel. I hear those guys get awesome mileage towing and unloaded. And their trucks dont scream at 4000 rpms from the slightest incline.
I just love the stability of a 3/4 ton truck (brakes chassis the whole 9 yards) Id hate to get a new 1/2 ton and have it not feel as if its a solid foundation with whatever is back there. However I assume If my 03 handles it the new 17 1/2 ton should feel so much better.
Unless you require a Diesel engine for a business where you can expense it out, stick with gas, simply lower cost and less maintenance. Ease of service, low maintenance, a little gas hungry would be the 6.2 SD, then the F-150 EcoBoost, slightly better mileage and likely more maintenance, and no where near the comfort of a 3/4ton pulling a load, then the SD Diesel, lots power, comfort pulling the load, but maintenance is costly and keeping out of warranty is risky on today's modern EPA diesel vehicles.
I've seen several people buy the F-150 EB Max Tow and felt it just was enough truck to pull their trailers and sell or trade up to a Super Duty. Personally I know a driver who transfers vehicles for dealers, he personally said the new F-150's are too light, and prefers his prior to 2015 model truck.
This is turning into the 'ole gas v diesel thread again.
We have a bunch of landscaper / mowing guys in our town, with actual small fleets (maybe 4-6 vehicles) to include one-ton dumps and 3/5 and 1-ton pickups. They are, I believe, universally gas powered trucks. Unfortunately mostly GMC (we have a huge GMC dealer and another huge Chevy dealer nearby to our town). They are pulling 12k excavators on equipment trailers and hauling loads of rock, etc. I'm sure a lot of it is at max rated capability or beyond for these rigs, but they seem to hold up. Since I'm in this same business on the side, I've talked to several of these guys and they basically echo your comments: cheaper to buy up front, and not much goes wrong with the gas engines. Cheap oil changes. Since they are just work trucks they don't care if they are slow.
Didn't run the math myself either, just giving a general example. However, if that is the case, there would be situations where a truck with 4.30's can hold 6th gear and a truck with 3.73's would have to drop to 4th gear.
Assuming the same size tires, here's the math:
4:30 axle ratio x 0.67 6th gear ratio = 2.88 effective final drive ratio
3.73 axle ratio x 0.85 5th gear ratio = 3.17 effective final drive ratio.
The engine will be turning ~10% faster in 5th gear with the 3.73 axle ratio.
tj: I'll bite ..... since nobody else will. 210.2mpg ... not to bad!!
And I think your calcs of 185K-195k are pretty close ........ except that probably only includes routine/anticipated maintenance. Having any additional repairs on the diesel sends that even higher. My 3 diesels ate batteries (2 @ a pop). Then the fuel pumps @ 100K, etc. etc.
Back to the 6.2 ......... thanks for all the input!!
The 210.2 mpg is accurate, but the miles traveled was only 0.6 miles. All downhill.
You're right, the cost estimate are for normal, routine items. Unexpected repairs are just that, unexpected and therefore not part of the cost projections. The other wild card is fuel prices. If the differential between gas and diesel grows, it'll take longer. If it shrinks, the opposite will happen.
Just drove my 2016 F250 6.2 round trip Calif to Montana, 2000+ miles. Drove with AC on for about 8 hours per day, average speed 75. I was getting an average of 14.7mpg. This trip included several mountain passes over 8000ft. Couldn't be happier. The truck would run smooth as silk at 80mph with the cruise control on. This was the first trip I ran on E85 gas, I normally run 87. I paid $2.55gal for 87 and 2.05 for E85. The difference in performance was minuscule. Loved it.
Hey guys, currently looking at sealing the deal on a new 2017 f250 6.2 xlt fx4. I took it out on a test drive and the best I saw was 12 mpg at 70mph. It has 3.73 gears. I figured at least 15 or so. I dont expect much but more than 12. Am I going to be disappointed with this purchase, thats pretty low even for a 3/4 ton gas. Assuming they have a break in period? Otherwise my other option is a 2500 cummins for the same price. With substantially better fuel economy but owning a diesel comes at a price which I know. Just curious what you guys think/recommend.
I am a traveling lineman and pull my 5800 lb camper behind my 03 f150 right now (7000 fully loaded including bed) which it does fine but its time for something new. I dont pull it everyday or even every month but I dont want to get this 6.2 and have it be a huge mistake. Are you guys happy with yours?
I have even considered a 3.5 ecoboost to get the best of both worlds but feel for what I do its just 3/4 ton range since I plan on getting a ultra lite fifth wheel in the next few years.
Looking forward to your input!
If you are expecting more than 12mpg then yes you will be disappointed. I can get 15 mpg on the highway.... but 90% of my driving is around town and I get 10.5 mpg.
I have been averaging between 11-12 MPG (Lariat FX4 6.2 3.73) in mixed driving. Only 1,600 miles, so far and no long trips. The '12 Tundra 4x4 5.7 4.10 truck I came out of generally got between 12-13 in mixed driving so I am down +/- 1 MPG but feel I have a far more capable, and far roomier vehicle (back seat in these CC trucks is enormous). Zero regrets to this point...........
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