Hiya Burb... good to cu again. Nope, I am not convinced on the payback theory on diesel either and didn't get mine for that reason. I wanted the towing power and got it. Yep, a lot, gassers as well as diesel, cite higher mpg than probably getting. I was a bit surprised, and pleased with my 10.6, towing at the speed I do but have checked it on several trips now.
Hey, how soon will you finish your rig setup... I can imagine you are anxious.
Pulled 15,000 miles last year to Alaska and back,
F250CC 4X4, total weight of 16,000lbs GCWR. 3.73 rear axle avg'd 8 to 8.5 for the whole trip. Hated the 3.73 axle especially in hilly or mountain country. Changed to 4.30 Axles last week and probably will get better gas mileage on the road towing. I know I now have more power because it wants to burp the back wheels. Should have bought it with 4.3 when new. Cost me $3000 to change front and rear. As for diesel engines each to his own but why do the guys who have them have to keep justifying why!!!!
That's all folks,
Frankk
Well, mine (2001 F350 crew PSD) was getting 11.5 to 14.5 MPG after I bought it. I was depressed because all my PSD camping buddies (the ones who helped me talk myself into a diesel) are getting 16-18 MPG in city driving this winter. I took it to a Ford dealer service center. They replaced an exhaust tube. No help. I took it to a Lincoln Mercury service center (my buddies take theirs there) and they found two bad fuel injectors. They say I should notice a 4-5 MPG increase. It feels a little stronger in the pedal now, but that might just be me wanting to feel something different. It was not really what I'd call "weak" before this. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Now another question for all you high mileage diesel owners:
Do you tow using the overdrive, or do you run with the O/D OFF light lit on your shifter knob? I'm gonna crack open the owner's manual tomorrow morning.
Have a great day!
Eric
Eagle River, Alaska
U.S. Air Force (retired)
2005 Keystone Cougar 304BHS travel trailer
2008 Ram 2500 Mega Cab w/Cummins 6.7L and 6-speed automatic
My mpg has ranged from 8.5 to a little over 10, 9.5 is average towing 9,000 lbs. The 4.30 axle lets the V10 pull moderate grades in OD which I believe gives me a mpg advantage over the standard 3.73 axle, solo of course would have opposite results.
Blue Bird Wanderlodge PT-40
2002 Ford F-350,CC,SB,SRW,4x4,V10,auto,4:30,Century Cap, 46 gallon tank (Transfer Flow)
Avion 34V
Reese Dual Cam, Tekonsha Prodigy
I have a 2000 Ford 7.3 Diesel with almost 41,000 miles on it. I have pulled probably 19,000 miles. The 5th wheel is a 35' Alumascape that weighs 12,000 loaded. We drive 62-65 mph and have driven in every state West of Pennsylvania and Maryland except for Oregon and Washington. Up and down hills, accross the plains etc. we have averaged about 10 1/2-11 mpg. We have gotten up into 13 mpg, but, also down to 9 1/2 in 35 mph headwinds.
One thing I will say is while maintance may be a little higher, the engine just loves to pull. I don't drive fast anymore, but, in the mountains, the gas engines were dying and the diesel just kept pulling. I felt no loss of power in even 7-8 degree, 9-10 miles mountain passes that went up to 11,000 feet plus. It is just keeps going.
Marv
Well, I'm new to the site and posed a similar question (that I cannot find).
I have a 2002 F250 CC 7.3 PSD with the 3.73 LS rear end. Running around town, I have been getting about 16 mpg and towing I only get about 10.5 mpg. The loaded camper is about 10,500 and I usually tow in the 60-65 mph range. I'm not complaining about the tow mpg, but I have friends with the same truck that get about 20 solo. My camper has a large frontal area that is poorly designed for areodynamics...I am curious about other similar vehicles when driving solo.
By the way... the 2002 is much quieter than the 1999 that we had!
It is my understanding the PSD has a turbo charger on the engine to get the HP and Torque. In the mountains this keep the oxygen flowing when you are at 11,000 feet. If the V10 had a turbocharger or supercharger to keep the oxygen flowing would you get the same result as the diesel does in the mountains? Not trying to start a hubub just curious.
Thanks ahead
Frankk
*This Message was edited on 29-Mar-02 04:11 PM by Frankno1*
I'm in Fairbanks AK, and will be in your neighborhood for the next two months on business. I'm taking the drive down Sunday. I plan to drive off the lot before 8 Apr with a 2002 F-350, PSD. I hope to be able to get better tow mileage than my current 98 Suburban 3/4 (8 mpg - towing Jayco Quest 292E)
I specifically asked the dealer and diesel mechanic. They all said tow in OD. My truck will drop out of overdive on hills if set on cruise but will stay in OD if I drive with cruise off. I don't have to justify my truck. I got what I wanted and felt I needed.
Hi,
With my V10 with 4:30 gears I was getting 8.5 to 10 mpg pulling trailer then I swithed to K&N air filter and am running synthetic oil in all box's and engine am know getting up to 17.2 empty and when pulling 7000# trailer 12 to 13 mpg will be going to flowmaster cat back next.
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