kmh3212 wrote: I have an 2008 F450 with 4.3 rear end. It is a Job 1 truck built in May of 2007 with 30,000 miles. It is in for the first re flash of the PCM powertrain control module. This is a computer controlled engine as is all modern diesel engines. The EPA is mandating emission requirements that choke the life out the all new diesel engines. Ford is spending big bucks to ensure that we can get the maximum performance and economy from the new 6.4 liter diesel staying within government requirements. Ford is listening to the loyal customers by continuing to improve their products well after the sale. I will gladly drop my truck in for a 30 minute PCM update that will improve my trucks performance.
I bought another Ford because I wanted a fantastic truck with looks and guts. The F450 product is in a league by itself.
BTW I am getting 12.9 mpg hand calculated with the old math empty some city mostly highway. I can't wait for service pack 1!
Well Said!
If you are going to knock Capt. Skup's F-450 then knock it with a comparable truck/5er, not a 2001 dump truck.
Sad thing is, that old "dump truck" gets better fuel mileage than the newer diesel engines. Even your beloved Ford.
But keep drinking the blue koolaid!!
That old dump truck probably didn't sticker for $60,000 when new either.
Capt Skup wrote: I consider it pretty damn good. My 1998 gas Dodge 1500 Laramie QC 2wd truck never saw over 9mpg towing a 5500lb boat and trailer and it sure was not near the comfort or quality of any of my Ford diesel trucks. 10.9mpg horrendous? Have you ever pulled a high profile heavy fifth wheel?
Yep, with a truck heavier than yours. The truck alone weighs 10,000 lbs (its a 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 DRW cab chassis with the Cummins HO with the six speed manual outfitted with a dump bed).
That truck has pulled loads heavier than your trailer numerous times, and can easily get better than 10 mpg doing it, usually getting around 12 mpg with the heaviest loads. I am sure your truck is more powerful and faster and has more fancy do dads, but we use this truck for work, not loafing around with an RV, although it has towed a fifth wheel RV trailer outfitted with a gooseneck adapter on a few occasions.
My point is, 10 mpg is horrible for diesel engines that just a few years ago could get mid teens pulling similar loads, albeit slower. Ford will be glad to get that new scorpion diesel under the hood.
It's not the weight that really pulls down the highway fuel economy it is the air drag. My diesel truck can get close to 18 mpg empty but drops to 10-11 towing our trailer. For reference my F150 with 5.4L engine only made 7-7.5 towing. I would be shocked if your 360 did any better than that towing my trailer.
My trailer is really tall and is basically a big box on wheels. Comparing that to a flat bed with a backhoe on it is not a good comparison. My parents tow a 15k horse trailer and get 12 mpg vs my 8k travel trailer at 10 mpg.
I understand completely about wind drag, and the truck I mention has towed a pretty tall 5er on a few occasions. Again, 12 mpg was common.
Sure the new diesels are powerful, and everyone agrees Ford has a nice, luxurious, roomy cab. I just hope that one day we can start seeing fuel mileage numbers that the slower, but more efficient engines like the Cummins and 7.3L PSD could consistently return. But I am not holding my breath.
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
kmh3212 wrote: I have an 2008 F450 with 4.3 rear end. It is a Job 1 truck built in May of 2007 with 30,000 miles. It is in for the first re flash of the PCM powertrain control module. This is a computer controlled engine as is all modern diesel engines. The EPA is mandating emission requirements that choke the life out the all new diesel engines. Ford is spending big bucks to ensure that we can get the maximum performance and economy from the new 6.4 liter diesel staying within government requirements. Ford is listening to the loyal customers by continuing to improve their products well after the sale. I will gladly drop my truck in for a 30 minute PCM update that will improve my trucks performance.
I bought another Ford because I wanted a fantastic truck with looks and guts. The F450 product is in a league by itself.
BTW I am getting 12.9 mpg hand calculated with the old math empty some city mostly highway. I can't wait for service pack 1!
Well Said!
If you are going to knock Capt. Skup's F-450 then knock it with a comparable truck/5er, not a 2001 dump truck.
Sad thing is, that old "dump truck" gets better fuel mileage than the newer diesel engines. Even your beloved Ford.
But keep drinking the blue koolaid!!
That old dump truck probably didn't sticker for $60,000 when new either.
No, If memory serves it was in the mid $30,000 with the bed installed. Same truck now probably around $40,000. Of course the same truck now will be more powerful, but less fuel efficient.
I have to apologize for the "blue koolaid" comment above. It was a childish comment that is irrelevant to this discussion. My bad.
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