johninar

Looking at F250. '09 models.
5.4 gas or diesel. I really don't want a diesel but I was wondering what kind of mileage these trucks get in town or highway? I understand that pulling a trailer will change everything, but I'm more interested in what I will get in normal driving. Ford does not post ratings since they are not required by the EPA. I'm really torn between a F150 and F250. I won't pull a trailer more than 6-7 weekends a year, so it needs to work around town as well. It's just like a track car, everything is a compromise.

5.4 gas with 3.73 and 6 speed auto.
6.4 diesel with 3.55 and 5 speed auto

Thanks in advance

Z11409

For just a few tows-go gas even if its the Ford V-10.

XPC5R

For just a few times a year, open trailer, and if you are not going far, I would use an F150 w/5.4 or other strong 1/2 ton with the right towing packages. I tow with an '08 F250 diesel, and the truck is huge to drive around town. You will not like the mileage either, I only see 10-11mpg in town, I can't speak for what the gas engine versions are getting.

BrianCunningham

I know some of their diesels, not sure if it's the 250 or 350, require you to pull the cab to do regular maintanance.

ask the dealer.

Jason

If you are in or have to go through the Ozarks, I'd get the diesel.

johninar

no, it's not too bad on I40. Mostly flat, and the Oklahoma mountains aren't too bad.

Thanks for the feedback. I know tow vehicles are discussed a lot and it's hard to sort it all out.

Massc5

I have 2006 F250 diesel. average 16.5 city with Performance tune. Towing 26' haulmark with zo6, 75 mph gets 13 mpg with tow tune.Barely know trailer is there.

Jason

I thought AR was Arkansas.

Z11409

[QUOTE=BrianCunningham;1571135182]I know some of their diesels, not sure if it's the 250 or 350, require you to pull the cab to do regular maintanance.

ask the dealer.[/QUOTE

Cab ONLY comes off for head/motor replacement,just another internet rumor.
Have several F-350-450 ,Always get the extended warranty,International has quit making the Ford engines.Average cost of fuel filter/oil change is $210 compared to less than $30 for a gasser.

BrianCunningham

Wasn't the internet

Someone in my club works at a Ford dealer

VetteRacer725

Duramax is hands down better than the Powerjoke. The 6.0L Chevy also pulls 1000 times better than the 5.4L. My old work truck was an F250 with the 5.4L and it was a dog.... Just my 2 cents.

AU N EGL

get the F250 Diesel.

the F150 may be a better DD, but for the times you tow you want the diesel.

Besides with the diesel you can po the greenie beanies

johninar

I live outside Little Rock and the drive to Hallett is really between two mountain ranges, so it's not too bad.

I know, people from Colorado don't consider the ozarks mountains.

..... but it's all we got!

John Shiels

Few times a year get the 6 liter Chevy which will give you decent mileage and more power. My friend has one but I forgot the mileage he got pulling trailer but it was good. I love my diesels but in your case the chevy gasser would be better for plan for your limited use. I am sure great deals are out there now also.

c4cruiser

What's the difference in price between unleaded regular and #2 diesel? Around here diesel is running around 25 cents a gallon cheaper than gas.

You might want to do some comparison between gas vs. diesel costs based on the number of miles you drive. Diesels in pickups will last a lot longer than a gas motor (assuming you follow the service recommendations) and don't abuse it. You will also have to factory in typical service costs

You should look at the Chevy DuraMax with he Allison 6-speed tranny as a diesle alternative.

I have an 08 Silverado 1/2 ton Extended Cab LTZ with the 6.0L motor and pull an 18' open trailer. My trailer and 87 coupe weigh about 5400 and I'll carry about 300 lbs of cargo for traveling to autocross or track day events. So far I find that this truck pulls a whole bunch better than my old '99 Silverado that had the 5.3 But my new truck has nearly 100 more HP and 150 ft-lbs of torque than my old one.

The size of the truck will make a difference depending on the trailer you will tow. If you pull something like a 24 ft enclosed trailer, then go with nothing less than a 3/4 ton. This size trailer is where a diesel rig makes sense.

Open trailers and shorter (20 ft) enclosed trailers can be towed with a 1/2 ton but they should be configured for the highest tow rating possible. This usually means 4WD, HD towing package, extended cab, and larger motor.

Operations

I have a 09 Ford SD F250 Diesel
This is my third, I also had a 05, and 07.
i also have a F150

the diesel will pull better then gas, no question, if it did not people would not pay the extra $6K just for the engine. I pull a 28' Cargomate with my corvette, 80mph no problem, pulling 10mpg,
The Gas V10 will not do better mpg, and does not have the hp or tq of the diesel, and the V10 is not very desireable when it comes to resale.

the new diesel's from Ford donot have adiesel smell, nor do you really hear the diesel clatter side driving

the negitive is the additional cost of the diesel engine, another is the day to day milage is less then a gas f150, not sure of a gas v8 F250

Truly if you only need it a few times a year<go rent one from Avis when you need it.

Gatorac

The extra emissions equipment required after 06 ruined the mileage advantage of the diesel trucks. Get an 06 or earlier GM diesel (the Ford 6.0 was not known for it's dependability) or go gas. Especially with your limited towing requirements.

Happy shopping.

worldsaway

I'm looking at 1ton duallie diesels, just in case in the future I need an enclosed trailer. I'd rather have more than I need now so I don't replace it in a year. Ed

floor it

I have had every ford deisel made for the last 10 years and the new deisel is a piece of **** for milage,pulling my car hauler at 75 mph I get 8 mpg....however it runs great and the twin turbo makes it pull from a dead stop like a gas engine, and the new coil over schocks gives it a great turning radious. But the FEd Gov emisiions standards cause it to burn even more fuel,, what a dumbass attack. ( and you want them to run your healt care,,,,, but I digress)

It dumps raw fuel onto the converter to clean it from time to time,

The older leaf spring fords dont go straight,,, realy weird to drive.
Get the GM truck with the duramax and the allison transmission.

kmagvette

Last year I went with the Chevy 5.3L Silverado LTZ, towing package but with the 3.73 rear. I tow (open trailer) way faster that the local governments think I should. Sure there are times I wish I went wit the 6.0L, or diesel especially on very long, steep grades. I just drop a gear and let it spin around 3.5K. Never saw a transmission temp above 190.

All said, I am very happy with the truck. Without the trailer back and forth to work I get just over 19 mpg (regular unleaded) if I am easy on the acceleration.

Typical tows are 2-5 hrs. Did one 7.5 hr tow with no issues.