Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-28-2014, 06:13 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
Rollster's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Saint Augustine , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 569
F250 Diesel mpg?

Can anyone give me real-world fuel efficiency numbers, both towing and not, for their F250 with 6.7 L Diesel engine? We're looking at a 2011 model, but have heard that the mpg isn't so great. Thanks.
__________________
Carol, Aboard "Aggie the DreamStream"
WBCCI# 5248
Rollster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2014, 06:48 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
dbj216's Avatar

 
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer , Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
Images: 1
Hi Rollster. The 11 F-250 diesel is likely better than a gasser. I have a 13 F-350 and have been quite pleased with its overall performance.

I get 13 +/- 1 miles per gallon while towing my Airstream at 60 mph. Throw in a headwind, and it can drop to 11. I love a tailwind where I can book a 16 mpg.

I get 16 mpg around town. I can book 19 mpg on the highway with little wind, but a headwind will drag than down.

I got 10mpg with my V-10 E-350 van while towing the same Airstream. So my diesel is 30% more efficient, and has way more power, and cost way, way more to own and operate.

The Ford Super Duties are big, strong, heavy work horses. I didn't need it to tow my Airstream, I just wanted it because of the technology and complexity of the diesel. I love the way the engine braking works going down long hills.

I agree with the folks at CanAm and their towing strategies. Short overhangs, independent rear suspensions, and a good hitch set up makes a nice tow vehicle. You won't pull 60 mph up steep grades, and you need good trailer brakes coming down those steep grades, but you can certainly tow with a V6 SUV. Back in 1986, my folks towed this Airstream with a Bonneville!

I don't think Ford is the mileage champion in the diesel pick up market. The Ram and GM probably do slightly better.

David
dbj216 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2014, 06:54 PM   #3
4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
 
acstokes's Avatar
 
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL , Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
I have a 2009 F250 Super Duty with 6.4L diesel towing a 2009 30' Classic. I like my diesel, but it's expensive to maintain. My towing mpg is about 11.5. However, mpg is irrelevant with a diesel because you'll find it significantly more expensive to maintain and repair than a gasser. I believe if I had a 25 footer I'd get a gasser regardless of gas mileage. The savings on routine maintenance items such as fuel cost ($.50-$.60 more per gallon for diesel, fuel filter changes ($120 every 10K miles), oil changes (15 qts. every 5K miles), coolant changes ($150 every 60K miles), transfer case fluid change ($300 every 100K mile), etc. will more than compensate for mpg. A major repair on a diesel engine can run as much as $8K.

Don't just take my word for it. Talk to a Ford service manager or diesel mechanic. Diesels have their place and are great to have when you need that extra pulling power, but purchase price and mpg is like the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
__________________
Fred Stokes
RV Rearview Camera Systems, LLC
WBCCI #2810
acstokes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2014, 06:59 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot , Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
I have the exact engine you are asking about:

So, real world numbers from my world with New York State Fuel crap forced into everything. And I do factory and dealer maintenance intervals: non towing on a highway on cruise control: 21 to 22 mpg, non cruise control 20-21 mpg (of note: this is at 70 to 75 mph. I have found that at 55 on cruise control I can get 22.5 up to 24 mpg).

Towing at 70 to 75 with a full load of "stuff" 13.5 to 14.5 mpg. This was on a 6,000 mile trip from NY to Breckenridge Colorado with a full load in the trailer and 4 bikes and stuff in the bed at an average speed of around 70 mph. Keeping the same speed up mountain hills and using engine brake down hills.

Around town which means North Continent US climate and doing a 10 mile round trip grocery run (so not truly warmed up) gets me in the range of 17-18 mpg.

When I tow my trailer or boat I am totally comfortable with the truck and its ability. Am I totally worried about the cost...maybe not so because I towed with an underpowered vehicle to the west in the past and feel that joy of trip is worth more than micromanaging pennies per gallon.....and I am fortunate to not have to do so and still camp.

For what it is worth my thoughts, and I am sure there are plenty that will argue my numbers.
bweybright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2014, 07:17 PM   #5
4 Rivet Member
 
1987 25' Sovereign
Oregon , Ohio
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 491
We tow our 87 25' Sovereign with a 2005 F250 6.8L V10 gasser with a 4.10 rear end. It gets 10.5 to 11 mpg towing, and 15 mpg unhooked. With what the guys above said about their diesel mpg and the 30 to 50 cents more per gallon of fuel it appears that fuel cost per mile is about the same. I will say that to change spark plugs is $100, $10 per plug and $100 per plug that breaks apart and needs special extraction work to get it out. So to change plugs could cost as much as $1100. The main reason I like a gasser over a diesel is because the sound of a diesel can cause me to have episodes of vertigo and that is no fun while driving.
msmcv51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2014, 04:52 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Rollster's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Saint Augustine , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 569
Thanks, everyone. Part of the reason we're looking at a diesel instead of gasser is engine longevity. But I understand that's just a rule of thumb and not always the case. Our last F150 had over 200,000 when we traded it in.
__________________
Carol, Aboard "Aggie the DreamStream"
WBCCI# 5248
Rollster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2014, 02:24 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
KJRitchie's Avatar
 
2008 25' Classic
Full Time , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
Tow my 2008 Classic 25FB with a 2010 Tundra Double Cab 5.7L. 11 to 13 mpg towing at 60mph on roads through the souteast. Can't see owning a diesel for towing a 25ft.

Kelvin
KJRitchie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2014, 02:34 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
We like the extra safety provided by a 3/4 diesel (braking and torque) for towing our 25'.
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2014, 02:54 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
Always get a kick out of the Toyota truck owners who post off topic in every truck thread. Should I comment on how much better my Cummins is, no! Because the question was about Ford trucks, I believe. Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2014, 03:21 PM   #10
Site Team
 
GCinSC2's Avatar

 
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere , South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rollster View Post
Can anyone give me real-world fuel efficiency numbers, both towing and not, for their F250 with 6.7 L Diesel engine? We're looking at a 2011 model, but have heard that the mpg isn't so great. Thanks.

Just a reminder about the OP's question, specific truck, year and engine.

And I'll add I think it would be helpful if you qualified your MPG numbers as hand calculated or from the trip computer.

My two cents.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
GCinSC2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2014, 04:01 PM   #11
3 Rivet Member
 
2012 30' Flying Cloud
Lake St Louis , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 144
I have a 2015 F250 6.7 diesel and tow a 2012 30 ft FC. Have had the truck since late April. Mileage so far has been roughly equivalent to my 2002 F250 7.3 diesel. I'm getting 18ish not towing and 12-13 mpg towing on normal roads. Towing mileage drops a little in hilly areas. Truck has great power and the tow/haul mode is nice. Compared to the 2002, the 2015 suspension seems to be softer but easier riding. For me a compromise between the two would be about right. Both trucks have 4x4 drive.
__________________
Barry
WBCCI 11988
AirEgger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2014, 02:09 PM   #12
1 Rivet Member
 
2008 27' International FB
Rosebud , Texas
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 10
2014 F250 4x4 6.7 towing 25 International. 14.2 miles per gallon on 4000 trip from Texas to Colorado to Wyoming and return. This probably includes 1000 miles without trailer. Towing would say 12.6 miles per gallon. non towing I am getting 18.5. Have 3.34 rear gear. it is heavenly to drive.
coopstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2014, 05:45 PM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
2013 25' FB International
Flagstaff , AZ
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 43
We have identical set up as coopstream, same trailer, same engine, except our F250 is a 2013. Basically same results, about 12.5mpg towing, about 19mpg highway not towing. This all is based on the trip computer in the truck. I did put a cab high Leer cap on in May and it "seems" like I picked up about 0.5mpg on the couple of non towing highway trips I've made since. I have a jeep wrangler that I use for my daily driver so don't drive the F250 around town much.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
RT66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2014, 08:03 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
KJRitchie's Avatar
 
2008 25' Classic
Full Time , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Always get a kick out of the Toyota truck owners who post off topic in every truck thread. Should I comment on how much better my Cummins is, no! Because the question was about Ford trucks, I believe. Jim
The OP doesn't own a Ford 250 yet so giving him info on other options is worthwhile. My MPGs are hand calculated.

Kelvin
KJRitchie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2014, 12:44 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
But he didn't ask for that info, he may already know . Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2017, 04:23 PM   #16
Winedog
 
2014 25' FB International
Walla Walla , Washington
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 26
Images: 1
Blog Entries: 1
I just drove from Napa, CA to Yankton, South Dakota. I'm towing a 25' International with a 2016 F250 6.7 Power Stroke Diesel. One day was rainy and snowy, two days were windy, sometimes headwind, sometimes tailwind. I got 13.4 mpg going 65 mph.
winedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2017, 04:41 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
sheriff1's Avatar
 
2012 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Sparks , Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,116
18K miles towing 27FB, 65-70 mph, 11.5 average
sheriff1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2017, 10:00 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Ray Eklund's Avatar
 
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City , Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
Anyone who is concerned with the extra cost of a tow vehicle to tow their Airstream safely... should either get a lighter, smaller trailer that costs less and can be pulled by about anything with a hitch.

A trailer is a boat out of water. You try to manage costs as well as possible, but do not cut safety and limitations of a less capable tow vehicle.

It is much like those living beyond their ability to pay for what they want. Find an Airstream Dealership that WILL provide you a Hitch that will provide your travels towing a trailer that is not creating a hazard-in-waiting. This is a SECOND step to traveling with your Airstream. The FIRST is your designated tow vehicle...

When you see vehicles with a trailer in tow, the tow vehicle's hood up along the Interstate... make a mental note. The costs will exceed your penny pinching. Same with tires.

If you fly Airplanes... maintenance is number one. Overweight for the ability of an Aircraft is also the same for your trailer or a boat.

Ask the person who has 'overkill' in their tow vehicle their opinion. No complaints.

If you like traveling at the limits of your setup... have someone else roll your parachute.
__________________
Human Bean
Ray Eklund is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-25-2017, 06:25 AM   #19
3 Rivet Member
 
Boogieshoes's Avatar
 
2016 30' Classic
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 110
We spent a lot of time studying potential TVs and settled on the F250 diesel. We tow a 30 Classic and there are few things DW does not want to carry in the truck, so the extra capacity was important. During our 8K miles towing over the past 18 months, we have seen as low as 11 mpg towing a big load into a headwind and as high as 14.5 with a good tailwind. Normal rolling hills with load has been consistently 12.2ish at 67 - 70 mph.
Without trailer, but with a decent load of people and stuff, we get around 17.5 at 75mph; if willing to drop speed to 67 - 69, mpg goes way up to 20 and above. Replaced ridiculous stock fuel tank with 50 gal Titan; that was a great move; we seem to do a lot of 400 - 450 mile towing trips and not worrying about a refuel stop is nice. Record DTE to date is 1073 miles! Also added airbags because F250s tend to drop in the rear; I really like to be able to setup the truck with a lot of different loads and it makes hitching to the ProPride easier.
Have driven this truck 47K miles now in 20 months; best riding vehicle and best on the road vehicle we have ever owned.
Best overall plus for it is the confidence we have in knowing we can dance up any grade and safely descend, not to mention handle the inevitable emergency stop from highway speed (we had ours in the first 100 miles of towing). Exhaust brakes are awesome.
Any of the Big Three diesel p/u's will do the job.
__________________
_________________________________
Boogieshoes, DH of JudyJudy; AS "Rose"
WBAC 5932Arkansas Razorbacks Unit
2016 F250 KR 6.7 4x4 CC "Tex"
Members, NTAC
Boogieshoes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-25-2017, 12:32 PM   #20
3 Rivet Member
 
2012 30' International
Key Largo , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 106
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rollster View Post
Can anyone give me real-world fuel efficiency numbers, both towing and not, for their F250 with 6.7 L Diesel engine? We're looking at a 2011 model, but have heard that the mpg isn't so great. Thanks.


We have 2012 F350 6.7 Diesel towing 30ft International. 50000 miles towing average 12 mpg . Non towing can get 19.5 mpg on the highway but with stops/ starts in town etc usually around 17
Martin R is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
85 Ford F250 diesel pull 27ft. Ambassador?? LucyPepper Tow Vehicles 3 03-29-2010 10:04 AM
Bought!! F250 7.3L Diesel - Pics Inside big_john Tow Vehicles 10 03-28-2010 10:33 AM
New (to me) F250 4x4 7.3L Diesel big_john Tow Vehicles 15 03-25-2010 05:44 AM
3/4 Ton Test Drives (8.1L Sub Gas, Exc Diesel, F250 Diesel) big_john Tow Vehicles 7 02-21-2010 12:02 PM
'08 F250/350 vs 2500/3500 diesel 4x4(?) crew cab Roamin Cat Tow Vehicles 31 03-21-2008 06:03 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:36 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.