Hi, we just picked up a 1999 f250 superduty crew cab short bed (replaced our 95 f150) and for the first week got roughly 10 mpg. Is that typical? I think the previous owner put a different exhaust on it. The tailpipe has "gibson" on it and looking back to the muffler, looks like stainless. From what I've read this morning, a cold air kit would be a waste of money. We got it to pull our 21 ft travel trailer more safely (5500lbs dry). I've also seen users with well over 200k miles. I feel lucky to have found this with 73k for the same price as others with twice as much. Will pulling my trailer drop my mileage drastically? Also, looking in my manual I found that the gas tank should have been either a 18, 29, or 38 gallon tank. Ran it pretty much all the way down, computer said "23 miles to empty" and the low fuel light was on. But when I filled it, it only took 21 gallons. Any thoughts?

 

Sounds typical for the V10...gas guzzler

 

There isn't much you can do to improve the mpg in the V10 besides keep up on maintenance. Your mpg average seems reasonable, that's what I get on average.

Not sure on the gas tank question. I've filled my tank at "zero miles remaining" and was still four gallons under the stated capacity.

 

Welcome to the forum, Ken.

You will use more fuel when towing. Controlling your right foot will give you the best MPG improvements.

Some reading in the V-10 forum may answer some of your hardware questions, if the experts don't find you here.

 

Don't trust the on-board computer for fuel mileage. 10-12 mpg is typical for the V-10. Since you have the short bed, your fuel tank is 29 gallons. As far as towing, your mpg shouldn't drop too much.

 

Part of that 8 gals or so left will be unusable due to the design of the fuel pickup in the tank. You wouldn't want to suck every last bit of undesirables anyway. Good luck with your truck. Treat it well and it will return the favor.

 

The SD V10 is a towing machine, but it does have the aerodynamics of a BIG chipped brick... with fuel economy to match! But it should be pretty close to your old 150 when towing at the same speeds. Please come on down to the V10 fourm to find out all you want to know! Don't be afraid to let the V10 rev when working it. It makes its best towing power from 3500 up.

We tow a Nash 22H, usually with toys as well (quads and or motorcycles in bed and on racks). With 4x4 chassis and big tires, we usually get 7-10 mpg while towing at around 60 mph. Wind and mountains lead to lower numbers.
2WD and smaller tires will get some mpg back.
Speed affects mpg dramatically when towing a full frontal area tt. At 70-75 mph with some headwind, I got it down to 5.....

 

This gets old.

 

Go to the v10 forum and read the v10 towing mpg improvements thread I've started. Ive tried just about everything with good results. I'm getting nearly 13 mpg unloaded on 87 octane and I'm currently testing my towing mpg with my TT loaded with about 15k on it and the truck. Right now, its looking like 8.0 mpg but I'll know more monday afternoon.

 

Not trying to bust your ***** here or take sides on way or the other, but would you not agree that 13 unloaded/8 loaded is by definition a "gas guzzler"? It's not a derogatory term, just a descriptive one.

 

Although the post you're referring to isn't the most helpful, saying the attitude of the response is "typical of diesel owners trolling" isn't accurate either. Your reply is just as inflammatory.

 

pulling a 36FT carrielight camp trailer or not pulling anything at all i average right about 12.9 2000 f250 V10 of course. 4 inch lift 315/75R16 maxiss m/t super chip cold air intake 91 octane dual after market magnaflow 3.5 exhaust

 

It all depends on your definition of "gas guzzler" and what mpg you are used to getting, or what you expect to get I can drive all day and never use a drop of "gas" see sig.

Back on topic, 10 mpg average is about right, really isn't that bad when you consider what your moving around. I think the rule with the V10 is: don't pay attention to the mpg, and you will be tickled pink with everything else!

 

congrats on the V10 purchase. I've got a 09' on 37's, 4:10's. towing 6k lbs I was getting about 11-ish. yes it's a towing machine, no it's not a deisel. both have strong points, and also have weaknesses. Enjoy your truck!

 

Hey, congrats on the truck!!

I have the same truck only a 2000 model. I have run my tank down to "2 miles to empty" and it only took 24 gallons. Also, my gauge barely goes up over 3/4 when the tank is topped off.

See my sig for mileage and mods.