Diesel Pickup Truck Gas Mileage

[Tom_H]

My 1980 VW diesel rabbit pickup got 52 mpg. hwy., 40 city. Other than that, I can't think of anything else good to say about it though.

[EddieWalker]

I'm a little out of date here, but I think my logic still holds.

I bought a 97 F250 4x4 with a power stroke diesel with auto tranny and got 18 mpg with it. I was also paying $500 a month in payments. After a year, I decided that the power was really nice, but I didn't have anything to tow and really didn't need all that power.

I sold it and bought a 98 F250 4x4 with a 4.6 gas engine. My mileage is only 14mpg, but my payments were just over $200 a month.

The $3,600 difference a year didn't even come close to the few miles per gallon more that the diesel got, especially since diesel started costing more than regular.

I just haul tools and lumber with my truck. When I tow a trailer, it's not very heavy and I'm not going very far, so it was an easy choice. If nothing changes, I'll buy gas again. I might even consider a six cylinder next time around.

Eddie

[jcmseven]

Eddie,

I agree with you. I along with many others that own them, probably do not need diesels for our everyday usage. When I was paying on mine I wondered if the diesel was worth it. Now that it is totally paid for and still looks and runs great, I feel I have a nice investment, plus something I enjoy driving and tinkering with. I am asked at least one a week by someone whether I would get another diesel. My answer is yes, but not for economics alone as to me the numbers do not add up unless one is driving a lot more than I.

John M

[Bill Barrett]

I have a E-450 Ford and get 7 to 10 not much different if I tow a trailer. What I found is the faster I get there the better off I am LOL.

[ScottAR]

I just gotta poke a little fun of the thread title...:grin:
My diesel doesn't burn a drop of gas....100% gas saving vehicle...

My fuel economy is around 18-21... F350 SRW 7.3 6spd...
Would I go diesel again? Definately! Purely for economics? Probably not...

I just like the things...

[DavesTractor]

I have a 2006 Dodge dually crewcab 4x4 6-speed Cummins. 8,500 miles on it. 16mpg at 60mph, 13.5 at 70mph on cruise control. 10-11 mpg towing moderately heavy loads (gross combined 20-25K) on the flat at 55mph. I think it should be better, but I am resisting making any mods to it as of yet. It has enough power, but I'd like to see 16-18 mpg at 70mph empty. Any ideas?

[_RaT_]

93 Ford F250 non turbo IDI, automatic. Truck gets 250 miles per tank so I fill up every 500 miles and add about 28 gallons each time. I estimate I'm getting 17 to 18 mpg. Of course, it is one of the most anemic air suckers made so while the mpg is OK for the size, the power pales in comparison to todays diesels. The good thing is the truck was almost free, the bad thing is it is nickel and dime'n me. AC quit, window clutches went out, springs on front are shot, seats are getting thin etc. I am much like Eddie Walker, my next truck probably will not be diesel. I just do not need to tow much, in fact, I could probably do fine in a Tacoma type truck.

[jinman]

'96 Dodge 3/4 ton, Cummins, 335k miles, 21.5 average mpg on every tank...of which there have been many. Starts instantly and runs like a top. AC has NEVER been serviced in 11 years. I'll probably trade it at about 500k miles. It should be broke in by then.

[_RaT_]

Originally Posted by jinman

'96 Dodge 3/4 ton, Cummins, 335k miles, 21.5 average mpg on every tank...of which there have been many. Starts instantly and runs like a top. AC has NEVER been serviced in 11 years. I'll probably trade it at about 500k miles. It should be broke in by then.

Jim, if its like every other Dodge with a diesel I see around my area, the engine will be in great shape, the rest, well, lets just not talk about that. Lets just say, its "no joy" to look at.

[RobertN]

Originally Posted by DavesTractor

It has enough power, but I'd like to see 16-18 mpg at 70mph empty. Any ideas?

Get rid of the 4:11's. A buddy has the same truck, but with an auto/4x4/4.11/dually/crew. He gets the same mileage. He said his mileage has gone up a little since he added a monster exhaust and an air filter system.

My '01 2500 has an auto and 4:11's. I recently pulled 19mpg on a trip from Placerville to Tillamook Or. Best I have ever done. It was a mix of I-5 and then in Or, some back roads on 99W.

Otherwise I get about 15.5-16 running Placerville to Folsom(foothills). Trailering 5-7000lbs, about 13mpg.

For me, I would not get low gears with the diesel again, especially the Cummins. I was warned before I got the truck, but I wanted a stump puller. I have a stump puller with mediocre fuel mileage... 3.55 or 3.73 would be better...