F250 6.2 V8 vs F150 Ecoboost

[jejeosborne]

I have read every post on this thread as I have the exact same issue as the OP, except my tractor/trailer will gross ~10k pounds. My search began some months ago and I had it in my mind I wanted a used diesel, as Ford had a lot of reasonably priced 6.0L F250s with moderate miles on them. But a lot of further investigation scared me away from non 7.3L Ford diesels, new or used for many reasons. And I wanted a newer year model then a 7.3 would provide. I also looked at Dodge and GM but kept coming back to Ford for various reasons

I then decided on a used, moderate mileage F250 with a 6.2L gasoline engine and responded to a one year old thread on TBN about the 6.2s and wanted an update on gas mileage and reliability. A number of responses came from F150 3.5L TT owners praising the virtues of this engine, loaded and unloaded. Previously I never would have considered a small displacement "truck" engine, but was intrigued and started investigating this combination. I do have a lot of experience with supercharged engines (turbo, roots-type and nitrous oxide).

In the end I came to the conclusion that while I really like the additional strength and real world towing ability of the F250 with better braking ability and overall better heavy load usage, the F150 3.5L TT may be a better option for me in a good, used truck.

Then I started comparing newish trucks in these two categories and found the used values of the F150s to be ~ 10% - 15% higher in my area (within 100 miles) than the F250s, similarly equipped to tow 11k - 12k pounds, 4WD with moderate other options, with the F150s harder to find with my requirements of FX4 and Max Tow. So I then decided a F250 would be the best route to take as they are basically setup stock to tow 12k pounds. Then I compared new prices of the two trucks and they were very similar, within a few hundred dollars on Ford's build-em site.

At this point I am in the middle of selling a house, trying to find a rental that will accept pets and start building our dream retirement home. I do not have much spare time for the individual dealers as I am also still clearing the home site.

After reading this thread I will investigate new 2015 trucks in both categories through AAA and Sam's Club buying services with the F150 having a large upper hand at this point due to its performance when unloaded, unless I can get a F250 considerably cheaper. And if they can't provide the stellar deals folks have mentioned here, I will see what the dealers are willing to offer. I am not in a hurry and am willing to fly to get the right truck and deal.

Thanks to all posters.

I doubt you will find as stellar of a deal on the new 2015 F150 model since it had just come on the market. 2014 models are being deeply discounted to make room.

 

[deere5105]

Fuel mileage is slowly increasing. Believe have around 400 miles and am at 15.5 mpg. Filled tank Friday and knew how many miles were on it on the lot. The hand calculated average was 15.38 mpg and the dash showed 15.4 mpg. Was curious how close it would turn out. Noticeable difference in the 20" wheel/tire combination compared to the 18" wheel/tire.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Fuel mileage is slowly increasing. Believe have around 400 miles and am at 15.5 mpg. Filled tank Friday and knew how many miles were on it on the lot. The hand calculated average was 15.38 mpg and the dash showed 15.4 mpg. Was curious how close it would turn out. Noticeable difference in the 20" wheel/tire combination compared to the 18" wheel/tire.

Yours is as accurate as mine.

Last week I did a trip, 186 miles round trip my 2012 Ecoboost 4x4 with 3.73 gears turned in 20.1 mpg. This was about 110 miles of 60 mph state roads, 10 miles of 45 mph country roads, and the rest 75 mph highways.

My last normal tank, running errands, back and forth to work, shuttling the kids, ect turned in just over 17 mpg.

Chris

 

[deere5105]

Fuel mileage is slowly increasing. Believe have around 400 miles and am at 15.5 mpg. Filled tank Friday and knew how many miles were on it on the lot. The hand calculated average was 15.38 mpg and the dash showed 15.4 mpg. Was curious how close it would turn out. Noticeable difference in the 20" wheel/tire combination compared to the 18" wheel/tire.

Meant to continue by saying that the response back to steering wheel and the ride is noticeably more sensitive to road imperfections with the 20" wheels when compared to the 18" wheels on the unit I test drove and even my previous ride.

Chris, saw your response on mileage. Hoping mine will get to that as it breaks in. If it does I will be satisfied.

 

[sdef]

I am glad to hear of this mileage as it is the reason I would consider a F150 over a F250, whose capabilities are greater than my rare, heavy duty needs. My goal now is a 2015 F150 Lariat with 4x4, FX4, heavy payload and max towing, plus a few smaller items. The Ford build site has it at $50k. But I will wait until I can get it much less expensively- may in 12 months Will be hard to wait that long... I prefer the 2015 over the 2014 for the increased towing. Plus the fuel mileage would have to be a bit better also due to being 700# lighter.

 

[TheGoose]

Count me in the group of ecoboost owners who are dissatisfied with the mileage.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Last of the steel F150s.

 

[TomSeller]

Is the 6.2L gas a good engine? I have never heard much of it.

 

[deere5105]

Is the 6.2L gas a good engine? I have never heard much of it.

From what I have read and heard there are very little complaints. I wouldn't be scared of it at all.

 

[deere5105]

Last of the steel F150s.

What kind of weight do you estimate this to be? How is truck set up...Max Tow, 3.73 axle ratio, using WD hitch or standard hitch, does it seem to handle this weight ok?