F-250 7.3 Gas Empty and Towing MPG Review 

Congrats on your purchase! That's not bad at all. I wish I had a Tremor to test, but the added Torsen front diff wouldn't have made a difference in my testing as locking the rear provided plenty of traction.

That's great mileage to me. I have a v10. I get around 11 empty and 4 to 7 towing, depending on the load.

Excellent, thank you for your comment sir as I'm also looking at one!

I am looking at buying a Tremor too......either a 2021 or a 2022. Do you have the F-250 or F-350 Tremor? Does your truck have the 3.55 gears or the 4.30 gears? The Ford website does not allow to build a truck with 7.3L gas engine and 3.73 gears. I would probably opt for 4.10 gears, but Ford does not offer that ratio ( 4.10:1 ).

Mike Marler tremor with 7.3 gets a 4.30 rear end. The tremor with 6.7 gets 3.55 rear end.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Velocity Blue I think that one is.

Thanks, it really is!

We agree!

Thanks for the support!

Ford is constantly updating their vehicles. My understanding is that they have moved away from big refreshes to constantly making improvements here and there. Of course if there is something you are interested in then wait for it, but it's not like Toyota that only does a refresh once a decade and it's usually worth it to wait for the new one if it's close.

I know, I’m gonna keep an eye on that too.

Wait for the 2022 Super Duty for the updated interior.

Thanks for watching! Hope the truck treats you well. What engine was in your 2017?

@@EngineAdventures 6.2

@@bibleandbibs6407 are you pulling RV with the f350? I’m trying to decide between gas and diesel.

@@randyrayford8977 No sir I am not If I was still pulling an Rv very far I would go to a Diesel most likely.

@@bibleandbibs6407 Since you upgraded, you must have a need for the bigger truck. What was it the 6.2 was not able to do?

Haha, thanks for the support!

Thanks!

Thank you!

Thanks, I had a 2019, but not a 2020. I'll see what I can do.

@@EngineAdventures Was this truck equipped with the 4.30:1 rear axle ratio?

@@Geoff-- yup

Thanks! I probably wont be posting a video covering that, my niche is off-road capability and I will be doing some more towing and empty MPG runs for future videos. It seems Ford's compare models site isn't working right now so I can't easily direct you somewhere that has all the information on one page. It also gets more difficult when you add in the options that are available on the different trim levels as you can get most of the features from a higher trim in a lower trim with more packages. If I wasn't already swamped that would be something I would do, and thanks for the suggestion!

@@EngineAdventures At one time, you could obtain a brochure from a dealership which laid out the different models. Now, you go on-line and figure it out for yourself. I haven't owned a Ford since the early 1980's, so finding out what the models are has been as interesting as going to the dentist to work on wisdom teeth. I do appreciate your review, it helped me understand some of the terms and the different pros/cons for the gas vs. the diesel engines. I currently own a 2008 Dodge 2500 which I bought new but I'm getting older and no longer drive the mileage I did before I retired. I've been looking at the 7.3 gas engine since I use a truck camper (~3,300#) and tow a trailer with my Jeep on board. Now I'm looking at a one ton truck to better handle the payload and the trailer. Thanks again for the discussion.

That's funny, my parents just gave me a box they found in their garage full of the vehicle brochures I collected as a kid. On top was the 2000 Ford Excursion. I used to write/email manufacturers long before I was old enough to drive to get them to send me brochures. I really enjoyed the 7.3 gas and it should have plenty of power for that payload. As long as you get a configuration that can handle the weight well I think it would be a good choice! Yhanks for watching!

I really liked this color too. In general we have a very plain set of colors for most of our vehicles in the US. Various shades of red, white, grey, and black. It's nice to see something a little different.

Thanks for watching and for the support. Viewer/owner comments really help out a lot as I only have these vehicles for a short time, and often I focus significant time on one portion (in this case towing) which means I neglect some other areas. You're experience is extremely helpful! Thanks again!

we had to see all the cheap electronic crap they add to justify 80 grand for a pickup and it gets the same mileage as an older truck with a 460 in it

@jdog942 My understanding is most manufacturer's use the California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards for gas engines now. Sooner or later, they will start using them for diesel engines. Easier for the mfgrs. to just build to one standard than for multiple standards. Even the pickups sold in New Mexico where no emission requirements exist (except maybe Albuquerque) are CARB standard.

I'm curious to see how it lasts long term. I don't follow automatics as much, but I know as Ram kept updating their manual transmissions (last of the full size trucks to offer a manual) they kept getting lighter and weaker. The NV 4500 is stronger than the NV5600 which is stronger than the G56. Transmissions are getting more efficient, but are they more durable? Time will tell. Also this 10 speed felt almost like a CVT. It shifts so much that it keeps the rpm range fairly small when throttle input doesn't change. I really enjoyed the truck and it's capabilities, not dissing anything here, just missing a manual transmission.

@@EngineAdventures My son would but I don't. I must have an automatic due to nerve damage in my legs which causes issues when I drive.

I prefer the 6 seat combination when doing a crew cab, and the 8' bed is always best. Out here in the Rockies most trucks are 4WD even if they are used for towing, just because of the weather. 2WD is more fuel efficient. Thanks for commenting!

Travel trailers and 5th wheels tend to have more wind resistance, but I really enjoyed driving the 7.3!

@@EngineAdventures very true but my truck gets something like 14mpg on a good day going 60 max unloaded lol and now I think my intake manifold gaskets are bad because it's been sucking gas like no ones business. It has a the cel code p0300 and I've already replaced the plugs, wires and coils and the fuel pressure regulator and it still misfires I've also replaced both vacuum lines. Only other thing I can think of is bad injectors but it only has 103k but it is old but the intake manifold gaskets are a problem child with the 6.0, 5.3 and 4.8 engines and I can hear a noise that sounds like a vacuum leak but it sputters or just doesn't do much at about 4k rpms.

Interesting, we have a 6.0 at work and beat it hard. It's been very reliable as far as being able to drive. We tow 10k lbs. plus trailers with it on gravel and dirt roads, the exhaust pipe has fallen off a couple times, the gauges all stopped working, and the tow/haul mode stopped as well. We've fixed most of it and the truck only has like 85k miles on it, but they are very hard miles.

A little shorter, Utah valley up to Heber valley and back. Usually involves a short jaunt up squaw peak road because that's really hard on transmissions, especially when towing.

Sounds like a nice truck! The only thing I would change is the 4R100 for the ZF6 manual and maybe only lift it 4" to fit the 37's. I agree, I thought the computer was going bad in my 25 year old truck, couldn't find a new or rebuilt one anywhere. Luckily it was something else that I could get, but when the computer fails I'm going to have a hard time keeping the truck running.

Engine Adventures I agree on the ZF-6, I had that transmission in my 2004 F-350 DRW and it beats all automatic transmissions I have owned.

@@evelandjd5111 Most manuals do. The new autos are much better than the old ones, but sometimes they do unexpected things. A manual does what you tell it when you tell it to.

Engine Adventures - I agree 100 percent on the 4 inch lift. However, I would definitely opt for the 4R100 automatic over the ZF6 manual. Why? The 4R100 has a strong foundation.....but got a bad rap because Ford built it with junk internal parts. That said, the 4R100 can be and is built super strong......by BTS transmissions in Arkansas. The 4R100 is the transmission of choice to mount behind a 5.9L Cummins for diesel truck pulling.

Take a look at the mirrors starting just after 8:30, these mirrors don't have spotlights on the side of them, just the ones underneath. Thanks for watching and commenting!

@@EngineAdventures The spotlights are inside the signal lights on the side of each mirror. (You can't/don't see them unless they are turned on via those two buttons). I have a 2020 F-350 Lariat (with the 7.3L Godzilla and 10 speed as well). Try those two buttons by the power pedal adjust button AFTER dark. They are BRIGHT as hell (if you are outside the truck and stare at them). I have the same buttons in my 2020 F-350 Lariat and they turn on the spotlights which are housed inside the signal lights on each side mirror. The lights that illuminate downward, from the underside of each side mirror, light up when you hit the key fob to unlock or lock or open the door(s). Further, the cameras on each mirror are the round knob-like unit in close to where the mirror mounts to the door. The cameras are not on the underside of the mirror near/next to that downward shining light. Let me know what you find out. Thanks.

Thanks for the input! I only had the truck for about a week. It was a media test vehicle, so comments like yours really help in clarifying my videos!

Thanks for the clarification, I wasn't super clear in the video on what those switches were for. The exterior lighting is actually really good on these trucks for working at night.

@@EngineAdventures can you leave those work lights on and shut the car down? Also wondering if you can have them come on whenever you click the lock button? I’m going to be doing car camping and for extra security it would be nice to have those come on at the click of a button on the key fob...

@@fathertime209 great question! If I remember correctly they will stay on for like 15 or 20 minutes, if you turn them off but turn the truck off. As far as the keyfob goes, I never tested that.

@@EngineAdventures any chance you could test that for me? It would be really cool to be able to turn those on if you relock the truck, or I guess in worst case scenario quickly unlock and then lock again. Thanks...

@@fathertime209 I'd love too, but I don't have the vehicle anymore. This was a media loan that I had for a week. I'd recommend heading to your local dealer, after dark if possible, and see if they will let you play around with one.

At these ranges 1 or 2 mpg can be a 10%+ difference in fuel costs. For companies managing fleets of vehicles that get a decent amount of miles put on them that can make a big difference in the bottom line. For those not driving too far or that only have one or two vehicles it's not an issue. Gas prices are low now, so it's a smaller issue, but when gas is high then it's even more important.

@@EngineAdventures I don't drive the miles I did ten years ago when I averaged about 25,000 miles a year on my truck. I was in a vanpool so the trip to work wasn't counted. Now I'm retired so I need the truck to carry my truck camper and also tow my utility trailer, which may have my Jeep on it. My current truck has the 6.7 Cummins which runs very well, but the truck is rather dated by the bounce. I'm looking at the gas engine since I won't mind having a nicer riding truck on the trips my wife and I do take. Fuel mileage was an issue for us years ago, but now not so much. For many who use trucks for non-business purposes, the price of fuel is not as driving an issue as it used to be. That said, when the price of fuel is around $4,00 per gallon, it does add up, which means fewer trips.

Depends on the slide in camper, but the gas engines typically have a higher payload. Depending on the size of the camper you may want a 350 or a dually, but I don't see a problem with that load towing a boat with the gas engine.

This is in Utah, and it is gorgeous here!

I only had this for a week to do a media test on, but I want to say I was around 14mpg around town.

It does have the reverse sensors along with the surround view camera system.

The Ford definitely feels like it has more torque down low than the Chevy and Ram. I haven't driven the Ram with the 8 speed though. As far as stability goes, I've only towed with properly setup trailers and they were all plenty stable. Generally my test loads are low and heavy for their size, which means little wind resistance and no sway. Chevy should pair the 10 speed to the 6.6 gas and Ram might need to up their game and displacement. The 6.4 is a great engine, but power and torque come on at higher RPM which makes it feel like it's working harder than the other two. The truth is that they are all great trucks and you wouldn't be at fault for getting one over the other.

@@EngineAdventures Awesome. Thanks for the information! Not gonna lie, I am a ford fan. Glad they finally have a decent gas engine. I had a 460 (97). I was not impressed.

That is definitely a big part of it! As far as I know Ford never used the 9 speed GM developed, but GM has been using the 10 speed in a few vehicles. It's a really good design with crisp, yet smooth shifts, and doesn't really add weight over the old 6 speed. Not sure why GM isn't doing more with it.

@@EngineAdventures Ford fully committed to the 10 speed, as its the trans in everything they make thats rwd, other than the mustang. GM decided to instead keep the various 6, 8 and 10 speeds afloat, probably to cut corners. Ford didn't use the 9 speed from gm because they claimed it would take too many modifications to make usable in ford products, but I find it funny considering ford's FWD trans is under siege in several class actions, so I figured they'd abandon it and take what they could get, especially since the fwd 9 speed from gm is considered the best fwd trans on the market.

Interesting, thanks for the information!

Great information James. Thanks

I believe you’re confusing the HD 10-speed with the co-developed half ton transmission.

yeah 4.3

Because it's digital sometimes the screen refresh rate will match up with the recording frame rate of the camera. It's not visible to the human eye, just something that happens in filming.

Just something that happens when the frame rate of the camera lines up with the refresh rate of the dash, not something you see in person.

@@EngineAdventures thank you for clarifying that dash display as I was wondering the same thing, thought it was very distracting but glad it's not an issue while live in person!

I haven't noticed any issues with the 2019's and newer. I've driven both the 7.3 and the diesels without issue.

I have owned the 2010 F-250, the 2017 F-250, the 2019 F-250 and my current 2020 F-350 Lariat w/ the 7.3 (445CI) Godzilla motor/10 speed auto and the easiest and smoothest I've experienced is my current 2020 F-350. (Also had at work [now retired though] a 2009 F-350 dump, a 2011 F-250 pickup, a 2012 F-350 rack body dump, a 2013 F-250 pickup and a new 2020 F-350 dually w/ the 9' utility body and the 7.3L Godzilla motor/10 speed auto). My current 2020 F-350 Lariat is equipped with an electric-assist motor for the steering. If you look inside the front, driver's side wheel well, you will see a steel-colored unit in there that you (and I) may never have seen before. That's the electric-assist motor for the steering. Works VERY smoothly. Ironically, I too remember the steering on my 2017 F-250 being a little stiff and/or tight and/or odd-feeling, compared to my 2010 F-250. Then when I traded that truck in on my 2019 F-250, the steering was much better and had a better feel to it versus the 2017. And my 2020 has an even better feel to it.

Pretty close, the diesel is $10,495 and the 7.3 gas is $2,045 over the 6.2 gas. I am in Utah, the starting elevation was around 4,600' and topped out around 5,500 I believe. Thanks for watching and commenting!

@@EngineAdventures I thought it might be Utah...I've visited Utah every Summer since 2014 for the national parks and also ATV riding. Great state!

@@EngineAdventures $8k less! Gas engines also permit a greater payload than Diesels. The heavier Diesel and its beefier transmission reduced the rated payload of my 2017 F350 by 700 pounds. The delta will be less for the 7.3 because it uses the same transmission as the Diesel.

If you like the great outdoors there aren't many places with more options than here. Yeah it's always a struggle for me between the gas and diesel. I actually like the way a gas engine drives better than a diesel, especially in a manual transmission. Things are different now of course with diesels having way more torque, but also a lot more components and expensive repairs. True on the payload, a lot of companies will use gas engines for heavy payloads that aren't towing.

2000 for 7.3

Other people have done a little better than me with mid 15 averages empty, and I think for highway cruising you could get in the 17-18 range empty. I towed a lighter, but less aerodynamic trailer with the 2019 diesel and I was in the 11-12 mpg range. It will be better for sure, but maybe 50% better, not double. Maybe more people will post on here with their towing numbers to give us a bigger sample size.

I have a 2017 F350, single rear wheel, Diesel, 4x4, crew cab. So, my truck is pretty comparable in terms of overall size. I also have an older Chevy 3/4 ton gas pickup. It is hard to guesstimate mileage differences. One HUGE variable that is often ignored on fuel mileage is wind resistance - either from a bulky trailer box and/or driving at higher speeds. My guesstimate is that the mileage difference between Diesel and gas will typically be in the range of 25% to 30% except when lugging a heavy trailer up a steep grade. In that case, both will get really poor mileage. But that's where the difference could reach 50% The gas engine could drop to 4 mpg while the Diesel could get 50% better with a 'whopping' 6 mpg.

Yeah, the route starts in Utah valley and goes up through Heber valley.

Thanks! Go pro mounted to the roof of the truck looking back.

@@EngineAdventures Sounds better than screwing your head around backwards like an owl does.

William Havrilo 3:55

The axle ratio was 4.30. Thought I mentioned it in the video but maybe I cut that in editing. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Just got a f350 7.3 with 4.30s and IT is rated at 20400 5th wheel

@@stacimccarter531 What is the load capacity? I haul a truck camper so this is critical in my decision making process. I also tow a 16 ft. utility trailer with my Jeep loaded on board.

@@Harry-zz2oh so a single rear wheel with 17 inch wheels has a 10,800 pound max gvw and 18 inch wheels is 11,400. A dually is 14,500. A single rear wheel f350 with 7.3 and 4.30 gears will 5th wheel over 20k

This truck had the 4:30

Until I started looking for a replacement (upgrade from 2500 to one ton) I didn't know what a Lariat model is. I haven't looked at Fords since the late '70's, and a lot of things have changed especially the models on all the truck lines.

Interesting take. There is a big difference in how the two drive and I much preferred the Ford, but if it really is going to have issues then what good is a truck you can't drive? I wish I could long term test all these vehicles!

The 6.2 only gets the 6 speed

I think the lifter issue has already tainted GM's reputation pretty good.

4.3

I really did enjoy this one!

Not E85 capable yet, but it should be in the next year or so from what I've heard.

All great points. Most people don't pay attention to frontal area, but like you said it probably affects mpg more than weight. I keep going back and forth between gas and diesel. I'm planning to buy an HD truck in the next few years and my plan is to keep it forever. I don't want to deal with all the emissions equipment on the new diesels but the torque and fuel mileage are so much better with the diesel. Makes for a hard decision, but for me I think long term reliability will win out.

I have the Tremor with 430's and without a trailer the best I can do is 12 mpg and put my toy hauler on and any head wind , it EATS IT UP. Wish I had my diesel back.

4.30, can't believe I didn't put that in the opening description of the truck.

Perfect thank you!

I don't believe I have driven the Ram gas engine with the 8 speed, but yes it feels strong than both the Chevy 6.6 gas and Ram 6.4 both with 6 speeds. I've heard that the 8 speed made a pretty big difference in the Ram though. The Ford 7.3 is listed as having the most hp and torque and it comes on at very low RPM. It was very reminiscent of the old ram V10 and Ford 460.

Engine Adventures That warmed my heart when you mentioned the 460 lol I have found memories of that motor in our F-350.

I guess I should have thrown in the Chevy 8.1 as well. It's been a long time since we've had big displacement, low revving, high torque engines. They were the best to have when fuel was cheap and diesels hadn't advanced yet. I wish they would throw in a solid 6 speed manual transmission too!

Engine Adventures my brother has a F-250 with the 5.4 V8. But it’s manual has a low gear marked L on the shifter. Combine that gear with 4 Low and you don’t even have to touch the gas to climb some impressive hills lol

@@jarrodmcdaniel I'm actually planning to do a similar video at some point. With that kind of gearing you don't need down hill assist or crawl control.

Not something you see with the naked eye, just happens when the refresh rate of the screen lines up with the fps on the camera.

You're in luck, this one was less than $70k! Joking aside base models start in the mid 30's and the Limited diesel is close to $85k fully equipped.

Mine cost 46k. Super basic but it's for a farm

Can you and should you are 2 different things. 40ft is pretty long and might be beyond the weight ratings. If you're not towing far I think you'll be fine. If you're towing longer distances I recommend a dually, but the gas engine would still be fine.

Engine Adventures ah alright thank you. So the 7.3l really is a good engine for towing heh?

Yeah it's a strong engine, if you're towing regularly then a diesel would probably be better, but for the occasional tow the 7.3 with the 4.30 rear end is great. I would guess 15,000 pounds is comfortable and 18k would be pushing it. At least here in the Rocky Mountains.

You might check into and consider adding air bags to the rear suspension on a F-350 SRW instead of buying a F-350 DRW. Firestone, Air Lift and Hellwig all make air bags for rear suspensions. I admit.....I am biased to SRW trucks because the DRW trucks don't do very well in harsh mud and snow conditions. I would only consider a DRW truck if load, distance and frequency were factors.

Depends on what you're looking for. It's not unreasonable with the Gladiator getting close to that in cost

EGR, PCV, but you probably already know that. I have no idea about all the other stuff that looks like additional filters and pipes.

@@EngineAdventures yeah that's what I was wondering about.

Computers do so many great things and provide a lot of features that haven't been available in the past, but the longevity of such systems is definitely something to question!

That's true, but different gas engines will have different levels of engine braking. Nothing compared to an exhaust brake or a true compression release engine brake of course.

@@EngineAdventures Depends on the compression ratio and how well the exhaust will flow or in the case of engine braking how well the engine “breaths”.

@@Greataviator1 yup, which is why I test engine braking on gas engines

Comparably equipped diesels will cost roughly $8-9k more than the 7.3 gas. Adding a supercharger is $5k ish? At that point the diesel might be worth it. Of course there are many other factors involved that skew the decision.

DIRTLGND7 is it stock? I’ve been debating ordering one and putting the 2.5 Carly suspension on it and adding 37s and ordering it with 4.30 gearing

DIRTLGND7 7.3 f250 comes with 3.55 standard 4.30 optional f350 comes 3.73 standard 4.30 optional

@@EngineAdventures That's hilarious, I bought my ram 3500 diesel cab and chassis, 4x4 dually with the hybrid flat/utility bed I loved for $55,000. Anyone who spends $75,000 for a pickup is a fool. There is no justifying that, there is no diesel on the market that can outperform the one I bought.

@@ajs96350 If you're watching you can typically get over 10K off MSRP when buying a new truck. There are some pickup trucks with MSRP's of nearly 100k now, that's a lot of money for a work vehicle.

4.30

Thanks

A vehicle is a tool, get the right tool for the job, no need for overkill, that just wastes money!

Thanks for letting us know.

@@Icutmetal thanks for commenting

Better safe than sorry! Ford also lists the frontal area require for SAE requirements in their towing guide and many travel trailer exceed the square footage that was used for testing.

Get 4-12 towing! With the 7.3 gas or 6.7. Way more weight with the 6.7.

James, I have an 08 Dodge with the 6.7 Cummins diesel. It has never gotten much above 18 mpg. Of course I never deleted anything. Maybe if I did I would get better fuel mileage but it would cost me to have the work done. I've heard the Fed. EPA is looking to find vehicles which are deleted so they can fine the owner for deleting the emission control stuff, but that's hear-say. The one issue I've had with the diesel is it's getting harder to maintain and finding a good diesel mechanic is really a challenge.

It's actually 26 mpg at 50k lbs.

I didn't know that, I've had others that were much taller. This one had smaller tires and was definitely lower than the Limited diesel I had.

@@EngineAdventures I had a 2014 that came with 275/70r18 and it was pretty tall in stock form. I could have fitted 35" with little modification. The 2020 have been lowered quite a lot, something like 2.5'' if I remember correctly.

I believe the 2020 F-250 limited has 275/65R20s which is like 34" tall, but it wouldn't surprise me if they are getting lower. The trend seems to be getting bigger in nearly every way, but also lower to the ground. Of course the offroad trims are the exception.

@@EngineAdventures According to a couple of RU-vid channels, where they put the 2020 alongside the prior year's truck, Ford lowered the 2020 by about an inch. But, those larger tires on the limited will more than offset this reduction.

Cool, thanks for the info!

The final drive ratio does play a part in it, but there are lots of players. Diesel fuel has 10-15% more energy per gallon than gasoline. The high compression ratio also helps quite a bit. A numerically higher axle ratio doesn't always mean more fuel consumption either, especially under heavy loads as the engine won't have to work as hard. While there isn't certainly truth to what you're saying, the whole equation is much larger than that.

@@EngineAdventures To be clear, I didn't mean to imply you were being dishonest, simply that the stark divide between the two motors is an exaggeration fostered more by Ford marketing than reality. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 7.3L and I know I'm supposed to be dazzled by that 6.7... But I'm not.

@@project.jericho thanks for the input! You can also get the 3.73 ratio of you prefer better mileage but less towing and hailing capacity.

Diesel engines are much more efficient than gas engines, but they cost a significantly more. For those only towing occasionally and not towing super heavy, the gas engine might be worth it. Also I prefer the way a gas engine drives over a diesel engine. When towing though I almost always prefer a diesel!

My good friend has a 19 6.7 Diesel with a leveling kit and 35 and he barely gets 15 miles per gallon

Robert Chapman I am sure I could barely get 12 in my 19 6.7 diesel if I really tried!

Your 19 hwy and 13 towing are similar to my Cummins (3/4 ton SRW Ram) with 4.10 ratio. Unfortunately, at the current fuel prices, the break even point for the diesel is 133,000 miles IF nothing breaks. If an injector or the pump fail before 150,000 miles, then the diesel is/was a bad choice financially. The Cummins has a weak link in the preheat unit that if it fails it drops hardware directly into #2 or #3 cylinders and grenades the engine. I'm seriously considering the 7.3 because the days of cheap diesel are almost over and diesel trade values are better than they should be. I think Ford hit a home run with this 7.3 and 10 speed transmission.

Brian G C The gas 7.3 isn’t perfect either. Look up some failures of them or oil leaks by 50,000 miles .. you can easily get into good chunks of repair money down the road with them as well.

Working man here, just bought a 2020. Afford it just fine. Maybe work harder?

@@AK_Ray Le t me guess... you got a 76 month loan! If you bought at 75,000$ ford . it is obvious you do not WORK for a living.

@@buffalodiesel1809 it was $54k, I do construction, residential remodel and repair. I work my ass off and do everything on my own. I saved and was wise with my money, when I had $20k saved I got the pickup.

@@buffalodiesel1809 Well I figured it up , he put down 20g's so 34,000 left at 0% interest at 60 months would be 566 bucks a month , and I ain't seen anybody offering 0% interest as of late 😁

@@gd6349 Most of us are OK with a $600 truck payment for a 3/4 ton that will last a decade or more. You can always buy our used trades if you can't afford the payment for new. The real cause of these high prices is technology required by .gov and union wages demanded by the UAW. Ford's profits have not been outrageously high.

You can afford it!! Just finance for 10 years! Joking aside, I have a 2005 F150 FX4, 5.4 3valve extended cab, she’s got 195,000 miles on her and runs like champ!

Finance it and write it off as a business expense

D Hova ugh sounds like the advice of my CPA, which I wish I ignored. There are far better investments that still give you a tax write off than a depreciating $70,000 vehicle.

Looks like you are correct, they are the 275/65 R18's and are about 32" tall, but noticeably smaller than the optional tires with the 20" rims that are over 34" tall. Thanks!

Engine Adventures I figured I would image that they did that to help with towing going up 2 in would probably affect it quite a bit

Towing and fuel mileage, larger tires take more energy to get up to speed. There is a lot more to it than that, and it's not always true.

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3DMZfDWOT6k.html

Yeah, that's how it goes with gas engines. I prefer their simplicity over modern diesels (especially the emissions systems) but you can expect to get about 2/3-3/4 the fuel mileage of a diesel.

@@EngineAdventures I’m not on you and your choice of the 7.3 gas. I’ll I ever had is 85-97 crew cab duallys , 460 / auto. With single digit gas milage. That’s single digit milage ! My point is you don’t buy a work truck based off of the gas milage. So why are all these people asking? That’s what I don’t get.

Much of it is mandated by the government. Accounting for inflation the $40k price is roughly equivalent to the MSRP of a 30 year old truck. The difference is that the new truck has significantly more features, better fuel economy, lower emissions, higher safety standards, higher payload, higher towing capacities, probably longer lasting (except for all those darn computers), and more comfort. Yes I long for the days of a diesel engine truck that can have the battery removed once it's started and will keep running. All these computers in vehicles today often cut in and catch me off guard when I'm not expecting it. Land Rover is bragging that the new defender has 85 computers in it. I'm not sure that is something I would advertise quite yet. Computers are better than they have every been, but they also become outdated in 5-10 years.

base model trucks are readily available and are almost 1-1 with the price of base trucks from over the decades, and they give you MUCH better safety and crash protection, as well as some modern safety like Bluetooth phone connectivity for calling and daytime running lights

Only live once. Its money...paper. fuck it

But that 30 year truck is now $1000 on craigslist needs a couple hundred dollars in parts and a paint job. I like OBS Ford's just find a clean body and your good. At the rate of 30 year deflation the old trucks are a great buy.

I highly doubt that there will be a million mile club for the new 6.7, 7.3, 3.5eco..... which there is for some of the old engines. the 7.3 is a testament to how bad things have gotten for reliability and cost. They were the main reasons the 7.3 was created, so that fleets could buy a capable engine that wouldn't make them poor with the initial cost and maintenance. The old trucks that came with 5.9 Cummins and 7.3l powerstroke and 460s are still mostly on the road and many with very high miles. All of these new "features" create a maintenance nightmare and a necessity to purchase a new truck more often. Its BS! Engineered obselecents. Most of it is government overreach and it needs to be stopped....

Are you towing the whole time? I just had a Ram TRX with 700hp for a week and it got 10.5 mpg including a full day of aggressive offroading and running at the dunes.

That's empty

@@brianhague3678 crazy, that's old school Ram V10, Ford 460, and Chevy 8.1 kind of fuel mileage.

@@EngineAdventures No gas trucks run like the 1986 ford did

@@brianhague3678 nostalgia is a funny thing isn't it?

We love big vehicles with big engines in the US, but there are a lot of people who would like a 70 series Land Cruiser or a Y62 Patrol, a lot of people here are interested in the wide range of diesel engines you guys get over there. We have a 25 year import ban so we can't even bring one over if we wanted. The grass is always greener on the other side.

Engine Adventures My dream is that one day all nations on earth combine to build bridges to unite all of us together and at the same time all of us move over to the one side of the road. That way I could put my money in a box, take my passport, hook my trailer to my van and drive all the way from Melbourne to the United States to have a look around, then buy my engine and mosey on drive all the way back home. What a challenge. Wonderful world.

Engine Adventures I don’t believe it . I just cant believe it. The land of the great, cant buy a 70 series land cruiser. I just cant believe it. The greatest 4 WD on earth. Does that mean you don’t get the Hilux or the Workmate Ute as well. If so something is very wrong in America. Every farmer and their dog owns a Toyota Ute in Oz. They are expensive, close to 67,000AU but you cant kill it. It’s absolutely indestructible. I’m telling you, my dad had one of the old land cruisers, overbuilt and underpowered, like a tank. The good thing about them is, they don’t fall apart, no rattles, drive over corrugated dirt all day, no rattles. I just cant believe the American government has denied its people such a quality car. I’m just sick of them, cant have reliability and durability all the time, I miss the get up and GO of the American Big Block. Everything has its place. Toyota for work and US for having fun in.

Those 70 series are pretty awesome, but our diesel pickup trucks here are monsters. They can tow over 30,000 pounds now and they are massive! With huge crew cabs and 8 foot beds they are well over 20ft long. The engines last forever, but the trucks aren't 70 series reliable. At least from what I've heard, I have no first hand experience with a 70 series.

Engine Adventures True. I would love to have one factory RHD. We get them here but we got to get them converted. Their towing capacity is awesome 3 times more than the 70’s But it always boils back to the money. Our country hates powerful cars. It believes that we are like children and that we cant help ourselves. So anything good is taxed heavily and anything powerful is not allowed in, like the hellcat. Disappointing!

Sounds like it's constantly got a heavy load on it, wonder if the gas engine is actually cheaper than the diesel long term in that situation. I really like the new 7.3 I didn't like the 6.2 that much.

Ford had to many problems with the diesel. That’s why the company I work for will not buy them.

@@tonicetobegood1 Interesting, thanks for the note!

That's probably true of an empty truck but when towing there's no comparison between the gas and diesel.

No one can make a fuel efficient gasser, that's the point. People buy these to be reliable work horses, you can't expect to get good fuel mileage in a 6,500 pound truck with a 7.3 liter engine. I say go buy one.

You can purchase a lot of gas over time for the difference in inital price between Diesel and gas. GAS every time,.... now that the EPA has ruined the efficiencies with trumped-up emission requirements between the two !!

@@stutz1751 You can solve that problem by having the PS lose some weight.

@@judgeparker4236 At this stage of the game with Diesel and gas engines ( unless you are hauling horses to Texas ! ) the best way to lose some weight from a power stroke is to raise the hood, unscrew the radiator cap and drive a new gas 7.3 back under the radiator cap !! Problem solved !!

@@stutz1751 I suppose, if you like buying fuel. I prefer to lose weight another way and get 21mpg from a 6.7. That really solves the problem in a number of ways.

You are not shifting anything. It shifts itself. It's an automatic, not a manual transmission. If you can't put the gear selector in "D" and put your foot on the throttle, you probably should have someone drive you around.

Better go back to a Powerglide or consider an electric vehicle.

That's what I thought too, but it's all in how you choose your options and packages.

Yeah, but it is a ram by fiat and dodge...not a quality vehicle. This is a ford...a quality truck 😉🤙.

@@j.l.salayao8055 quality 🤣🤣 so much quality they had to come out with a gen 2 10 speed trans after a couple months of it being out because of failures...nice try tho

@@corylee2261 lol😁...That's why so far I am grateful with my current 17 f350 diesel bought new 3 years ago and now has 72,000 miles and only been to the dealer twice for alignment and stabilizer replacement. Before I bought my ford diesel i went to ram for a ram cummins but financing did not work out with them until I went to ford... I am happy with my ford but I like ram cummins as well...maybe in the future.

@@j.l.salayao8055 they all suck when they are broken...im on my 2nd ram and no issues either...yet lol

In 1970 diesel cost around $.15 a gallon in Colorado and gas cost a few cents more. Then some stations would have a "competition" so the prices would drop by 5 to 10 cents per gallon. I worked at a Standard Oil truck station and farmers would come in from 50 miles away and buy 1,000 gallons of fuel. Kept me hopping. I don't know what the prices of fuel were in 1959, but they were probably about the same or less. Now the average car & engine was only good for about 75,000 miles. Then it would fall apart. Trucks were a little better but not past 100,000 miles. Of course, you could rebuild the vehicles since you didn't have computers, soft tires (except on a Caddy). The quality really sucked on most vehicles. The Studebaker Company had great vehicles with good engines and very advanced styles but they couldn't compete with the budgets from the American Big 3.

So what should it be?

@@donwarner6925 Since this is 2020.... it should be at a minimum 20 mpg.... my Cummins diesel can and does achieve 25 mpg. It goes lower... depending on trailer weight. but that ford POS achieves 8.8 mpg when pulling an EMPTY Trailer. Sorry FORD as usually makes $$$$$ only on its reputation. If we need replacements... they will be Cummins..... just for fuel savings....and re-sale value.

@@buffalodiesel1809 These trucks get 17ish on the highway without a trailer. You can’t compare gas to diesel. The trailer wasn’t empty.

Trailer was 12,500 lbs.

Don't forget ram 8.0 V10 from 1995, 6 years before the 8.1. The 7.3 will out tow the 8.1, no comparison there. All the big gas engines died off due to diesels finally getting decent power in the early 2000's and increased EPA mandates.

Whatever you’ve got to tell yourself.

Ford's old V10 out towed all gas burners until the 7.3. I've been working in the RV industry for over 20 years and have driven them all. The Ford V10 was king, better at everything than the others. I saw a motorhome that had 270k miles on one and it still ran like new. Also saw a superduty with 550k on a v10, same thing, ran like new. They could get 20,000 lbs moving surprisingly well.

The ram V10 had a much more useable torque range, just make sure you don't get it with an automatic. Chevy's 8.1 with the Allison transmission was probably the fastest of the 3 when towing, but they seemed to burn fuel and oil like crazy. The Ford V10 was pretty good all around, not too many problems.

Thanks for the input! I've added the axle ratio to the description and I agree that I should have mentioned it at the beginning of the video. I usually shoot two videos in one day and I did mention the 4.30 axle ratio a couple times in the other video, but clearly spaced it on this one.

Hideous opinion.

It is terrible that the cams and lifters delaminate, but it should be something they can fix pretty quickly.