26 replies to this topic

[mac]

Hey there, I'm new to the forum and an looking for some accumulated wisdom. I'm looking at an upgrade from my f150 4x4 to a 250 to carry a pop-up and am wondering what type of mileage I might expect. It has the 5.4 L with a 6-spd manual and a 3.73 rear end. My 150 has the 302 and I just don't know if it will do the job.

[the fisherman]

Hey there, I'm new to the forum and an looking for some accumulated wisdom. I'm looking at an upgrade from my f150 4x4 to a 250 to carry a pop-up and am wondering what type of mileage I might expect. It has the 5.4 L with a 6-spd manual and a 3.73 rear end. My 150 has the 302 and I just don't know if it will do the job.

Well Mac, I had an F150 with a 302 motor, it was a 93. I can't say I wasn't warned, that motor should have never been put in a truck, zero power and torque, and it had to work so hard it didn't get as good a milage as a 351. I hated that truck. If you're going to mount a camper you need a 3/4 ton truck, one with a 7.3 sort of like the TOW MISSLE. You won't have to ask the forum what kind of helper springs or airbags you need, and you won't be driving around over gross like almost everybody else.I hope this helps.

[marc]

Like Jon said, buy a truck that is built to carry a load. I have a F350 diesle 4x4 and carry my camper full time and it is always ready to roll. My mileage is 12-13 city and 14-17 hwy.

marc

[RonSchon]

Mac,

I have a 2004 Dodge 2500 Hemi. I had it for about 20,000 miles before getting my Hawk. My trip computer usually ran at 15.1 mpg. This is mostly highway, but before I get to the highway, I go through 22 stoplights. So it's a fair mix I guess. Anyway, since I added the Hawk a few months ago - it's never been off - about 10,000 miles I guess, my MPG is at 12.8. So I guess in my experience, that's the cost - about 2.3 mpg.

As Fish and Marc posted - you'll never be disappointed with a diesel. For me personally - I'm very happy with my gasser, but if I were towing something to boot - I'd choose a fryer.

I'm really excited about the Ford 4.4 in 2010... My Dodger will be 6 years old and well paid for next year, and I'm going to be at the dealership for the first arrivals. If I can smell bacon, I'm buying it.

[Phird05]

Oh you guys and your big trucks! I have a 2008 F-150 with a 5.4L and it has plenty of power for my camper. I installed airbags myself and changed over to E load range tires and couldn't be happier. I get between 15 and 16mpg depending on where I am driving, and that is with occasional A/C on. I agree, more truck may be better but certainly is not mandatory.

Gee, I wonder what I have started here?

Good camping,

Paul

[mac]

Oh you guys and your big trucks! I have a 2008 F-150 with a 5.4L and it has plenty of power for my camper. I installed airbags myself and changed over to E load range tires and couldn't be happier. I get between 15 and 16mpg depending on where I am driving, and that is with occasional A/C on. I agree, more truck may be better but certainly is not mandatory.

Gee, I wonder what I have started here?

Good camping,

Paul

Thanks all for the input, I know the 302 is minimal but was looking at a ATC pop-up with not too many goodies to keep the weight down as it will be mostly a fishin rig for just me. Camper or camper plus truck, that is the question.

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Thanks all for the input, I know the 302 is minimal but was looking at a ATC pop-up with not too many goodies to keep the weight down as it will be mostly a fishin rig for just me. Camper or camper plus truck, that is the question.

The fuel consumption and power is not just reduced by the weight of the camper... it is also affected by the increased frontal area of the camper. Granted, it is better with our low profile campers than a hardsided unit, but still a consideration.

I think I go from avg of 19 mpg without the camper to about 17 with the camper with the Cummins.

Kyle

[Stan@FourWheel]

I used to have a 1989 Ford F-150, Ext. Cab, Long Bed, 2x4 with the 302 motor.

I carried a Grandby Model around on it for a couple of years.

I used the stock tires and the stock suspension, and it did alright.

It would have drove better if I added good tires & a set of over-load springs.

The motor and truck was very reliable, BUT it was a gutless wonder !!

The truck empty got around 12 mpg, and with the camper on the truck got about 10 mpg -- no power !

Did it work ? Yes. So if you are on a budget, it would be just fine.

But just don't expect to win any races or get good gas mileage.


I then got a 1997 Ford F-150 with the 4.6L engine.

That was better, mileage was much better, quickness was much better, but the struck still lacked power.


I now have a 2000 Ford F-150 with the 5.4L and I added dual exaust (from the catalytic converters, back), and the K&N air filter system.

WOW !! 100% faster and WAY more power than either of the last trucks.

I usually get about 14 mpg empty, and about 12 mpg with the Grandby on my newer Ford, but the truck still gets up and moves anytime I want it too.

Very happy with it.


This all said ....

If I could justify the extra cost or afford a Ford F-250, I would go out any buy one today !!!

The 3/4 ton trucks are IDEAL for carrying a camper around.


hope this helps.




.

[robojeeper]

I run a 04 2500HD Sierra with 6.0 and 4.10 diff. I get 11/12mpg with camper on and 15/16mpg without camper.when climbing up the mountains I will get only 3to4mph but get 25to30mpg coming back down the mountain Ha Ha!

[ScottBailey]

Seems like simplest/cheapest is to try the camper on the existing truck. Upgrade if it isn't enough.

I think a gas F250 (like DD's) is the way to go. Less power than the diesel, but a lot less weight, too.

That said, I'm intending to buy diesel from here on out.

SB