Hello
I have been looking to get my first diesel, looking at 99 and up Crew Cab's and a few Excursions with miles from 180K to 240K (my price range). It won't be my daily driver but it will be occassionally driven empty to work and mainly for towing duties for my boat and travel trailer which weigh 8K and 9K loaded. I am looking for a crew cab 4x4, SRW with stock tires/rims (or Excursion). I have read the 6.0 makes more power (stock) than the 7.3L, runs cleaner and can get better mileage. I am reading about the problems some have with the coolant, cast sanding, oil cooler, EGR cooler and am debating if I am ready for the increased attention this motors sometimes needs but I do like the 5 speed transmission. I was wondering what kind of mileage can I expect empty doing 65 mph on the highway (cruise control) to see if the empty mileage can justify me getting rid of my current suv which can free up more money for purchase or upgrades. Is it realistic to get 18-20 mpg? If not stock what can be done to increase the efficiency or get better economy?

 

you probably wont see that even tuned and with egr and cat delete. i get 15 and it seems to be about the normal 6.0l mileage. Well at least what me and about 5 of my friends get. even my bud with his dually gets about 15mpg. Loaded or not. I got 14 loaded with 3k including the car trailer and engine/trans on it.

 

Empty on the HWY @65 mph 18-20 is a possibility but to get there it's not cheap.
Aside from all additional mods, supporting mods, and stud work it gets expensive fast. IF you can find a modded/studded truck that would be your best bet. I doubt you will find a 5-speed manual in a Excursion. Technically our trucks use a 6spd auto transmission but that is another topic.

Your post jumps around between towing and driving empty so its hard to answer your question.

 

bone stock f250 4x4 and im getting about 14.5 to in town. 16 on the highway

 

Drove 39 hours

On my 6000 mile trip last month i got 18 mpg constant

Went to British Columbia Island from Toronto Ontario

was happy with the MPG

 

I get 15 or so on 35's, hot race tune, EGR delete, stock 3.73 gearing, supercab short bed.

Though, when the vegistroke is running... 100 mpg + on diesel is the norm :o)

HeavyAssault, I'm assuming he meant 5 speed auto (which we know is actually 6 speeds) otherwise he probably would have said 6 speed, since that's what they came with right? Never seen a 5 speed in them.... ZF6.

 

The post doesn't read as clear as I would like....

Since I don't own a manual I was thinking 5spd stick was his idea.

 

13- city
16- I-76
10-Plowing

 

No kidding, I just re-read what I posted and confused myself even.

 

Yep...time to quit while I'm ahead.....I think.....