F-250 vs 2500 HD gas

[Duwop]

Thank you it is really nice but I do have concerns about some of the options because I had a loaded F150 back in the late 80's and had problems with power window controls. I would add that at this point I haven't purchased the extended warranty but probably will near end of 3 yr bumper to bumper. It seems that after such a larger price point it would be a good idea to get it to avoid expensive repairs.

I will have to get back with you after I research this. All gas contains ethanol most pumps say fuel contains 10% ethanol E 85 is 15%

 

[Copperhead]

No... E85 is 85% ethanol, or at least 70% during winter months. And not all gas contains ethanol. It depends on where you live and your state/local regulations. I live in ethanol central here in Iowa, surrounded by 46 ethanol plants, and I can get ethanol free regular or Premium any time I want, year round. My choices are E0, E10, E15, E20, E30, and E85. If one cannot get ethanol free gas, the blame rests on your state and local government. If it were all about some corn lobby conspiracy, then you couldn't find a drop of ethanol free in the state of Iowa, as agriculture is the 400 lb guerrilla at the state capitol. Yet, we have ethanol free any time we want it. Most folks just go ahead and use the ethanol stuff on their own, as it is cheaper and we have been using it since the early 80's with no issues.

 

[Copperhead]

I see several always asking about real mileage on these trucks, really if you can spend 50k for one of theses trucks, we aren't thinking how much we can save in mileage.

Well, I spent $120K for my semi truck and I sure think about fuel economy, as it is the largest cost I have to operate the truck. I take fuel economy into consideration on every vehicle I own and try to get the best economy I can out of each one. I go thru over 20,000 gallons of diesel a year, so I am very concerned with fuel economy. A simple 1/10th fuel economy improvement nets me an extra $800 in my back pocket in a year. Figure how one full mpg improvement would make a difference. That is why I spec'd my semi truck and operate it so that it gets 20% better fuel economy than the trucking sector average while pulling the same gross weight average. To not think about fuel economy is just stupid. Even multi millionaires who own large corporations think about these things with their fleets, be it cars, pickups, or large trucks.

I have always thought that folks are disappointed with the fuel economy they get, so instead of actually trying to deal with it, they blow it off and say it means nothing. Not a whole lot different than what we said in Vietnam when we would dismiss bad situations.. "it don't mean nothin, not a thing".

 

[Poke]

A set of new Ford injectors is 2 X $770 plus labour and incidentals.
A new Chev 5.3 long block new everything from oil pan to manifold isn't far off.

And this pertains to what? You can't get the 5.3 in a 3/4 ton...

 

[Duwop]

Greenpower, the owners manual says not to fuel with any fuel containing more than 15% ethanol.


Copperhead thanks for the ethanol schooling and I get your point about cost and expense but your in business. That is different as I'm retired and drive less than 10k per year give or take years. I ran my personal affairs in a business like manner for years and that is how and why I got to this point. I still maintain a tight ship financially with exception to this purchase. I would also say that if I were still working and raising a family this would not have been my choice for a daily driver.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Maybe this is a ignorant question???

I've always heard/assumed that non-ethanol gas yields about 10% better efficiency. I read earlier in this thread(?) someone with a 2500, pretty much the same as mine, was getting much better mpg. I burn nothing but non-ethanol fuel in my cars/trucks.

Sooooooo .... given that my 2500 is rated for e10 and/or e85 .... is it possible I would get better mpg burning that JUNK?

 

[TomSeller]

Well, I spent $120K for my semi truck and I sure think about fuel economy, as it is the largest cost I have to operate the truck. I take fuel economy into consideration on every vehicle I own and try to get the best economy I can out of each one. I go thru over 20,000 gallons of diesel a year, so I am very concerned with fuel economy. A simple 1/10th fuel economy improvement nets me an extra $800 in my back pocket in a year. Figure how one full mpg improvement would make a difference. That is why I spec'd my semi truck and operate it so that it gets 20% better fuel economy than the trucking sector average while pulling the same gross weight average. To not think about fuel economy is just stupid. Even multi millionaires who own large corporations think about these things with their fleets, be it cars, pickups, or large trucks.

I have always thought that folks are disappointed with the fuel economy they get, so instead of actually trying to deal with it, they blow it off and say it means nothing. Not a whole lot different than what we said in Vietnam when we would dismiss bad situations.. "it don't mean nothin, not a thing".

What mileage do you get if you don't mind me asking. $120K for a real truck and $84K for a pickup. Amazing.

 

[HHR]

Maybe this is a ignorant question??? I've always heard/assumed that non-ethanol gas yields about 10% better efficiency. I read earlier in this thread(?) someone with a 2500, pretty much the same as mine, was getting much better mpg. I burn nothing but non-ethanol fuel in my cars/trucks. Sooooooo .... given that my 2500 is rated for e10 and/or e85 .... is it possible I would get better mpg burning that JUNK?

I think it depends on the vehicle and how well it can adjust for the different fuel types. I've heard of E30 being a good ratio that has actually increased mileage on some vehicles. I owned a Chevy Impala that was "Flex-Fuel", but never found a station that was selling E85 cheap enough to justify trying the stuff. I've tested the ethanol content in E10 gas at a couple local stations and the actual percentage was 8,5%

 

[KiotiKowboy]

I think I may have a seizure pumping ethanol into my new truck - but, I may run a tank or two just to see what happens.

 

[MossRoad]

Maybe this is a ignorant question???

I've always heard/assumed that non-ethanol gas yields about 10% better efficiency. I read earlier in this thread(?) someone with a 2500, pretty much the same as mine, was getting much better mpg. I burn nothing but non-ethanol fuel in my cars/trucks.

Sooooooo .... given that my 2500 is rated for e10 and/or e85 .... is it possible I would get better mpg burning that JUNK?

On our 2013 Impala (e85 capable car) there is a sensor that determines the amount of alcohol in the fuel and adjusts the computer accordingly. I'm guessing your Chevy is similar. Anyhow, we started getting messages about "water detected in fuel". We bought it used, but have never run anything more than 10% ethanol. Anyhow, the sensor was faulty and replaced under warranty, or it would have cost us $650.

As for better MPG with e85? NO! And for overall cost savings? NO! Regular gas VS e85.... here's an unscientific study that shows e85 economy more than 25% WORSE than regular gas.

E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test

 

[MossRoad]

I think I may have a seizure pumping ethanol into my new truck - but, I may run a tank or two just to see what happens.

Just say "No!" :laughing:

 

[KiotiKowboy]

As for better MPG with e85? NO! And for overall cost savings? NO! Regular gas VS e85.... here's an unscientific study that shows e85 economy more than 25% WORSE than regular gas.

Can't say I'm surprised with the E85 result. Not sure I can even find E85 if I wanted to test it myself. I'm still curious to see if regular ethanol would do any better. Got any links on that? Or do I have to search it myself? LOL

 

[MossRoad]

Can't say I'm surprised with the E85 result. Not sure I can even find E85 if I wanted to test it myself. I'm still curious to see if regular ethanol would do any better. Got any links on that? Or do I have to search it myself? LOL

Hee hee! Oh, I may have to move a mouse and type "e10 vs regular gas" and hit that huge ENTER key....

 

[KiotiKowboy]

LOL - Already checked it out. Looks like one can expect a 5% reduction in mpg using regular ethanol.

This takes me back to post #17. How is he getting about 2 mpg better - running ethanol? I drive this thing with a very light foot.

 

[TomSeller]

This takes me back to post #17. How is he getting about 2 mpg better - running ethanol?.

Let's just say it would be a miracle.

Or it would be a paid for "study" from the ethanol industry which has nothing do with factual information.

 

[RollTideRam]

LOL - Already checked it out. Looks like one can expect a 5% reduction in mpg using regular ethanol.

This takes me back to post #17. How is he getting about 2 mpg better - running ethanol? I drive this thing with a very light foot.

You mentioned you put on different wheels when you got your truck. Are you still running stock size tires? Bigger tires will make an uncorrected odometer read wrong, and give you a different final drive ratio. Maybe your trucks are geared different also.

 

[MossRoad]

LOL - Already checked it out. Looks like one can expect a 5% reduction in mpg using regular ethanol.

This takes me back to post #17. How is he getting about 2 mpg better - running ethanol? I drive this thing with a very light foot.

Your tires look like my turf tires.... are you both using the same tires with the same inflation? How much do each of you weigh. What's the prevailing wind in your areas? Do you drive 5 miles to school each day, and it was uphill both ways?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think I may have a seizure pumping ethanol into my new truck - but, I may run a tank or two just to see what happens.

We did a test with my F150 and my Copilot Yukon. We both dropped from 18ish to 11 mpg. It cost more per mile on corn crap.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

LOL - Already checked it out. Looks like one can expect a 5% reduction in mpg using regular ethanol.

This takes me back to post #17. How is he getting about 2 mpg better - running ethanol? I drive this thing with a very light foot.

Don't beat it up but drive it fun. Use the torque to get you up to speed quickly then cruise. Doing this I get slightly better millage vs driving like a grandpa.

Chris

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Same gears. My tires are 33, which is a step up from the factory which I think was either 31.5 or 32. It does alter the speed/odo a little. Seems it was about 3% when I figured out the speed error. I guess I really need to do a manual check, since the computer will also be off a tad.