How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Ford F-550 diesel get?

The typical real-world fuel economy for a 2005 Ford F-550 diesel sits in the low-teens miles per gallon combined, with wide variation based on payload, drivetrain, and driving conditions.

The 2005 Ford F-550 is a heavy-duty, work-oriented truck designed for hauling and towing. Because buyers could choose different upfits, transmissions, axles, and drive configurations, there isn’t a single official EPA mpg figure for all models. This article lays out realistic ranges, the main factors that influence efficiency, and practical tips for estimating and improving fuel economy.

Typical MPG ranges for the 2005 F-550

These ranges reflect common configurations reported by owners and dealers. Actual mileage depends heavily on payload, towing, and drivetrain specifics.

• Unladen highway driving (2WD, light load): 15–18 mpg


• Mixed driving with standard payload: 12–16 mpg


• Heavily loaded or towing: 8–12 mpg

Note that real-world results can fall outside these ranges based on vehicle condition, maintenance, and how aggressively the vehicle is driven.

Official ratings and how to gauge your truck

There is no single, official EPA city/highway mpg figure published for most 2005 F-550 configurations. Heavy-duty trucks in this class were not always tested and rated the same way as lighter passenger cars, so owners typically rely on on-vehicle tests, fleet data, or anecdotal reports to gauge fuel economy.

Factors that influence mpg

Understanding the main variables helps you estimate fuel costs and set realistic expectations for your specific build.

Engine and powertrain

Most 2005 F-550 diesels used Ford’s 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8. Engine condition, fuel system health (notably injectors and EGR), and any aftermarket tuning can significantly affect efficiency. Transmission type (automatic vs manual) and how aggressively you accelerate also play a role.

• 6.0L Power Stroke health and maintenance


• Transmission type and shift efficiency


• Turbocharger and related emissions systems status

Maintenance and proper operation can help you approach the higher end of the ranges when the truck is well-tuned and not carrying excessive weight.

Payload, weight, and towing

Fuel economy declines as payload or towing increases. A fully loaded flatbed, service body, or dump bed adds weight and aerodynamic drag, which lowers mpg significantly compared with an empty or lightly loaded vehicle.

• Payload level


• Towing weight and trailer aerodynamics


• Aerodynamic drag from upfits and equipment

Even small changes in load can meaningfully impact mpg on a heavy-duty truck like the F-550.

Maintenance and tires

Wheel alignment, tire type and pressure, and regular maintenance influence efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, and worn components can reduce efficiency.

• Tire size and pressure


• Brake drag and drivetrain condition


• Air filter, fuel system cleaning, and general tune-ups

Keeping the vehicle in good mechanical shape helps you realize more of the expected mpg range.

Tips to maximize mpg

Small, practical steps can push fuel economy higher, especially when the truck is used in highway cruising or light-duty roles.

• Maintain correct tire pressure and consider tires with lower rolling resistance if appropriate for the load


• Reduce unnecessary weight and remove nonessential upfits when not needed


• Plan routes to minimize idle time and optimize highway cruising with steady speeds


• Use cruise control on stable highways to maintain consistent speed


• Follow a regular maintenance schedule (oil, filters, EGR, injectors) to keep engines efficient

These practices can help you approach the upper end of the typical ranges, especially when the truck is lighter and driven on highways.

Summary

A 2005 Ford F-550 diesel does not have a single, universal mpg figure due to its heavy-duty, configurable nature. Real-world fuel economy generally falls in the low-teens to mid-teens mpg range, with higher highway numbers possible when the vehicle is unloaded and driven efficiently, and lower numbers when carrying payload or towing. For anyone evaluating a used F-550, focus on your specific configuration (drive, axle ratio, payload, and upfit) and track real-world fuel use from your own or similar fleets to set accurate expectations.

Is the 2005 F250 diesel a good truck?

A 2005 Ford F-250 diesel can be a good truck for its power and towing capability, but it is often considered a high-risk purchase due to the problematic 6.0L Power Stroke engine, which is prone to expensive failures. While the truck offers a powerful and smooth engine when running correctly, and a comfortable, spacious cabin, potential buyers should be aware of the significant risk of issues with the engine's oil cooler, EGR cooler, head gaskets, and injectors. 
Pros

• Powerful and capable: Praised for strong performance, power, and excellent towing capacity. 
• Spacious interior: Offers a comfortable and large cabin for both front and rear passengers. 
• Good for heavy work: It is a true workhorse, well-suited for towing and hauling heavy loads. 
• Smooth ride (when working well): The diesel engine can be smooth and quiet when problems are not present. 

Cons

• Engine issues: The 6.0L Power Stroke engine is known for several common and expensive problems, including failures in the oil and EGR coolers, head gaskets, and fuel injectors. 
• High maintenance costs: Repairs for the 6.0L engine can be very costly, with some owners citing significant repair bills. 
• Fuel economy: As with many heavy-duty trucks, fuel economy is poor, especially when not towing. 
• Stiff ride: The ride can be stiff and bumpy, especially compared to lighter-duty trucks. 

Recommendation
A 2005 Ford F-250 diesel is a risky buy unless it has a documented history of being professionally "bulletproofed" to address the known engine issues. If you are considering purchasing one, you should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic familiar with these trucks to identify any potential or existing problems. Be prepared for the possibility of major repairs.

How many mpg does a 2005 6.0 Power Stroke get?

2005 F-250 6.0 4x4 Regular Cab / Long Bed / Single Rear Wheel with a stock cat, MBRP tube, 2" level, and 275/70R18 BFG KO2s with a canned SCT 65hp tune and an EGR delete gets 14-15mpg in town and I've hit 18.5 running unloaded between 55mph and 70mph for 330 miles in about 40*F weather.

What is the mpg on a 6.0 Power Stroke?

A 6.0 Powerstroke typically gets between 12 and 19 mpg, depending heavily on driving conditions, modifications, and the vehicle's specific setup. Highway driving will yield higher mileage, sometimes reaching 18-19 mpg, while city or heavy towing will be lower, potentially dropping to 12-15 mpg or less. 
Factors that affect 6.0 Powerstroke MPG

• Driving style: Aggressive driving or high-speed highway cruising will decrease fuel economy. 
• Modifications: Upgrades like an EGR delete, custom tunes, or intake/exhaust improvements can affect mileage. 
• Towing and load: Towing a heavy load will significantly reduce MPG compared to an unloaded truck. 
• Vehicle maintenance: Proper maintenance, such as using fresh fuel filters, is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency. 
• Tire pressure: Keeping tires properly inflated can help improve mileage. 
• City vs. highway: Mixed city and highway driving will result in lower average MPG compared to mostly highway driving. 

How many miles per gallon does a Ford f550 diesel get?

An F-550 diesel's MPG varies significantly based on factors like the engine, drivetrain, and usage, but generally ranges from 7.8 to 14.8 mpg for heavy-duty work, with unloaded highway driving sometimes reaching up to 20 mpg. The specific configuration, especially the axle ratio and how the vehicle is used (towing vs. unloaded), dramatically impacts fuel economy. 
This video compares the fuel economy of a Ford F-550 and a RAM 3500: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Oct 1, 2025
Factors affecting MPG

• Axle ratio: Trucks geared for heavy towing (like a 4.88 ratio) will have lower MPG when unloaded compared to trucks with higher gears, but will perform better when towing. 
• Driving conditions: Heavy city driving, hills, and wind will all decrease fuel economy. 
• Load and use: An unloaded F-550 will get better mileage than a truck used for hauling or towing heavy loads. 
• Maintenance: Proper maintenance can help improve fuel efficiency. 
• Engine: While some older models might have lower mileage, newer 6.7L Power Stroke engines tend to get better mileage. 

Real-world examples

• An unloaded 2019 F-550 with the 6.7L engine averaged around 13 mpg, according to the dash. 
• A 2017 F-550 with a heavy-duty axle ratio (4.88) got about 12 mpg unloaded on the highway. 
• A dump truck F-550 with 4.88 or 5.xx gears got a little over 10 mpg unloaded on the freeway. 

You can watch this video to see a real-world test of a 2017 F-550's fuel mileage: 53sworkplaytvYouTube · Nov 29, 2018
Important considerations

• Prioritize your needs: If you plan to haul heavy loads, you will sacrifice some fuel efficiency. Choose a truck with gearing appropriate for your typical use. 
• Be realistic: An F-550 is a heavy-duty truck and is not designed for fuel economy. Expect lower MPG than a smaller truck, especially when towing. 
• Check your MPG: Your truck's onboard computer may not be completely accurate, so track your fuel economy over a few tanks of gas to get a more precise average.