How many miles per gallon does a 2006 Ford f550 diesel get?

In typical use, a 2006 Ford F-550 with a diesel engine averages about 10–12 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Highway figures can reach 12–14 mpg when not towing heavy loads, but payload and towing duties will lower efficiency considerably.

Powertrain and configuration

Most 2006 F-550 diesels used Ford's 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, paired with heavy-duty transmissions. The engine produced about 325 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, and the F-550's dual rear wheels and heavy-duty frame made it a capable towing/payload vehicle. Those features, however, add weight and aerodynamic penalties that impact fuel economy.

Engine specifications

The diesel option was the 6.0L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel delivering roughly 325 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The F-550 used a reinforced chassis and often came with dual rear wheels, configurations that maximize payload and towing capacity but can reduce miles-per-gallon relative to lighter-duty trucks.

Real-World MPG and What Affects It

Fuel economy for the F-550 diesel is not a one-size-fits-all figure; it depends on payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. The following factors commonly influence mpg for this truck:

• Payload and towing weights


• Terrain and altitude (hills and mountains reduce fuel economy)


• Driving speed and acceleration patterns


• Engine and turbo condition, soot buildup, and maintenance history


• Tire type, size, and inflation (rolling resistance)


• Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4x4, axle ratios)


• Aerodynamics and bed load (cargo, racks, add-ons)


• Fuel quality and fuel system cleanliness

In general, owners report roughly 9–12 mpg combined in typical day-to-day use, with highway-only mileage often in the 12–14 mpg range when the vehicle is lightly loaded or unladen. Towing and heavy payload commonly drop mpg further into the low teens or single digits depending on severity.

Tips to Maximize MPG

Implement these practical steps to improve efficiency where possible. These strategies focus on maintenance, driving habits, and weight reduction.

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and check for even wear.


• Perform regular maintenance: change oil and fuel filters on schedule, replace air filters, and ensure injectors and turbo are functioning properly.


• Use high-quality diesel and avoid contaminated fuel or fuel with excessive sulfur content.


• Reduce payload when possible; remove unnecessary racks or equipment when not needed for work.


• Plan routes to minimize idling; use cruise control on long highway legs where appropriate.


• When towing, employ towing/haul mode and use trailer brakes to reduce strain on the engine.


• Lighten gear on the roof or add aerodynamic improvements to reduce drag.


• Maintain proper wheel alignment and minimize rolling resistance (tires, bearings).

Taking these steps won't turn a heavy-duty diesel into a compact car, but they can help make the most of every gallon on the road.

Notes on data and sources

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2006 Ford F-550 diesel were not published as a standard car-like combined figure. Real-world mileage varies by configuration—engine condition, towing, payload, weight of equipment, and driving style. The figures cited above reflect typical owner and fleet experiences and general estimates from automotive reference resources and forums.

Summary

The 2006 Ford F-550 diesel generally delivers around 10–12 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway-only efficiency often in the 12–14 mpg range when lightly loaded. Real-world results vary widely based on payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. For buyers or owners, this means planning around a broad range of mpg and focusing on maintenance and driving practices to maximize efficiency.

How many miles per gallon does a 2006 6.0 Power Stroke get?

A 2006 6.0L Powerstroke's fuel economy typically ranges from 14 to 19 mpg, with highway driving yielding the higher end of this range, especially when driven at 55-70 mph. Factors like driving conditions (city vs. highway), driving speed, and whether the truck has been "deleted" or tuned significantly impact the actual mileage. 
You can watch this video to see a 2006 6.0 Powerstroke's fuel mileage while hauling mulch: 35sRC Guy GarageYouTube · Aug 31, 2018
Factors affecting MPG

• Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds (above 75 mph) will lower your mileage. 
• Modifications: Removing emissions equipment ("deleting") and adding a performance "tune" can improve mileage. Some tuners claim to achieve up to 23-25 mpg on the highway, but this is an optimistic estimate. 
• Towing: Towing a heavy load, such as a travel trailer, will significantly decrease fuel economy, potentially to around 10-10.5 mpg. 
• Maintenance: A well-maintained truck will generally perform better than one with known issues. The 6.0L Powerstroke is known for having potential failure points, and addressing these can improve efficiency. 

Typical mileage examples

• Mixed city/highway: Expect around 16-17 mpg. 
• Mostly highway (55-70 mph): 18-19 mpg is a reasonable expectation for an unloaded truck. 
• Highway (75+ mph): Mileage can drop to 16 mpg or lower. 

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 big is the fuel tank on a 2006 Ford F550?

The 2000-2010 Ford F350, F450 & F550 Cab and Chassis trucks are equipped with an after-axle 40 gallon fuel tank.

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.