How many miles will a Ford F350 last?
Most Ford F-350s will last well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, and many reach 300,000–400,000 miles. Diesel-powered F-350s often extend beyond that, commonly 400,000–600,000 miles or more, depending on care and usage.
To understand how long an F-350 lasts, it matters which engine it has (gasoline vs diesel), how it's used (daily driver vs heavy towing), and how consistently maintenance tasks are performed. This article explains typical lifespans for different powertrains and provides tips to maximize longevity, along with real-world notes from owners and fleets.
What determines a Ford F-350’s lifespan
Several factors influence longevity: engine type, maintenance schedule, towing load, driving conditions, climate, and how proactively worn parts are replaced. Heavy-duty use, such as frequent towing or work-site transport, can shorten intervals if not managed carefully, while diligent upkeep can push mileage higher.
Lifespan by drivetrain
Gasoline F-350
Gas-powered F-350s (such as 6.2L V8 or the newer 7.3L Godzilla) are robust but generally have shorter lifespans than diesels. With conscientious maintenance, you can expect typical life around 200,000–300,000 miles, and many reach 350,000–400,000 miles under favorable conditions. Extreme towing or irregular service can reduce that figure.
Diesel F-350
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is built for durability and high torque. With regular maintenance, many owners report 400,000–600,000 miles, with some well-documented examples exceeding 700,000 miles. The diesel’s longevity is often limited more by components like the transmission or turbo once wear accumulates, rather than the engine itself.
Real-world perspective
Fleet data and owner anecdotes consistently show that longevity hinges on maintenance discipline and usage. Routine oil changes, coolant system care, timely fuel-system service, and adherence to service intervals are repeatedly cited as the biggest factors in achieving high mileage. Diesel variants tend to accumulate miles more reliably when kept on top of injector, turbo and exhaust-system maintenance.
Tips to maximize lifespan
Below is a practical set of maintenance priorities to help maximize the F-350’s service life. Keeping these practices can push mileage higher and reduce unexpected repairs.
- Follow Ford's maintenance schedule for oil changes, filters, and inspections. Use recommended fluids and consider synthetic oil for heavy-use scenarios; adhere to the interval guidelines, especially if towing.
- Maintain the cooling system to prevent overheating, which is especially important when hauling loads or in hot climates. Regularly check the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and coolant quality.
- Serve the transmission and drivetrain with timely fluid changes and inspections. Address slipping, hard shifts, or unusual noises promptly to avoid downstream damage.
- Inspect belts, hoses, and wear-prone components regularly. Replace worn items before they fail to prevent cascading issues.
- Protect the frame, suspension, and brake systems from rust and excessive wear, particularly on older trucks or those exposed to salted roads and harsh winters.
Adhering to these practices won’t guarantee a specific mileage, but they strongly influence the odds of reaching high-mileage milestones. Real-world results vary with terrain, climate, and how much the truck is used for work.
What buyers should consider about longevity
When shopping for a used F-350, review maintenance records, choose the engine that aligns with your needs (diesel for heavy towing and long-haul use, gas for lighter load duties), and inspect for signs of heavy towing wear, rust, and frame integrity. A diesel with documented timely maintenance often represents the best long-term value for high-mileage use.
Bottom line
With proper care, a Ford F-350 is built to endure a long service life. Gas models typically reach 200,000–300,000 miles, with many hitting 350,000–400,000 miles under favorable conditions. Diesel models commonly reach 400,000–600,000 miles, and some exceptional examples surpass 700,000 miles. The key is disciplined maintenance and mindful usage.
Summary
The durability of a Ford F-350 depends on engine type, maintenance, and usage. Diesel-powered trucks generally outlast their gasoline counterparts, but all heavy-duty F-350s can deliver high mileage when cared for properly. Regular maintenance, proactive replacement of wear items, and careful driving are the cornerstone strategies for maximizing lifespan.
