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What is the gas mileage on a 2011 Ford f450?

In short, a 2011 Ford F-450 with a gasoline engine typically returns about 8–12 miles per gallon (mpg) in mixed driving, with highway mileage usually higher and city driving lower, and significantly worse numbers when towing or hauling heavy loads.


The 2011 F-450 is part of Ford's Super Duty lineup and offered a gasoline option (6.8L V10) alongside a diesel option (6.7L Power Stroke). This article focuses on the gasoline version, explaining what mpg to expect, the factors that affect it, and how to interpret those numbers for real-world use.


Engine options and EPA estimates


In 2011, the F-450 could be equipped with a gasoline 6.8-liter V10 or a diesel engine; EPA fuel-economy ratings for heavy-duty trucks are rough indicators and depend heavily on drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), axle gearing, payload, and configuration. The figures below reflect typical estimates for the gasoline option and common real-world experience for that era.



  • City: roughly 8–9 mpg

  • Highway: roughly 11–13 mpg

  • Combined: roughly 9–11 mpg


These numbers provide a baseline for planning, but actual fuel economy will vary with configuration and use.


What these numbers mean in practice


Real-world mileage tends to fall below the EPA ranges when hauling heavy payloads or towing trailers; highway numbers can be closer to the mid- to high-teens only under light load and steady-cruise conditions, while city driving with frequent stops generally produces the lower end of the range.


In practice, expect the gasoline F-450 to deliver roughly 6–9 mpg when towing or under heavy load, and around 10–12 mpg under moderate highway cruising without heavy payloads.


Maximizing fuel economy on a gasoline F-450


Drivers hoping to squeeze more mileage from a 2011 F-450 with a gasoline engine can adopt several best practices. The following tips address common drag sources and maintenance opportunities.



  • Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflated tires waste energy and reduce mpg.

  • Remove unnecessary weight and reduce aerodynamic drag where possible (roof racks, cargo not secured, etc.).

  • Schedule regular maintenance: clean air filter, spark plugs, and engine tune-ups help maintain efficiency.

  • Avoid excessive idling; turning off the engine when parked can save fuel.

  • Drive smoothly: moderate acceleration, steady speeds, and anticipation of traffic can improve efficiency.


Even with these measures, the F-450's size and drivetrain limit the potential gains compared with smaller, more efficient vehicles.


Summary


The 2011 Ford F-450 with a gasoline engine is not a fuel-economy leader. Expect roughly 8–9 mpg in city driving, 11–13 mpg on highways, and about 9–11 mpg combined under typical use. Real-world results vary widely, especially with towing or heavy payloads, but mindful maintenance and efficient driving can help you stay in the upper portion of that range.

What is the fuel mileage for a 6.8 V10?


The 6.8L V10 engine's MPG varies significantly by vehicle and driving conditions, but typically ranges from 7 to 13 MPG, with lower figures (around 7-9 MPG) being common for heavy-duty trucks, RVs, and around-town driving, while highway driving may yield slightly higher numbers (up to 12-14 MPG). Factors like gear ratios, towing, and vehicle weight heavily influence the actual fuel economy. 
Typical mileage

  • Around town: Expect around 7-9 MPG. 
  • Highway: Can be around 11-12 MPG, with some drivers reporting up to 14 MPG on ideal, long-distance highway trips. 

Factors affecting MPG
  • Vehicle type: A large, heavy vehicle like an RV or a heavy-duty truck will get lower mileage than a lighter-duty truck. 
  • Towing: Towing a trailer will significantly decrease MPG, with figures sometimes dropping to 7-8 MPG. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive driving, high speeds, and frequent acceleration will lower your average MPG. 
  • Gearing: Rear-end gear ratios, such as 4.30 vs. 3.73, can impact fuel economy. 

You can watch this video to see a 6.8 Triton V10 in an E350 van and learn about its fuel economy: 1mJohn Drives AnythingYouTube · Jan 4, 2023
Performance characteristics
  • Torque: The V10 engine is known for its high torque, which is beneficial for towing and hauling, even if it comes at the expense of fuel economy. 
  • Reliability: The engine is considered "bulletproof" and relatively simple, making it a reliable choice for many, despite its thirst for fuel. 



What are the pros and cons of buying an F-450?


Buying an F-450 offers the pros of unmatched towing and hauling power, a spacious and comfortable cabin with advanced technology, and a superior diesel engine, but comes with the cons of a high price tag, a rougher ride when unloaded, high running costs for commercial-grade tires, and poor maneuverability in tight spaces. The F-450 is ideal for those who require its immense capabilities, not for daily use where a smaller truck would be more practical.
 
Pros

  • Towing and hauling: The F-450 is built for extreme towing and hauling, with a maximum tow rating of up to 40,000 pounds, making it suitable for large fifth-wheel trailers or other heavy loads. 
  • Engine and power: It comes standard with a powerful turbocharged 6.7L V8 diesel engine, which provides immense power and torque for tough jobs. 
  • Spacious cabin: The cabin is large, comfortable, and can be outfitted with many luxury and convenience features, making long hauls more pleasant. 
  • Advanced technology: It includes numerous available technology features designed to assist with towing and hauling, such as the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. 
  • Tighter turning radius: The F-450 has an extra-wide front axle that allows it to have a tighter turning radius than other heavy-duty Ford trucks. 

Cons
  • High cost: The F-450 has a high starting price that can escalate significantly with options, making it an expensive investment. 
  • Rougher ride: When unloaded, the ride can be noticeably rough, though it improves with a heavy load. 
  • High running costs: The commercial-grade 19.5-inch tires are expensive to replace, and their robust construction contributes to the stiff ride. 
  • Poor maneuverability: Due to its large size, the F-450 is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces like city streets, parking lots, and grocery store aisles. 
  • Limited configurations: The F-450 is only available in a limited number of configurations, such as only with a diesel engine, dual rear wheels, and an 8-foot bed, unlike other models in the lineup. 
  • Lower payload capacity than F-350: Despite its heavy-duty components, the F-450 has a lower payload capacity than the F-350 because it shares the same gross vehicle weight rating but has heavier components. 



How many miles per gallon does a 2011 f450 get?


Weighs about 13,000 lbs as it sits. 2011 f450 6.7. Getting about 10 mpg pulling 10-14k lbs, and about 12 mpg when it's not pulling.



What is the fuel economy of a 2011 6.7 Power Stroke?


11.7 L per 100 km in a Stock 2011 Ford 6.7 – almost 9 hours of highway driving. Truck and tuning are stock – the only mod is an S&B cold air intake. By the way 11.7 L/100 = 20.1 mpg.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.