What is the gas mileage on a Ford F-550?
The Ford F-550’s fuel economy varies widely depending on the engine, configuration and how the truck is used. In general, gasoline-powered F-550s tend to deliver roughly 8–12 miles per gallon combined, while diesel versions commonly achieve about 12–18 mpg combined, with real-world results heavily influenced by payload, terrain and attachments.
Engine options and typical mpg ranges
Below is a concise guide to the main engine options and the mpg ranges most owners see in real-world use, noting that numbers depend on payload and attachments.
Gasoline engines
Ford’s gasoline options for the F-550 include a 7.3-liter V8 (Godzilla) and other V8s in older iterations. Fuel economy for these gas versions is generally lower than diesel and varies with payload and use.
- 7.3L V8 gasoline: typically around 9–12 mpg combined, with highway numbers potentially higher when not heavily loaded.
- 6.2L V8 gasoline: typically around 8–11 mpg combined, with similar variability based on payload and use.
Note: These figures are approximate real-world ranges; official EPA numbers for cab-and-chassis F-550s are not always published in the same way as typical consumer trucks, and actual performance depends on configuration and load.
Diesel engine
The F-550 is frequently equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel. Diesel engines in heavy-duty trucks tend to deliver better fuel economy on highways and with steady speeds, especially under load, but city driving and payload-heavy work can reduce efficiency.
- 6.7L Power Stroke diesel: commonly around 12–18 mpg combined, with higher highway efficiency when not heavily loaded and at steady speeds; lower values when hauling or in stop-and-go city driving.
As with gasoline variants, actual mpg depends on configuration, tow/haul duty, and payload.
Real-world factors that influence mpg
Several factors beyond engine choice drive fuel economy for the F-550, particularly payload, attachments, and driving conditions.
- Payload and towing weight: Heavier loads dramatically reduce mpg.
- Terrain, climate, and ambient conditions: Hills and extreme temperatures can increase fuel burn.
- Maintenance and tires: Proper tire inflation, alignment, and routine service help maintain efficiency.
- Aerodynamics and added equipment: Plows, toolboxes, and aftermarket equipment increase drag and reduce mpg.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and idling waste fuel; steady speeds on highways help.
Understanding these factors helps set expectations; most F-550 owners experience a range of mpg depending on work cycles and season.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
To squeeze more efficiency from a Ford F-550 without compromising capability, consider these practices and configuration choices.
- Choose the right engine for the job: diesel often offers better mpg with heavy payloads or long highway runs; gasoline engines may be acceptable for lighter use.
- Maintain tire pressure and weight: keep tires inflated to the recommended levels and avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
- Plan efficient routes and use cruise control on highways where appropriate.
- Limit idling and use modern engine technologies when possible (fuel-saving features, if equipped).
- Regular maintenance: air filters, fuel injectors, and exhaust systems affect efficiency.
With careful planning and maintenance, a Ford F-550 can meet or exceed typical ranges for its class, though it will not match the efficiency of lighter-duty trucks.
Summary
The Ford F-550’s gas mileage varies widely by engine and payload. Gasoline models typically see roughly 8–12 mpg combined, while the diesel variant commonly lands in the 12–18 mpg range, with real-world numbers affected by work demands, route, and configuration. For buyers, the key is to match the powertrain not just to payload needs but to the typical duty cycle, and to factor in maintenance, tires, and aerodynamics to optimize fuel economy.
