What is the mpg on a 2002 Ford f550 7.3 diesel?
Real-world mpg for a 2002 Ford F-550 with the 7.3-liter Power Stroke typically runs in the 12–15 miles per gallon range when not towing, while towing or carrying heavy payloads often drops to about 6–10 mpg. There is no single EPA-rated combined figure for this heavy-duty model, and actual mileage varies with load, terrain and maintenance.
To understand this question in context, the F-550 is a Class 6/7 heavy-duty pickup built for hauling and towing. The 7.3L Power Stroke is a workhorse diesel from that era, and fuel economy depends on factors such as drivetrain configuration, payload, trailer weight, driving style, and road conditions. The following sections explain typical ranges and how to estimate mileage on your own truck.
Typical mpg ranges
Note: The ranges below reflect common real-world results reported by owners and operators; they are not official EPA figures for this truck class.
- Empty or with light payload on highway: roughly 14–18 mpg
- Normal payload or moderate towing: roughly 8–12 mpg
- Heavy towing or full payload (trailer, equipment): roughly 6–9 mpg
In short, mileage is highly dependent on load and driving conditions. Towing and heavy payloads typically push mpg toward the lower end of the range, while lighter use on highways can approach the upper end.
Key factors that affect mpg
Engine and drivetrain configuration
The 7.3-liter Power Stroke, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, drives fuel efficiency differently. Gear ratios, tire size, and drivetrain components influence efficiency, and wear or tuning issues (injectors, glow plugs, air filters) can alter mileage over time.
Payload, towing and weight
Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer increases aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, which significantly lowers mpg compared with an empty or lightly loaded truck.
Driving conditions and maintenance
Terrain (hills, headwinds), climate, and overall maintenance affect fuel economy. Regular maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, proper tire inflation, and alignment) helps preserve mileage in older diesel trucks like the 7.3-powered F-550.
Estimating your own mpg
To get a practical picture for your specific truck, fill the tank, reset the trip odometer, and log miles driven vs. gallons used over a representative period. Repeat across several tanks—especially if you tow or frequently haul—to calculate a reliable average.
Summary
The 2002 Ford F-550 with the 7.3 diesel does not have a single official mpg figure. Real-world results typically fall in the 12–15 mpg range under non-towing conditions, with substantial reductions (often 6–10 mpg) when towing or carrying heavy payloads. Mileage varies widely based on load, driving style, terrain, and maintenance. For the most accurate picture, track your own vehicle over multiple tanks and conditions.
