2008 F-350

[Verle and Sue]

We've been driving our 2008 F-350 for about two weeks now. So far we are very pleased with it. Of course we aren't "towing" yet (we order the Big Sky the end of the month). The mileage isn't great, (about 12 mpg, so far but we've only put two tanks of fuel into it so far) but it's smooth driving and riding. It's the biggest thing I've ever driven, but it's easy to handle ('cept for taking up most of 4 parking spaces at stores, LOL). I don't like taking it in tight places i.e. Walmart parking lot on a Saturday morning, but DH has no problem with even that. Still has the "rumble" of a diesel, but very quiet compared to diesels we've heard in the past (we can easily talk over it and even hear the radio and our audio books without having to turn them down when we stop). Best of all, it doesn't stink. After driving a couple of hours if you walk past the exhaust pipes while it is still running, it's pretty hot (you definitely notice it and move away pretty quickly--don't ask how I know), but no flames or anything, so far. Sue C

[fulltimedreamer]

SueC2,

I was at my local ford dealer picking up some parts the other day. Of course I had to look at the new F250s and F350s. Very nice machines!! As I was leaving I ran into my Salesman. He wanted to know if I was ready to trade in my '03 F250 with a 7.3 PSD. He said there was a big demand for my truck. I told him if he could come up with $40K for my trade we might be able to do something. He seemed to think that was a little high, so I guess we'll drive our '03 for a few more years.

Enjoy your new truck!!

[Montana Sky]

Sue,
Glad to hear your new Ford is treating you well. I am hung up on the new King Ranch these days, but will have a hard time leaving the GM family. I look forward to hearing how your new baby tows that new Big Sky when it arrives...

[Jim Jarvis]

Hey Sue, that's exactly what I have on order the F350 and the Big Sky. My truck is being held up by a rail strike here in Canada and the Big Sky should be here within the next couple of weeks. I'd like to have the truck for a while before I pull the Big Sky.

[richfaa]

We did test drive a 08 6.4 350 a couple of weeks ago for a couple of days. The only thing that disappointed me was the MPG it was no better than my 05 V-10...We shall see????

[Jim Jarvis]

Rich, I'm not sure mileage is going to be very good these days what with the new environmental requirements. Maybe once they get the engine design reliable they can do something to improve fuel consumption.

[Cyrus]

My 05 F250 6.0 diesel mileage was about 12 mpg or so when new and I was told it would improve and take about 25K miles to break-in & mileage to level off. I have kept track of the mileage and they were right. Not pulling I average better then 17mpg. Most of my pulling has been under 200 miles and the mileage seems to be all over the place in that distance but the types roads and terrain have been different so mileage differences would be expected.

[richfaa]

The regeneration process. Fuel is consumed during this process that does not turn the wheels of the truck which contributes to the lower MPG.


http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub...sb07-04-11.pdf

[steves]

SueC2, Good luck with the new F350. I stopped at the Ford Dealer the other day and took my first good look at the 08 F350!
It's one awesome beast! I don't want to go there again because I may have a weak moment and drive one home...then I'll be living in the Monty by myself!

[richfaa]

This is from the FTE forum and is a first hand account of the "regeneration" process..Thought it was interseting enough to pass along.

My regeneration experience is a bit different. Was towing a 10,000 lb trailer and had just pulled on a state highway. Power felt normal but noticed the computer was showing the mpg going down. At 60 mph the fuel mileage should have been relatively good so the average mpg should have been holding steady at about 9 to 9.5, or be increasing, but not decreasing. I was curious so I reset the computer and it showed that the mpg was 6 to 7 for the next 10 to 15 minutes. Once the regeneration was over the mpg increased to 9 to 10 and stayed that way the rest of the trip. FYI, I drive a F350 crewcab 4wd dually with a 4:30 gear.

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[sreigle]

Sue, I test drove one last week and was very impressed with how quiet the engine is and the ride and the way the truck handles. It handles like a much smaller vehicle with a controlled feeling. I'm still concerned about the 6.4 being a new engine so am still looking at all brands.

I talked with a guy in a parking lot the other day who has 5,3xx miles on his '08 F350 SRW powerstroke. He said his mileage improved to where it's now about the same as his '03 F350 with the 6.0 PSD. That's encouraging as ours improved at about 10k and again about 30k miels.

Richfaa, I tried emailing you a question about your test drive but the email address I have is no longer valid.