2011 F-250 Diesel

[bdarr4014]

We're thinking about buying a 2011 F-250 Diesel PU. Would like feedback from those of you who have purchased one. Have you experienced any mechanical problems and what fuel mileage to expect from highway driving and towing.

[Keith Schweizer]

Almost everything I have read about the 250 makes me think that the 350 or 450 would be the better choice. I have a 04 F-350 and pull a 09 2955 rl. when fully loaded I get about a 3" drop in the rear of the truck. You would get more of a dror if you were to go with the 250.Look at the FTE forum, many new owners pf the 11 250 wish the had gone with the 350.
Good luck in your search for a new TV- Keith

[exav8tr]

quote:Originally posted by bdarr4014

We're thinking about buying a 2011 F-250 Diesel PU. Would like feedback from those of you who have purchased one. Have you experienced any mechanical problems and what fuel mileage to expect from highway driving and towing.

It sure would help if we knew the model and year of your Montana before answering that question. Before buying anything you MUST look at weights you will be towing. Any diesel will pull any Montana, the question is will it handle the weight of your trailer, of course, you might not care about that as some others do.

You can put this information in your signature line in your profile.

[Hooker]

You might want to check the cargo capacity. I know all of the big three have increased it for the 2011 models, however, previous 3/4 tons could not carry the Montana's pin weight and remain within specs.

[ExPatNW]

I have been reading about the 2011 Super Duty's for about 6 months now. Last week I ordered a 2011 F350, CC, SRW, 6.7L Diesel, Long bed, 355 Electronic locking axle, 4x4, Lariat.

I currently pull our MOnty with a F350 V10 Gas. It manages the 5er very well, but the mpg is miserable and so the range is limited between refueling.

There is about $1000 between an F250 and an F350 - going on the Ford web-site numbers comparing an F250 Lariat to a F350 Lariat (keeping options etc the same).

So why would you want the 250 when for a little more money you can have the 350? Having the capacity for my 5er is important - I don't want to be borderline if I can help it.

Do you want a 250 because the ride quality is better than a 350? (I have only had a 350 so I can't compare it to a 250).
Chris

[Tom S.]

Another thing to look at when comparing 250 to 350 is that even if the trailer you currently have is within specs for a 250, what if you decide to go larger in a couple of years? That's why I would seriously consider a 350 over the 250.

[gregh9999]

If you want to know about the truck, I'd suggest http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/

Comments there are more towards your initial question.

[camper4]

I have a 2500 Silverado. I will buy a 3500 next time to stay within the specs. of the vehicle. Don't get me wrong. I really like my 2500 but the specs say I should have a 3500, so why not?

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by bdarr4014

We're thinking about buying a 2011 F-250 Diesel PU. Would like feedback from those of you who have purchased one. Have you experienced any mechanical problems and what fuel mileage to expect from highway driving and towing.

I pull with a Ford F-250 Powerstroke and have done it for 10 years. Yes, the F-250 will pull the Montana but will it stop it? Though our F-250 is 15 years old, I can't afford a new truck. But if I was buying, I'd certainly opt for the F-350. You will hear responses like, "Sure your F-250 will pull any Montana" but that's only to get you to buy the 5er. Don't put yourself in a bind down the road with a truck that's too small.

Orv

[illapah]

My 2011 gets about the same mileage as my '05 F350 did. Abt 10-12 MPG towing depending on terrain and speed, 18-20 non-towing highway, In town a crap shoot 7-17MPG. I would opt for the 1 ton F350 as many have stated. I did have 3 F250's before and did fine, I was always concerned about capacity, hence the move to F350 made sense for my mental comfort and as I have learned over my life, "It doesn't cost that much more to go first class."

I only have about 7K miles but amazing improvement over other diesel power plants I have owned. I would compare starting, noise, etc comparable to gas engine. I am fully satisfied so far and no regrets. Wife and I both think the 2011 'feels bigger', I don't know measurements though.

[Tom S.]

I know the OP asked about Fords, but here's an interesting comparison between Ford and Chevy: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/11...e-rockies.html

[mlh]

Great reading Tom. THANKS.
Lynwood

[maphillips]

I have a little less than 10,000 on my 2011 F-350 SRW. Getting about 9.5 to 11 towing my 2008 2955RL and 17 to 21 highway. All of this depending on the WIND of course. Love the truck tho. All the power in the world. Hoping the mileage will improve with more miles. If I were you I would look at the 350 over the 250 pretty seriously. Worth a little extra money in my opinion. Good Luck. By the way I tow at around 68 to 70 MPH and empty I run 72 to 75 MPH on the highway.

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by Tom S.

Another thing to look at when comparing 250 to 350 is that even if the trailer you currently have is within specs for a 250, what if you decide to go larger in a couple of years? That's why I would seriously consider a 350 over the 250.

Agree...

[helmick]

Great comparison on the two trucks Tom.

[SDVIKINGRON]

I Originally posted by bdarr4014

We're thinking about buying a 2011 F-250 Diesel PU. Would like feedback from those of you who have purchased one. Have you experienced any mechanical problems and what fuel mileage to expect from highway driving and towing.
[/quote]

[SDVIKINGRON]

I recently purchased a 2011 6.7L King Ranch F350....it is the twelveth F350 I have had going back to the non-turbo charged 7.3L days. The comfort of the ride is great...I think it rides better than my wife's Navigator and I would sure rather drive it than the Navigator. I wanted the 2011 because its the first year ever that Ford had produced their own diesel powerplant and although I did not have problems with my previous 6L I had problems with the one before.I did extensive research before buying this truck and am overall happy. More power than any other 1 ton on the road. As usual though fuel economy is not as good as reported. I pulled my Montana with a pup behind that from SD to AZ (total rig 68' long) and got down to 8 MPG. Was not very happy about that although it is quite a load. I was getting 15 MPG unhooked. Ford sent me a recall letter (#10B17)to reprogram the chip. I had that done two days ago and now my unhooked MPG is 18. I was hoping for better fuel economy with the reprograming of the chip and got it. It also adds 10 more HP and 65'#s of torque. Stock the motor produces 390HP and 735'#s of torque so this brings it up to 400HP w/ 800'#s. I ordered the truck with the under bed hitch system by Reese factory installed. It uses the new Reese Elite 5th wheel plate system, I love that. I did not purchase the 5th plate system from Ford. It is a Reese anyway and I paid half of Ford's price on the internet. The new system has a hidden flat button half turn attachement,is quick detach and needs no other installation. One other note...my truck and all of my F350's have been single rear tire models. I have hundreds of thousands of miles pulling fifth wheels and goose necks and have never found that I needed duallys. Also I would never consider an F250...just personal preference.

[pineranch]

I have a question! What on a 350 SRW increases your stopping ability over a 250 SRW?
Mike

[SDVIKINGRON]

quote:Originally posted by pineranch

I have a question! What on a 350 SRW increases your stopping ability over a 250 SRW?
Mike

I guess I can't respond to that. I assume they have the same braking components but I don't know.
Ron

[William H. Collier]

The braking system is different the F350 has Hydro-boost and the F250 has Vacuum boost.
Bill