OVERVIEW: There seems to be little doubt that the number one concern of late-model F-150 owners is fuel mileage. Owners I have spoken to universally agree that they are not happy with their fuel mileage and often are looking for tips on how to improve their mpg results.
In addition to providing some tips to improving your mileage, we have written this article to set a realistic expectation of what kind of mileage you should have getting with your truck...and please remember, above all else, that the Ford F-150 is a full-size truck, not a compact Ford Escort.
Perhaps it was the law classes that I took in school, but I think the best way to start this discussion is to present exhibits from my own truck. For those that are not yet familiar with my truck, it is a 1997 Ford F-150 SuperCab Flareside XLT 4x2 with a few added performance goodies. (more on them later)
Let's take a look at Picture 1 at the right. This should look familiar to most of you, as it is the window sticker that comes on every new vehicle. This particular image highlights the EPA fuel mileage numbers (large numbers). In this case, without reading any further, I woud expect to get about 14 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg in highway driving. One glance at my fuel mileage log shows that is not the case...but why? |
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 Picture 2: EPA mileage disclaimer |
Step number one in understanding your fuel mileage is understanding how the BIG numbers on the window sticker have been determined. There really is no secret to it, but the truth hides in the small print on the same window sticker. Take a look at Picture 2 for the definition. Please note that on this particular vehicle, actual testing determined a range of fuel consumption, from 11 to 17 mpg. It looks like my F-150 is performing well within the expected range of fuel mileage, as are most of the trucks that I have heard about. I'm a little happier now...but what if YOU want better mileage? What can you do? |
TIP & TRICKS TO IMPROVE FUEL MILEAGE There are a few products on the market that are rumored to increase fuel mileage. Their mention here does not imply an endorsement or acknowledgement of their effectiveness. Before purchasing any product, you may want to search through the late model F-150 mailing list archives for more information.
Tip #1: Set your expections more realistically - based on the information above, most F-150 owners I have spoken to fall within the expected EPA range for fuel consumption. It bears repeating that these are 5000 lb. full size trucks!
Tip #2: Do not underestimate the value of routine maintenance...oil changes and tune ups tend to help your mileage.
Tip #3: Using higher octane gas may squeeze a few extra miles out of a tank of fuel.
Tip #4: Lighten that right foot! Admittedly, I tend to drive my truck like it is a car, probably because this is the first truck I have owned. You would be amazed at the improvement in mileage you will see by simply slowing down or maintaining a consistent speed on the highway.
Tip #5: Changing the overall aerodynamics of your truck can increase you mpg numbers. An ongoing debate has ensued about the value of installing a soft or hard tonneau cover, or even driving with your tailgate down or off while on the highway.
Tip #6: Install a K&N air filter - many F-150 owners swear by them, and I saw a slight improvement in mileage after installing one. The best part is that you will probably never have to replace it, so it pays for itself after only a few oil changes.
Tip #7: Install free-er flowing exhaust, headers, computer chips, etc. - theoretically adding any of these products can increase (slightly) your fuel economy. I can say from my own experience that it looks like my mileage has decreased after adding a cat-back exhaust, computer chip and air filter, simply because I now take advantage of the increased horsepower! : - )
OTHER FUEL MILEAGE LINKS How popular has the fuel mileage debate become among F-150 owners? It seems as though an Internet sub-culture has been created just to track fuel consumption. Following is a list of links to fuel usage logs for various late model F-150 owners.
- Ownersite.com - comprehensive web-based vehicle preventative maintenance reminder and expense tracking system (brought to you by the creator of F150online...), allows you to report on your fuel usage and costs in detail
- If you haven't already visited it, check out the fuel usage log of the guy that wrote this article
- An F-150 Online original, Steve Morris operates an F-150 page that includes the MMPT (Most Miles Per Tank) contest...check it out here
- Think my mileage numbers may be unusual? Be sure to check out the fuel mileage page of Chad Baker, a frequent visitor to F-150 Online and active contributer to the 1997 Ford F-150 Mailing List.
- Ron Hanson has been charting his fuel mileage since he took delivery of his 5.4 (4x4). Check it out here.