my dads looking to get a new work truck at his plant. With gas prices now, he wants the best gas mileage he can find, but still needs a truck that will hold almost 1000lbs in the bed. I have been looking at the mpg of v6 and 4.6 v8 f150's and havent seen a huge difference. Will he be better off with a v8 or v6?

 

1,000# in the bed??? is this gonna be routine hauling ?? if so might want to think about a F250.

 

I say go with the V8

 

V6 can handle it no problem, but the rear end will sag a bit. I've carried a bit over a grand in my bed before with a 2,500# trailer in tow and it handles it while getting an average 17 mpg (300 mile one-way). the V8 would be able to carry it better, but gas would drop to the low teens. diesels are very economic and can hold 15-17 mpg all the way up to 75 mph no matter how much their pulling. if its going to be a large-time everyday thing, go V8. if its going to be mostly a road warrior with not that much of a load, the V6 is a viable option, but opt for an 99+ year. the 04+ are also too heavy for the V6, so stay away from those.

 

You may as well go with a v8.

My friend bought an 07 with the 4.2L/stick and got 14 MPGs out of it. This after the initial ~125 mile trip home netted him 20+ on the highway.

Granted, his driving style has much to do with it (his 06 Mustang GT gets 17ish--3 MPGs better than that F150 he traded for it), but I get 18-22ish with my 4.2L. That was disappointing for him.

 

Don't worry about the sagging. An add-a-leaf kit will take care of that. I've routinely had 10-12 people jumping into the truck bed, and they all weighed at least 125 lbs - 200 lbs each. You'll carry that weight just fine with a 4.2L V6.

 

woah woah woah, why the hell would any one trade a gt for a v6 f150?

sorry maybe im just biased, i have a v6 f150 and im trading it for a gt.


thats a really weird step down if you ask me...

 

The weight really shouldnt be much of an issue either way. MPG will be about the same. If he doesnt mind paying the extra cash I say get the V8. I have the V6 and I love my truck. It will do whatever I need to do which isnt anything heavy duty. Around here you can buy the V6's really cheap! The V8 is only like an extra $800 option but that only comes with the automatic which bumps it up another $800-$1000. The V8 trucks you generally find have more options on them as well. Hope this helps!

 

Also point out the OBS has a 4.6L available as a stick. I wish I had one of those

 

id say go with the v6 i have a v8 myself but thats because i like real trucks lol but as far as a work truck and totin' a thousand lbs around all the time and better gas milage i would go with the v6 the ford v6's are ********** tough man they can haul a good load and keep on kickin if he wants to get a new model then most definantly get the v6 cuz their stronger than ever...if your gettin an older model then the 4.2/4.6 is a hard choice for me..ive got a 4.6 and i get about 16 mpg but i dont haul anything ever...and the 4.2 will probably get 22 without haulin anything...but i think the 4.2 are just as strong as the 4.6 lol

 

I purchased a used 2001 F150 XLT V-6 with 61,000, note: no 4 wheel drive. I am really surprised with the mpg. I get around 19.5 mpg with reasonable driving usage. I am a firm believer in the following: purchase a vehicle for need not want. Figure out your need and make a decision.

Good Luck

 

well only problem with 1000lbs in the bed with a v6 is you will have to give it alot more gas to get the thing to go. Now whether this will decrease your mileage enough to bring it down to 4.6 territory I dunno. Personally I would go the 4.6 if you are continually putting 1000lbs in the back. It will be easier on your right foot, which will be easier on the truck and gas mileage.

 

No what u need is a S/C 5.4, 12mpg

 

if its a work truck cheaper the better

 

If he wants a stripped out work truck - and everyone is okay with a manual transmission and a standard cab 4x2 - you can get a new V-6 dirt cheap. If an automatic is a requirement, I'd probably get a 4.6, but they will be considerably more expensive. If you need an extended cab and/or a 4x4, you have no choice - a V-8 auto is all that's available.

1000# in the bed of a V-6 is no sweat.

Nothing in a current F-150 will get great gas mileage - a Chevy, sorry to say, will get better mileage.