mpg on 8.1

swilliams · July 30, 2001

New to this forum, formerly of ford-deisel.com. Went on vacation last week and traded my '97 F-350 with the powerstroke for a new 2001 2500 HD w/ 8.1/ Allison.

I thought I would never say this about a gas burner, but WOW!! This truck outpulls my old psd with no problem. There is nothing about the truck that I don't like. My question is what kind of gas mileage numbers can I expect once I have a few thousand miles on the truck? Also any tips on towing with this setup will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

VegasDude · July 30, 2001

when I first bought the truck, i got 9.5 miles per gallon in town and 12 on the road. I have 1500 on it now and I am getting almost 11 in town. I havent been on a road trip in 500 miles so I dont know if I improved on the 12 mph yet or not, but I bet I did.............

VegasDude · July 30, 2001

Oh by the way, welcome to the forum and It's a kick ass truck isnt it?

MemphisDoug · July 30, 2001

I don't know what mileage I'm getting with my truck but I know it's a pulling machine! I don't even know the camper is behind it when going down the highway. Sure is a lot different than my old 4.8

swilliams · August 2, 2001

Thanks for the replys.

This is truly a towing monster. I made sure I had 500 miles on her before pulling the 5th wheel home, and I babied it all the way. Can,t wait to fully break it in so I can see what it will realy do!! I have always been a GM man, except for the F-350. It was a great truck, but I,m glad to be back home!

bob · August 3, 2001

My buddy has a one month old extended cab short bed, with Allison and the 8.1 liter. He says that he's getting around 11 mpg.

wkola · August 4, 2001

I have a 2001 3500 8.1 w/allison 4.10 rear dually crew cab 4x4 and I travel on the highway about 80 to 90 mph I get about 10.9 to 11.3 mph. Now If I went slower it would Increase Great Truck

Shaners · August 5, 2001

Just remember to change out your rear differential lube after you have about 500 miles of towing under your belt... Enjoy the "Bigblock"!!!

Zebra8166 · August 8, 2001

I have the 8.1 w/ the Allison. I tow a 26' travel trailer that weighs in just under 6000#. The truck doesn't even know it is there. I get about 9.5 mpg towing and about 12 without the trailer. That is if I keep my foot out of the firewall. I have noticed the mpg is getting better with more miles. I have about 7000 so far. Thanks.

firefighter · August 8, 2001

I am getting about 11 mpg also. If I could keep my foot out of it I could increase some but probably not much. This truck is not my daily driver so I will buy the gas to have the power.