The Ford F350 is a powerhouse in the pickup truck market. Known for its robust capabilities, the F350 also boasts significant fuel tank capacities across its various models.
The Ford F350 has a gas tank size of 48 gallons for its optional long range model and 29 gallons for its standard model.
The F350 is a workhorse truck, meant for hauling and towing significant weight…everything from large boats, camper trailers, to yard equipment.
Gas Tank Capacity by Model Year
- 2024 Ford F-350: The latest models of the F-350 come with two options. A standard tank size of approximately 29 gallons. An optional larger tank of about 48 gallons for the long-range models.
- 2020-2023 Ford F-350: Similar to the 2023 models, offering a standard 29-gallon tank and an optional 48-gallon tank for extended range.
Fuel Tank Size by Year
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Standard/Long Range | 29/48 |
| 2023 | Standard/Long Range | 29/48 |
| 2022 | Standard/Long Range | 29/48 |
| 2021 | Standard/Long Range | 29/48 |
| 2020 | Standard/Long Range | 29/48 |
Fuel Efficiency and Range
- 2020-2024 Models: With the standard 29-gallon tank, these models average about 12-15 miles per gallon (mpg), offering a range of 348 to 435 miles. The long-range 48-gallon tank models can travel up to 720 miles.
- 2015-2019 Models: With the 35-gallon tank, the expected range is around 420 to 525 miles, averaging 12-15 mpg.
- 2010-2014 Models: Similar efficiency as the 2015-2019 models, with a range of approximately 420 to 525 miles on a full tank.
Impact on Driving and Planning
- Longer Range: Larger tanks in recent models mean fewer stops for gas, ideal for long-distance travels.
- Budgeting: While a larger tank offers more range, it also means a higher cost to fill up, which is an important consideration for budgeting.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for diesel models, to ensure fuel efficiency and tank longevity.
How Towing Affects Fuel Economy
Towing can significantly impact the fuel efficiency of the Ford F-350, a truck known for its substantial towing capabilities.
The effect on fuel consumption varies depending on whether the truck is towing light, medium, or heavy loads.
Light Loads
Light loads, such as small trailers, boats, or light machinery, do not drastically increase the demand on the engine.
In these scenarios, the truck doesn’t have to work much harder than it does under normal driving conditions.
As a result, the decrease in miles per gallon (mpg) is often slight. Owners might notice a small dip in fuel efficiency, but it’s generally manageable and not overly burdensome on fuel consumption.
Medium Loads
Towing medium loads, such as larger boats, campers, or medium-sized trailers, begins to have a more noticeable impact on the F-350’s fuel efficiency.
In these cases, the engine has to exert more effort to handle the additional weight, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Drivers may observe a moderate decrease in mpg, more pronounced than when towing light loads. The truck’s engine, transmission, and brakes work harder during medium-load towing, contributing to this decrease in efficiency.
Heavy Loads
Heavy loads, such as large trailers, heavy machinery, or fully loaded horse trailers, represent the most significant challenge in terms of maintaining fuel efficiency.
The Ford F-350, despite its robust design and powerful engine, will experience a substantial drop in mpg when hauling these heavy loads.
This decrease is due to the immense strain placed on the engine, which must operate at higher RPMs to generate the necessary power for towing heavy weights.
Additionally, aerodynamic drag becomes a more significant factor with larger trailers, further reducing fuel efficiency.
Additional Towing Factors
- Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration and braking, as well as high-speed driving, can exacerbate the decrease in fuel efficiency when towing.
- Terrain: Hilly or mountainous terrain requires more power for towing, leading to higher fuel consumption compared to flat roads.
- Truck Configuration: The specific model and engine type of the F-350 also play a role. Diesel engines, for instance, might offer better towing fuel efficiency compared to their gasoline counterparts.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance of both the truck and the trailer, such as tire pressure, wheel alignment, and engine health, can help optimize fuel efficiency.
Older Models
2010-2019
Throughout the 2010’s, the F-350 maintained a consistent gas tank size of 35 gallons across all trims.
| Year | Model Trims | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | All Trims | 34 |
| 2018 | All Trims | 34 |
| 2017 | All Trims | 34 |
| 2016 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2015 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2014 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2013 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2012 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2011 | All Trims | 35 |
| 2010 | All Trims | 35 |
Over the years, Ford has introduced various technological advancements to improve fuel efficiency.
This includes refinements in engine technology and the introduction of more efficient turbocharged engines, especially with the Power Stroke diesel variants.
However, the specific mpg (miles per gallon) improvements are often influenced by factors such as driving conditions, maintenance, and individual driving habits.
In 2017, Ford revamped the F-350’s design and powertrain. While the tank size remained constant, these enhancements improved the overall efficiency and performance of the vehicle, offering better mileage and reduced emissions without compromising on power.
1999-2009
This decade is characterized by stability in terms of gas tank size. Across all trims, the tank size remained consistent at 29 gallons.
| Year | Model Trims | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2008 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2007 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2006 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2005 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2004 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2003 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2002 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2001 | All Trims | 29 |
| 2000 | All Trims | 29 |
| 1999 | All Trims | 29 |
The early 2000’s saw gradual improvements in fuel efficiency, primarily due to advancements in engine technology.
The introduction of more efficient diesel engines, particularly the Power Stroke series, played a significant role in enhancing fuel economy.
- 2003-2004 Power Stroke Engine Update: A notable update was the introduction of the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine, which replaced the older 7.3L engine. This change aimed at offering better fuel efficiency and compliance with stricter emissions regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to refuel the Ford F-350?
This depends on your model and driving habits. With the 48-gallon tank, you could go up to 720 miles without refueling.
Does the Ford F-350 come in different tank sizes?
Yes, recent models offer a standard 29-gallon tank and an optional 48-gallon tank.
Is the larger tank size worth it for the Ford F-350?
If you require long-range travel without frequent stops, the larger tank is definitely a beneficial investment.
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