Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/305391
lon tax credit for propane autogas is approved again this year. Figure that kind of savings in to your annual fuel costs and it's easy to see the ROI on the conversion comes fairly quickly. So how well does a propane-powered 6.2-liter F-250 run? Just like a normal gas- powered truck: There're no noticeable differences once the engine cranks up. BY THE NUMBERS I took the truck from my office in Diamondhead, Mississippi, to Gulfport Dragway in nearby Gulfport, Mississippi, to get the performance numbers. Our computerized Stalker Radar sys- tem showed the 4x4 SuperCab, with its 4.30 electronic-locking rear differential, ticked off 8.9 seconds to hit 60 mph while eclipsing the quarter-mile with a 16.4 second time at 86.4 mph. That's a second faster than the 2013 F-250 4x4 6.2-liter gas I tested last year that was running 3.73 gears, and nearly identical in performance to a 2013 diesel model 4x4 also running 3.73s. Fuel economy was as expected for such a low-geared 3/4-ton 4x4: 10.6 mpg at 70 mph (2,100 rpm); 8.6 mpg city. Combined fuel economy came out to 10 mpg with about a 50/50 mix of interstate and stop-go city driving. By my calculations the driving range with this 4x4's under-bed 21-gallon (use- able) propane tank, the smallest Roush offers, is right around 200 miles. ON THE ROAD When it comes to passenger comfort and cargo/towing capability, I give this SuperCab mixed reviews. The SuperCab's interior can seat six if you flip up the front split-bench's center armrest, and rear legroom is adequate for adults on short trips. The 60/40 rear split-bench is easy to flip up/down and the floor is flat so you can use it all. There's no doubt this truck can haul a load with ease. It has the optional 10,000-pound GVWR package combined with the Camper Package, so the heavier leaf springs give it a comfortable, stable ride when loaded down. When it's running empty, wear a kidney belt. The ride is a full-on teeth rattler. You learn early on to avoid every pothole, bump or railroad crossing if at all possible. But that's expected for a work truck spec'd out like this one. For the commercial customer who plans on using its cargo-carrying capabilities year in and year out for hundred of thou- sands of miles, like the buyer this F-250 is headed to, a Roush CleanTech propane F-250 4X4 should be a good choice. Just don't freak out the first couple times you turn the key to start it up. Silence is green at work. pro pickup | continued May 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com 44 Make/Model: 2014 Ford F-250 SRW 4x4 SuperCab LB MSRP: $41,830; as tested: $53,280 Engine: 385-hp 6.2L V-8 w/ Roush CleanTech Propane Conversion Transmission: 6-speed automatic Axle Ratio: 4.30:1 w/ electronic locking rear diff Fuel Tank: Propane/21 useable gallons Fuel Economy (Observed): 10.6mpg hwy/8.6mpg city Tow Rating: 12,500 lbs (conventional); 15,300 lbs. (gooseneck/5th wheel) Performance: s MPH 8.9 sec s MILE 16.4 sec @ 86.4 mph s "RAKING MPH 136.6 feet This base-model 4x4 XLT has a floor-mounted transfercase lever and manual locking front hubs. This is a good combo for maximizing fuel economy. Links: Roush CleanTech: www.roushcleantech.com Gasoline Gallon Equivalent: http://www.energyalmanac.ca.gov/ transportation/gge.html Gasoline Gallon Equivalent Basic Specifications GGE "45GALLON #HANGE Diesel #2 .88 129,500 +13% Gasoline / Regular Unleaded 1.00 114,100 0 Gasoline / E-10 1.019 111,836 -2% Propane 1.35 84,300 -26% Gasoline / E-85 1.39 81,800 -28% Fuel economy depends on the BTUs of thermal energy each gallon of a fuel delivers. The higher the BTU, the better the mpg. The list below shows how the BTUs of conventional pickup fuels compare to 1 gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. This is called the "gasoline gallon equivalent" or GGE. Note, the majority of gasoline found today for vehicle use is E-10 (90% gasoline/10% ethanol):