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Old 06-12-2019, 12:20 PM   #1
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Premium vs Regular?

So who uses premium gasoline in their F53? The price is generally more than diesel, so it adds up quickly. Do you see better performance or efficiency? I have a mix of regular and premium in my tank right now.

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Old 06-12-2019, 12:31 PM   #2
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I will sometimes use mid grade or premium on long trips in hot weather. I am towing frequently and sometimes hear what sounds like pinging at certain speeds. I cannot say is 100% effective but I heard a lot less. The additional cost is cheap insurance. I try to only fill from name brand stations like Shell, BP and Sunoco when travelling too. A few cents is not worth the risk.
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Old 06-12-2019, 12:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muggs View Post
I will sometimes use mid grade or premium on long trips in hot weather. I am towing frequently and sometimes hear what sounds like pinging at certain speeds. I cannot say is 100% effective but I heard a lot less. The additional cost is cheap insurance. I try to only fill from name brand stations like Shell, BP and Sunoco when travelling too. A few cents is not worth the risk.
We have a long trip out west this summer, and we will be towing. I suppose I will be using mid and premium grades for that for sure just to be safe. We will generally fuel at Pilot/Flying J, Love's, or Valero since they typically have room for a Class A gas burner with a toad. Fuel turnover at those places keeps the gas fairly fresh. And if the gas will sit in my tank more than a week I run some SeaFoam through the system before it goes in the garage.
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Old 06-12-2019, 12:50 PM   #4
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If you use the grade of fuel that the engine was optimized for: you'll never go wrong.
But they will run on anything, that they can get to burn...

Look it up on your owner's manual...
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Old 06-12-2019, 12:53 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
If you use the grade of fuel that the engine was optimized for: you'll never go wrong.
But they will run on anything, that they can get to burn...

Look it up on your owner's manual...
The manual recommends Premium grade. That is one thing I did not look at prior to purchasing. I may have looked more seriously at a diesel rig if I knew I was going to be paying those fuel prices with gas burner mileage. Oh well...our rig is perfect for us anyway.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:00 PM   #6
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I never used anything but 87 on our 2015 ACE 29.2, which also had a 5-Star tune (designed for 87) and never had any issues (pinging or otherwise) in the 4 years we owned it (mountains, deserts, etc.), but being a smaller A and not towing we weren't stressing the engine as much as others.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:32 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fish and Dear View Post
The manual recommends Premium grade. That is one thing I did not look at prior to purchasing. I may have looked more seriously at a diesel rig if I knew I was going to be paying those fuel prices with gas burner mileage. Oh well...our rig is perfect for us anyway.
Premium? I would have to see that to believe that statement. We put 15000 on our Axis with the 305 horsepower v10 using regular grade 87 octane and never heard anything close to pinging. Just drove almost 3000 miles in altitudes and grades in our 320 horsepower v10, same result. Show us.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by axis earl View Post
Premium? I would have to see that to believe that statement. We put 15000 on our Axis with the 305 horsepower v10 using regular grade 87 octane and never heard anything close to pinging. Just drove almost 3000 miles in altitudes and grades in our 320 horsepower v10, same result. Show us.
I have a 29M Windsport...I had to look this up myself. Fish and Dear is right.

Paraphrasing the Fuel Quality section of the Ford Owners manual...

Vehicle is designed to operate on minimum octane of 87.
For BEST vehicle and engine performance use octane rating of 91 or higher.
Performance gain for higher octane gas is most noticeable in hot weather and while towing.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by axis earl View Post
Premium? I would have to see that to believe that statement. We put 15000 on our Axis with the 305 horsepower v10 using regular grade 87 octane and never heard anything close to pinging. Just drove almost 3000 miles in altitudes and grades in our 320 horsepower v10, same result. Show us.
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...US_08_2018.pdf

Page 28 of the Ford F53 owner's manual. 87 octane regular is what it was engineered and designed to use. Then it goes on to say that 91 is recommended. I stand somewhat corrected. I will personally not be using premium 91 octane any time.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:52 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandG View Post
I have a 29M Windsport...I had to look this up myself. Fish and Dear is right.

Paraphrasing the Fuel Quality section of the Ford Owners manual...

Vehicle is designed to operate on minimum octane of 87.
For BEST vehicle and engine performance use octane rating of 91 or higher.
Performance gain for higher octane gas is most noticeable in hot weather and while towing.
Yes. He was right. I gave up on any vehicles that "require" premium, living in CA, where premium 91 octane can approach $5 @ gallon during some periods. The F53 does not "require" 91 octane so I will not waste my money.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:54 PM   #11
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From the 2017 F53 Owners Manual:


2016 is the same, 2015 is not online.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:56 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by axis earl View Post
Yes. He was right. I gave up on any vehicles that "require" premium, living in CA, where premium 91 octane can approach $5 @ gallon during some periods. The F53 does not "require" 91 octane so I will not waste my money.
By the way, I drove a UHaul box truck (F650) with the same engine, fully and heavily loaded, hauling a UHaul trailer from TN to NV last year. I never used anything but 87 octane along the I80 and never heard any pinging even pulling up the grade in Park City, UT at 30 mph.
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:57 PM   #13
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I didn't mean to sound like it was "required." But since I tow a lot and hot weather is just a part of living in the south I was curious of others' experiences. Since my coach and toad is still 1000s of pounds less than some of the bigger rigs regular should be fine in most situations I'm sure.

$5/gallon. Insane!! You should move here. Ha
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Old 06-12-2019, 02:02 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27 View Post
From the 2017 F53 Owners Manual:


2016 is the same, 2015 is not online.
You got it Ace.... the info we were reading from was from the 2019 owner's manual. I don't know what Ford was thinking when they added this information about premium fuel. I had experience with a 94 Volvo that actually "required" premium fuel because it was designed to run on that grade. When I put in regular one time, it felt like half the cylinders were not working. The 2019 F53 manual shows the same picture about the 87 octane fuel. Funny how some are ignoring it and fixating on the 91 octane section. As I said, I will spend my money on good quality 87 octane. If it won't run on that, which it does fine with now, I'll sell it.
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Old 06-12-2019, 02:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fish and Dear View Post
I didn't mean to sound like it was "required." But since I tow a lot and hot weather is just a part of living in the south I was curious of others' experiences. Since my coach and toad is still 1000s of pounds less than some of the bigger rigs regular should be fine in most situations I'm sure.

$5/gallon. Insane!! You should move here. Ha
Certainly understand the question and issue. We drove our rigs in 110 degree weather and up grades. Never had a problem with 87 octane. Yes, CA leads the way when it comes to high gas prices. One time we were visiting Juneau, AK and the prices were the same as SoCal.... $2.80 in Butte, MT right now.
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Old 06-12-2019, 11:49 PM   #16
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This is from my 2018 owner's manual...Windsport 29-M (F53 chasis)...

FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
E161513
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87
.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. We do not recommend
these fuels.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer.
See Towing (page 48).
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that will not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
engine components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling
to allow the fuel system to pump the
fuel from the tank to the engine. On
restarting, cranking time will take a few
seconds longer than normal. With
keyless ignition, just start the engine.
Crank time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gal (4 L) of fuel is
enough to restart the engine. If the
vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gal (4 L) may be
required.

So I wonder what dramatic changes they made since 2017 to make these recommendations?

I have only used 87 octane up to this point. If I ever climb the Rockies towing my Jeep, I'll probably drop a little more for the 91 octane, but unitl then, I've been fine on 87 octane.
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Old 06-13-2019, 12:00 AM   #17
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Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
Quote:
Originally Posted by BandG View Post
This is from my 2018 owner's manual...Windsport 29-M (F53 chasis)...

FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
E161513
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87
.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. We do not recommend
these fuels.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer.
See Towing (page 48).
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that will not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
engine components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling
to allow the fuel system to pump the
fuel from the tank to the engine. On
restarting, cranking time will take a few
seconds longer than normal. With
keyless ignition, just start the engine.
Crank time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gal (4 L) of fuel is
enough to restart the engine. If the
vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gal (4 L) may be
required.

So I wonder what dramatic changes they made since 2017 to make these recommendations?

I have only used 87 octane up to this point. If I ever climb the Rockies towing my Jeep, I'll probably drop a little more for the 91 octane, but unitl then, I've been fine on 87 octane.
I recall that while I was working at my primary job I had a 2003 (brand new) Ford Crown Victoria with the V-8. It specifically said NOT to use premium fuel because it was not designed to use it and would screw with the computer. It certainly does make me wonder why they included this caveat. I cannot imagine any commercial owner of a F-53 telling their people to use premium.
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Old 06-13-2019, 01:42 AM   #18
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Model: Windsport
State: California
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Used nothing but regular towing 16 k on this unit
Not a problem at all
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Old 06-13-2019, 03:07 AM   #19
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Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Texas
Posts: 2,667
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87 octane in my 2018 Hurricane. Just did 3500 mile loop from Texas to Hershey, PA and did not notice any pinging.
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Old 06-13-2019, 03:09 AM   #20
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31D
State: Virginia
Posts: 137
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50,000 miles of nothing but regular 87 octane fuel from whatever seller that had a reasonable price that I could get the coach in and out of with the daily drive towed behind four down. I've run the mountains of West Virginia and the flats strait roads that disappear at the horizon of south Florida. The rolling hills of the Great Plains to the twist and turns of the back roads of Maine. Never a knock, ping, misfire or hesitation. The only fault code ever triggered was due to a problem with the throttle servo motor.

The Ford 6.8L V10 engine with a compression ratio of 9.2:1 burning a higher octane fuel has no effect on the performance or power of the engine. If anything you could be losing power considering higher octane will slow the fuel burn rate. Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels and higher octane fuel is necessary with higher compression engines to prevent engine knock. You don't need the higher octane until at maybe 9.6:1 and that's even questionable.

Why Ford started to include the 91 octane recommendation after nearly 20 years of production is beyond me. The statement contradicts the first sentence of the section and a long history of a nearly bullet proof engine, "Your vehicle is designed,,,".
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