Have you ever wondered why the Great Western Turnpike goes so far south, away from the Mohawk Valley and the major cities - and over several hills which have posed troubles for everything from horse and buggies to Volkswagen Bugs?
It turns out when they were constructing the Great Western Turnpike a major concern was bridging stream crossings, and a way to avoid crossing many streams was to follow the divide between the Susquehanna Watershed and the Mohawk Watershed.
While the Great Western Turnpike crosses the Schoharie Creek, it does where it's more shalow upstream, and until you reach the Finger Lakes, most of the stream crossings are minor to non-existent as it's riding the divide between the watersheds.
When you’re behind the wheel of a beast like the 2026 Ford F-350 XL with the 6.8L V8 gas engine, you’re not just driving a truck; you’re piloting a piece of heavy-duty engineering designed to handle anything. But as the saying goes, “with great power comes a great fuel bill.” If you’re planning a trip with the XL Off-Road package, here’s what to expect when you pull up to the pump.
The Numbers: Gas Mileage Realities
The 2026 F-350’s 6.8L engine, often called the “Mini Godzilla,” isn’t rated by the EPA due to its heavy-duty status, but real-world data and expert estimates give us a clear picture.
City Stop-and-Go: Expect a thirsty 8–10 MPG. All that weight takes a lot of energy to get moving from every red light.
Rural Roads: At steady, lower speeds (45–55 mph), you can see a bump to around 12–14 MPG.
Rural Expressways: Cruising at 70+ mph, the truck typically settles between 12–15 MPG.
Off-Road Driving: In 4WD with the XL Off-Road package’s aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires and increased ground clearance, expect your efficiency to dip back into the single digits (7–9 MPG) as you crawl through mud or sand.
Cost of the 200-Mile Journey
As of late April 2026, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is approximately $4.12. For a 200-mile trip, your cost will depend heavily on your environment:
Driving Condition
Est. MPG
Est. Cost for 200 Miles
City/Stop-and-Go
9 MPG
~$91.56
Highway/Expressway
13 MPG
~$63.38
Off-Road Crawling
8 MPG
~$103.00
It’s About Smiles Per Gallon
Let’s be honest: no one buys a one-ton truck for its hybrid-like efficiency. The XL Off-Road package is about the freedom to leave the pavement behind, thanks to its front and rear lift, skid plates, and high-clearance air dam. Whether you’re navigating a remote mountain pass or cruising a scenic rural route, the 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque ensure you have the capability to get anywhere.
Ultimately, while the fuel cost for a 200-mile weekend getaway might be higher than in a crossover, the memories made in a truck this capable are priceless. After all, you can’t put a price on the view from the top of the trail.
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