2017 Ford F 150 Fuel Capacity – Tank Sizes And Range Calculations
The 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity varies significantly across its lineup, offering three primary tank sizes: 23 gallons, 26 gallons, and a massive 36-gallon extended-range option. Knowing which tank your truck carries is vital for calculating towing range, planning off-road excursions, and managing your budget at the pump.
You probably know the feeling of watching your fuel needle drop faster than expected while hauling a heavy trailer or climbing a steep mountain pass. It is a common frustration for truck owners who need to know exactly how much “go juice” they have left before the next station. We agree that nothing kills a road trip or a work day faster than an unplanned stop or, worse, running dry on a remote trail.
In this guide, we promise to clarify the specific 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity for every major configuration, from the base V6 work truck to the high-performance Raptor. We will also preview how to identify your specific tank size and offer pro tips for maximizing your range. By the end of this article, you will be an expert on your truck’s fuel system and how to keep it running efficiently.
The Three Standard Tank Sizes for the 2017 F-150
Ford designed the 2017 F-150 to be incredibly modular, which means the fuel tank size often depends on how the original owner spec’d the vehicle from the factory. Most models come equipped with one of three main capacities. Understanding these baseline numbers is the first step in mastering your truck’s fuel economy and logistics.
The standard tank for many base trims and smaller cab configurations is the 23-gallon unit. This tank is lightweight and helps maintain a higher payload capacity, but it offers the shortest range. It is most commonly found on the Regular Cab models or those equipped with the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine.
Next in line is the 26-gallon tank, which Ford often utilized as the “standard” mid-size option for SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. This extra three gallons might not seem like much, but it provides an additional 45 to 60 miles of highway range. Many owners find this to be the “Goldilocks” size for daily driving and light commuting.
Finally, the “holy grail” for many F-150 enthusiasts is the 36-gallon extended-range fuel tank. This option was available on almost all trims but was a standalone upgrade or part of specific towing packages. If you plan on cross-country trips or heavy-duty hauling, this 36-gallon capacity is a game-changer for your peace of mind.
Understanding Your Specific 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity
Identifying your exact 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity is not always as simple as looking at the trim level. Because Ford offered the 36-gallon tank as an optional upgrade on everything from the XL to the Limited, you need to do a bit of detective work. There are three reliable ways to confirm your truck’s specs without crawling underneath with a measuring tape.
The most accurate method is checking your Window Sticker. If you are the original owner or have the paperwork, look under the “Optional Equipment/Other” section. If you see “36 Gallon Fuel Tank” listed, you have the extended-range version; otherwise, you likely have the 23 or 26-gallon standard unit.
If you don’t have the sticker, use a VIN decoder tool online. By entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number, you can pull up the original build sheet. This will explicitly state the fuel system specifications and any heavy-duty payload or towing packages that might have triggered a tank size increase.
A more practical, “real-world” method is to observe your fuel gauge when the “Low Fuel” light comes on. Most F-150s trigger the warning when there are about 50 miles of range left. If you fill up immediately and the pump clicks off at 19-20 gallons, you have a 23-gallon tank. If it takes 31-32 gallons, you definitely have the 36-gallon upgrade.
The Raptor Exception
The 2017 Ford Raptor has its own set of rules. For this model year, the Raptor SuperCab came standard with the 26-gallon tank. However, the larger Raptor SuperCrew was equipped with the 36-gallon tank as standard equipment to feed its high-output 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Engine Choice and Tank Pairing
While any engine could theoretically be paired with the larger tank, the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 were the most common recipients of the 36-gallon upgrade. The 2.7L EcoBoost, designed for efficiency, is more frequently found with the 23 or 26-gallon tanks to keep the truck’s overall weight down.
How Cab and Bed Configurations Affect Fuel Storage
The physical layout of your truck’s frame plays a massive role in which tank Ford could fit at the factory. The fuel tank is located inside the frame rails, usually on the driver’s side. The amount of available space between the transfer case and the rear axle determines the maximum possible tank length.
Regular Cab models with a short bed have the most restricted frame space. These trucks are almost exclusively fitted with the 23-gallon tank. There simply isn’t enough physical “real estate” under the cab to fit the long, 36-gallon plastic reservoir without interfering with other suspension components.
SuperCrew models with the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds offer the most flexibility. These frames are long enough to accommodate any of the three tank sizes. This is why you will find the 36-gallon 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity most often on these larger, family-oriented or work-heavy configurations.
It is also worth noting that 4WD hardware takes up space. On some older trucks, 4×4 components limited tank size, but by 2017, Ford’s engineering allowed for the 36-gallon tank to coexist peacefully with the 4WD driveshaft and transfer case. This makes the 2017 F-150 a top choice for off-roaders who need high fuel volume.
Calculating Your Real-World Range and Towing Limits
Knowing your capacity is one thing; knowing how far it will take you is another. To calculate your range, you must multiply your 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity by your average MPG. However, these numbers change drastically depending on whether you are empty or hauling a 7,000-pound trailer.
For a 2017 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost and a 36-gallon tank, an average highway MPG of 20 would give you a theoretical range of 720 miles. This is incredible for long-distance cruising. However, when towing, that MPG can drop to 9 or 10. In that scenario, even the large tank only gives you 360 miles of range.
If you have the 23-gallon tank and are towing, your range drops to a stressful 200-230 miles. This requires much more frequent stops and careful route planning. We recommend always keeping a 5-gallon safety margin in your calculations, as you never want to run the fuel pump dry.
The 2017 model year also introduced the 10-speed automatic transmission for the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient power band. Owners with this setup often report slightly better range than those with the older 6-speed units found in the 2.7L or 5.0L engines.
- Daily Commuting: Expect 400-500 miles on a standard tank.
- Highway Cruising: The 36-gallon tank can exceed 700 miles per fill-up.
- Heavy Towing: Plan for fuel stops every 200-250 miles regardless of tank size.
Off-Roading and Fuel Safety: Protecting Your Tank
For the off-road enthusiast, the fuel tank is a vulnerable target. The 2017 F-150 uses high-strength, cross-linked polyethylene (plastic) tanks. While these are durable and won’t rust, they can be punctured by sharp rocks or high-centered on obstacles during overlanding adventures.
If your truck didn’t come with the “FX4 Off-Road Package,” it likely lacks a fuel tank skid plate. We highly recommend installing an aftermarket skid plate if you plan on hitting technical trails. A punctured tank in the wilderness is more than a mechanical failure; it is a serious safety hazard.
Another tip for off-roaders is to manage your “Distance to Empty” (DTE) display carefully. When driving on steep inclines or declines, the fuel inside the tank sloshes to one side. This can temporarily “trick” the fuel level sensor, causing the DTE to drop suddenly or the engine to stumble if the fuel pickup is uncovered.
Always carry extra fuel in Jerry cans or RotopaX containers if you are heading deep into the backcountry. Even with the 36-gallon 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity, low-range 4WD driving consumes fuel at a much higher rate than highway driving. A good rule of thumb is the “Rule of Thirds”: one-third to get in, one-third to get out, and one-third for emergencies.
- Check fuel levels before entering the trail head.
- Install a heavy-duty skid plate for protection.
- Keep the tank above a quarter-full to prevent fuel pump overheating.
Troubleshooting Common Fuel System and Gauge Issues
As the 2017 F-150 ages, some owners report issues with the accuracy of their fuel readings. If your gauge seems to “lie” to you, or if the truck runs out of gas while the gauge still shows an eighth of a tank, you may be dealing with a faulty fuel sending unit or a software glitch.
One common issue is the “Inaccurate DTE” calculation. The truck’s computer calculates range based on your last 500 miles of driving. If you suddenly switch from highway cruising to heavy city traffic, the DTE will be wildly inaccurate. You can often reset this through the productivity screen in the instrument cluster settings.
Another potential culprit is the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM). While more common on older Fords, a failing module can cause erratic fuel delivery or a “crank but no start” condition. If you notice your truck hesitating under load, have a professional technician check the fuel pressure at the rail.
Finally, never “top off” your tank after the nozzle clicks. The 2017 F-150 uses a sophisticated Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. Overfilling can force liquid fuel into the charcoal canister, leading to a “Check Engine” light and expensive repairs. Stop at the first click to keep your system healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity
Can I upgrade my 23-gallon tank to a 36-gallon tank?
Yes, it is a popular DIY swap. You will need the 36-gallon tank, the corresponding fuel sending unit, and new mounting straps. Additionally, you must use a tool like FORScan to update the truck’s computer so the fuel gauge and DTE display read correctly.
Does the 2017 F-150 Raptor always have the large tank?
Not necessarily. As mentioned earlier, the 2017 Raptor SuperCab came standard with a 26-gallon tank. Only the SuperCrew version of the Raptor came standard with the 36-gallon 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity. Always verify the cab style before assuming the capacity.
How much does it cost to fill the 36-gallon tank?
This depends entirely on local gas prices. At an average price of $3.50 per gallon, a completely empty 36-gallon tank would cost $126 to fill. This is why many owners prefer the larger tank; it allows them to wait and fill up where prices are lower during long trips.
Does the fuel tank size affect the truck’s payload?
Yes. Fuel weighs approximately 6 pounds per gallon. A full 36-gallon tank weighs about 216 pounds, whereas a 23-gallon tank weighs 138 pounds. That 78-pound difference is subtracted directly from your total available payload capacity.
What is the “reserve” fuel amount on a 2017 F-150?
Generally, Ford designs the system so that when the gauge hits “E” or “0 miles to empty,” there is still a 1.5 to 2-gallon reserve. However, relying on this is risky, as the fuel also acts as a coolant for the submerged fuel pump.
Conclusion: Mastering Your F-150’s Range
Understanding the 2017 ford f 150 fuel capacity is about more than just numbers; it is about knowing the capabilities and limitations of your vehicle. Whether you are rocking the standard 23-gallon tank for efficiency or the 36-gallon beast for long-distance towing, being aware of your range ensures you stay in control of every journey.
Take a moment this week to verify your tank size using your VIN or by monitoring your next fill-up. If you find yourself frequently cutting it close, consider carrying extra fuel or even looking into a tank swap. Proper fuel management is the hallmark of an experienced truck owner and a prepared adventurer.
Always prioritize safety by protecting your tank off-road and avoiding the habit of running on empty. By following these simple steps and keeping your fuel system maintained, your F-150 will continue to be the reliable workhorse you need. Stay safe and stay fueled!
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