Oil problem?

[powerstrokin it]

We have a 2002 F-250 7.3L. I have a 400 mile trip tomorrow with some horses.
I went to check the oil tonight and it did not read,and I checked many times after cooling for an hour and after driving immediately. The only time it reads is after it is running. I am thinking since it holds so much oil the oil gauge and light hasn't been tripped yet. The things sounds fine,but it does a have a small leak some where. The oil isn't even registering on the stick. I am thinking the gauges and everything are working fine and it might be 2-4 quarts low. My question is does the stick go dry for some time before the alarms sound. I just need to know if I need to add oil or not,but I am thinking so. 145,000:miles

[SCUFFY828]

if the oil isnt that old just top it off , and keep an eye on it , if its time for an oil change , go ahead and change it

[LiL Feris]

If it were my truck I would add

[powerstrokin it]

I guess ya"ll are saying the gauges don't work until you are really low. I will just top it off then. It has eight thousand miles since last oil change,but we just have not changed it yet. It, is not my decision when it is changed on this truck.

[powerstrokin it]

I just wonder if this is normal. I also wonder what is leaking.

[powerstrokin it]

Well it was six quarts low. I think the sensors or something is messed up. How do I check it?