rootremblay

What would be a good size tire to go to to get a little better fuel mileage?? I have 4:10's and stock tires now. Any help please

John Faughn

I would look at changing the gears [ 3:55 ] , about the price of 2 sets of tires .
You've got the trans so you can add more power .
Then how much do you tow & mountains if any ?
If your pulling a lot of weight through hills , you may need gears .
Then theres Hydrogen or propane .
Lots of options , just have to blend them , your building a system .

rootremblay

No mountains I live in Florida, but I do haul about 7,000 lbs 2 days a week. Really I just want better on the highway, thats where it is bad for me.

wcbcruzer

What's your fuel mileage now? I think 4:10's get better mileage than most people think, cause it's easier on the engine. I'd say 255/85/16 but they only come in load range D. Those are 33" tall with pretty much the same diameter as stock. Otherwise maybe 235/85/16 (31" tall, little narrower than stock). I've "heard" of other people with 4:10's picking up a mile or two with 35" tires. But those are so much heavier and wider than stock, I'd think the extra rolling resistance would negate the fuel mileage gain.

rootremblay

I can get almost 16 on the interstate cruisin about 75, and about 13 around town.

wcbcruzer

Dang, isn't 75 pushing like 2300 rpms? I get 17-19 on the hwy keeping it under 65 mph. Running 265/75/16's.

rootremblay

yeah close to that, I had a 96 4x4 2500 ext cab cummins that got 17 or 18 all the time, but not the dually.

Shovelhead

The tire size might help, but your speed is a major factor.
These trucks are about as aerodynamic as your average brick.
At speeds >60mph the coefficient of drag increases exponentially.

I have achieved 22 mpg on a road trip (Hand Calculated) by keeping the engine @ 2000 rpm. Cruise set at 64 mph, light traffic.

2 wheel drive Dually with 4.10s and 235-85-16s.

rootremblay

thats very true, I recently fixed a intake manifold gasket leak that was pretty bad. It seems to have helped but it hasnt been fixed long enough for me to do any calculations. so does 13 around town and 16 on the highway at 75 sound right? just seems a little low to me.

Shovelhead

If I drive aggressively (which I do most of the time ) I get about the same.

Your 4X4 will knock off a mpg or so too.

rootremblay

cool, so I shouldnt worry. and its hard not to drive that way, they are fun to drive!!!

induchman

The easiest way to get better mileage and longevity of the tires, is reduce both speed and size of tire. A taller 235/85/16 will do better than a wide 245, 265 or 285.

eodshawn

I can tell you not to put 37s on it! And by the way why buy a 3500 or 2500 pickup and worry about fuel mileage? Not just asking you but think about it we all drive atleast 3/4 ton trucks and think were going to get the best of both worlds. Granted they are capable of doing ok on fuel but good? never going to happen. just my opinion.

wcbcruzer

Well, a 3 mpg increase is big difference. If you drive 500 miles, that's a $15 difference. Fill up 3x a month and that's $45 you could've saved.