Fuel economy
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 350
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From: Spokane, WA
Thanks for the realistic replies. But more questions:
Is there a most-economical RPM or speed for highway driving?
Does driving in 4 WD take more fuel than 2 WD? ( we have 8 miles of dirt/gravel road to get home) Yes not alway's a noticeable amount, but it requires more fuel. Our front end's are alway's rotating. They are just not under power until the connection is made at the t-case.
Should I continue to use the tow/haul feature when loaded? Yes
Is there a most-economical RPM or speed for highway driving?
Does driving in 4 WD take more fuel than 2 WD? ( we have 8 miles of dirt/gravel road to get home) Yes not alway's a noticeable amount, but it requires more fuel. Our front end's are alway's rotating. They are just not under power until the connection is made at the t-case.
Should I continue to use the tow/haul feature when loaded? Yes
Not to start any type of disagreement; but for a 1 ton 4x4 truck, that is very good fuel mileage. Its at least 3 MPG better than a comparable gas rig. Most folks expectations are way too high after hearing others inflated mileage reports. Most people seem to tell their best tank ever when asked their average. Your numbers aren't that far off of similar trucks from 20 years ago (12v) and a lot better than the old Chevys and Fords (everyone states the old diesels were far superior in MPGs). I've been driving diesel PUs for over 20 yrs and for the increased performance from the factory these days, the pre 2007.5 s with numbers like yours are very good compared to other trucks on the road. Sorry for the long post, but thought it might help you.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 625
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Average miles is what counts: What is the overall mpg? Highs or lows can be factored, ignored, or set aside; they're meaningless by themselves.
How many gallons to travel the last 5,000 is a good place to start. The only way to test "improvements" is by this method (in many thousand mile increments).
Has my cost per mile traveled increased or decreased the last 5,000 miles compared to the stock component/setting for the previous 5,000 is at least reasonable where "the last five tanks" isn't.
And, 5,000 is itself not much of a test for fuel savings devices or procedures, etc, it really ought to be over a full year of driving (and compared to the previous year).
How many gallons to travel the last 5,000 is a good place to start. The only way to test "improvements" is by this method (in many thousand mile increments).
Has my cost per mile traveled increased or decreased the last 5,000 miles compared to the stock component/setting for the previous 5,000 is at least reasonable where "the last five tanks" isn't.
And, 5,000 is itself not much of a test for fuel savings devices or procedures, etc, it really ought to be over a full year of driving (and compared to the previous year).
Registered User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Langdon, Alberta Canada
I know this is not a new topic, but I am disappointed with my mileage on the 2005 Dodge 3500 with the 5.9 Turbo Cummins. I've got about 53,000 miles on it, bought used.
According to the computer and my fuel bill, I'm gettting at best 18 mpg on the road, about 16 in mixed driving, and 12 with the camper on board. (But I love the truck!)
I've heard claims of 20+ mpg with improved air intakes, chips, a new VP44, and adding some PowerService. The tires are properly inflated, and the air filter is clean. I am not using synthetic oil at present. I try to go easy on the throttle, and accelerate slow and steady.
I am new to diesels, and not particularly mechanical. I tend to be skeptical of manufacturer claims unless you guys have some experience with real improvements.
What would you do first, second, and third? Many thanks in advance.
Phil705
Winthrop WA
According to the computer and my fuel bill, I'm gettting at best 18 mpg on the road, about 16 in mixed driving, and 12 with the camper on board. (But I love the truck!)
I've heard claims of 20+ mpg with improved air intakes, chips, a new VP44, and adding some PowerService. The tires are properly inflated, and the air filter is clean. I am not using synthetic oil at present. I try to go easy on the throttle, and accelerate slow and steady.
I am new to diesels, and not particularly mechanical. I tend to be skeptical of manufacturer claims unless you guys have some experience with real improvements.
What would you do first, second, and third? Many thanks in advance.
Phil705
Winthrop WA
01Turbo
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