Get an auxilary fuel tank put in the bed just in case and like was stated, the manual high idle enabled so you can turn it on and off with the cruise control buttons.

 

Dodge doesn't recommend idling the truck for longer than 5 minutes because of the DPF. I have idled for about an hour or so many times. But I also work the truck hard as well. I took my DPF off after turning 150,000 miles. Wish I did it 150,000 miles ago. Do what others are doing and ditch the device.

 

I aappreciate your response but...ditch what device? I am taking a long winter trip in extreme temps and dont want any problems...can you clarify?

 

The device he's talking about is the DPF and EGR. If you get rid of these things, you won't have to worry about trips to the dealer for turbo cleaning and other emissions related problems. It'll be the best money you can spend on your truck!!!

 

I have been doing a lot of research on this site in regards to the engine and I do appreciate all the info. I think I will be OK with the EGR/DPF for now as I will be going on a long trip so not much idling. I dont want to deal with any MIL illumination issues in the Canadian rockies or have to visit a dealer in Edmonton. I think I will be getting and installing (I am a tech but not a diesel tech) an ESPAR hydronics heater and getting the high idle enabled. I will be getting a radiator cover for cold temps but was wondering what can be done to get the best mileage. I have been reading a cold air intake and a hard bed cover would both increase the mileage...is this true? Any other mileage recommendations from real world experiences?

 

The best mileage advice I can give you is keep your foot out of it. The mileage is great as long as you keep it under 75mph. I keep my cruise control set at 70mph and relax and I stay around 20mpg.
Good luck on your trip, nothing I like more than a road trip and you are going to cover some beautiful land.
Welcome to the site, it is full of great information and people.

 

I don't think an cold air intake or bed cover will improve your mileage much. If mileage is what you ultimate goal is, go with DPF/EGR delete and Smarty or XRT, you will not have any MIL illumination trouble with this set up and you will see a HUGE improvement in fuel mileage.

 

don't be worried about your fuel economy (mileage) until you get 7 or 8 k on the truck. It is not great at first, but you will start getting some GOOD highway mileage after you get some miles on the truck. Mine is completely stock and my last hwy trip thru the Arkansas & Mo hill country, my truck (empty, but tonneau cover) averaged 19.5 on hwy. I have 8800 mile on my truck now.