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Why a Cummins? I'll tell you why...

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Old May 23, 2007 | 10:14 PM
  #1  
steelblitzkrieg's Avatar
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From: Antioch, Ca
Why a Cummins? I'll tell you why...

As I have mentioned in another thread I did a roundtrip from SF to L.A. about 900 miles total.

I averaged probably close to 76mph...I figure 750 of it was at 85mph going up and down I5, I averaged 16.2mpg, sure it seems low being 16.2 for a vehicle, but my 02 5.9 magnum probably would have got around 9mpg. Now added to this for those familiar with the Grapevine it's a massive pass Sealevel to 4000 feet and back to Sealevel with severe enough grades that they post signs to turn off your A/C and they have water turnouts every few miles, they also have several runaway truck lanes for the downsides.

I put my truck on Cruise Control and set it for 75mph, I tinkered in places moving it up to 85mph at times, but never dropped below 75mph unless a slow vehicle was in front of me. I never kicked down a gear, I never felt like it was even lugging...I had all kinds of gasser trucks/SUV's that would catch up to me on down slopes, but soon as we hit a grade they would start to fall back immediately, I mean it felt like they were standing still.

Once this truck is paid off, I'm selling my 02 gasser and giving this one to the wife so I can get another Diesel.
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Old May 23, 2007 | 10:23 PM
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From: cypress/houston, tx
I went on a 200 mile trip and 2 guys with me commented as to how my truck never shifted out of OD! They said there Ford shifts all the time on the terrain we were on.
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Old May 23, 2007 | 10:34 PM
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From: Centennial, CO
Pulling our travel trailer up the hill to the Eisenhower tunnel in OD, that is a great feeling. Our 7.4 burb had to drop to 45 mph, she was screamin.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 07:43 AM
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From: Sparks, Nv.
I think I may have a problem with my 06. It's only getting around 10.2, and towinig last weekend it was 9.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 08:03 AM
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From: cypress/houston, tx
Originally Posted by clsmoothnv
I think I may have a problem with my 06. It's only getting around 10.2, and towinig last weekend it was 9.
there is a flash for poor MPG on 06s take it to the dealer and complain.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 08:05 AM
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What was your speed and did you have a headwind? How big was your load, how much air did it catch? Heavy load going uphill?
These are huge factors.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 08:33 AM
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From: Sparks, Nv.
Thank wreed I will call them today.
Crankpot I understand those are all huge factors, yes it was a boat and a 5th wheel. no hills and some wind. My concern is I hear all this talk about great MPG,s, and mine doesn't vary that much.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 08:55 AM
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I hear you bro, my hemi megacab gets 12 mpg on a lucky day. 10-11 in traffic. I experimented on a hwy once, wheer i set the cruise on 58 mph for a long time and it got to about 15-16 mpg, but thatw as with no touching the gas pedal. I wish I went with CDT but the extra cost and exposing my little ones with asthma to the diesel fumes kept me away for now at least, but who knows in the future.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 09:45 AM
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From: Wichita, KS
Recently, my truck made a 800 mile trip, speed at times topped 120, cruising about 85-90. Truck averaged 16.8 (hand calculated based on GPS mileage not odometer). I was not driving, I loaned the truck to my son. This trip was not just on the flatlands of Kansas, it was hauling his motorcycle to Missouri and Arkansas to ride the curves.
I continue to be impressed by this truck.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 10:37 AM
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From: Sparks, Nv.
nymegacab, what is the CDT?
Impressive topless I wish mine was that close.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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From: Sparks, Nv.
I just spoke with my dealer, they are gonna take a look at it. They said it shoud be getting alot better mileage.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:07 AM
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From: Gainesville, Ga
Steel.... I have made that trek so many times I could not count before moving to the east coast. Unless it has changed at 85mph you are risking getting run over from behind. I have traveled this country extensively and have never experianced the "Autobaun" effect that I 5 has. The only thing that makes it better is dense fog (Like only central CA has) or a good old fashion zero visibility dust storm. Something everybody should experiance..... from a distance of course.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:25 AM
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From: Wichita, KS
Originally Posted by clsmoothnv
nymegacab, what is the CDT?
Impressive topless I wish mine was that close.
I don't list all the mods in my signature. K/N cold air with pre-filter, bullet muffler, something else is MIA, Edge Juice w/attitude. I made it breathe good and the Edge box made a big difference in power and economy.
Yes, my son told me about abusing my truck, but hey, it's a Cummins.
CTD = Cummins Turbo Diesel
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:34 AM
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From: Sparks, Nv.
I'll see what the deler says, then I'll start the aftermarket mods.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:34 AM
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My bad, sorry.
Meant CTD, not CDT
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