Sorry to make another newbie post.
I am a landscaper and now need to buy a new truck.
Like every other American fuel is killing me.
I have a 2003 F250 5.4L
I bought a Bobcat T250 skidsteer.
Needless to say the Ford is not doing the job.
I need somehing that will pull this beast, and still take the family to town.
I have a few demands for a new truck
Around 30k
Diesel, 4x4 auto, Crew Cab
I need 20mpg loaded, at least 10mpg with 10,000 lbs. (Skid steer is 9,300lbs)
Am I on the right track on the purchase of a programmer for $400 from Autzone to reach 20mpg?

Here in Mid Mo is a big Dodge country. Many Cummins owners pulling the heck out of trailers with hay, tractors etc.
I would choose Gm over Dodge for the better ride.
From what I can gather it is easy for a cummins to drink fuel lightly.
What are the real MPG numbers for a 06 Dodge 5.9L 4x4 manual and auto, with 3:73 gears?

 

I get around 18.5-20 empty and got high as 12 while towing the camper at 55mph. The ride is good when loaded a bit ruff when empty but you get use to it in a few years. Or you could put an air ride kit on it. Good luck.

 

Do you think the fuel milage would be the same unloaded with auto and manual? But better milage from a manual loaded with a 6spd? Better able to choose the right gear for better RPM's?

 

I have an 06 2 wheel drive, 5.9 empty on the highway 22 to 25 I have the quad cab, love the back doors, I pull a travel trailer 30 foot, loaded it could way 10,000 its always under that, ive got up to 16 mpg towing, but that was a really good day, usually 12 to 14 I installed the Quadzilla XZT tow box, this 5.9 is the best engined truck ive ever owned bar none, way better than my last gmc diesel, oh ya all my mileage is done on paper, the overhead is wacko.