I have had my 01 Dodge 3/4 2x4 for 4 years now. I basically only use it to tow my 7000lb RV. Over the last few years I have gone from 12 MPG to 10MPG.
The truck has all stock equipment, no aftermarket upgrades. Basic maintenance has been a fuel pump, injector pump, and I had the valves adjusted. None made any MPG differance. The truck runs great and starts in an instantly, No other complaints but the MPG.

SO... my question is, where do I start? I am retired and have some spending limits, so I might not be able to do things all at once. Which should I do first, and then what next.

I am considering the following from threads I have read;

1. SuperChips programer.... $$399
2. Replace factory Air filter with cold air intake. $300. Any suggestions or Do it yourself ideas ?
3. Fuel system mods... Lift pump??, gauge
4. 4" Exhaust pipe.

All this can add up to some big bucks for me, So any suggestions would be appreciated. Also my main goal is to increase the MPG , and what might I expect in increased MPG.

Also links to products or How To's would be great

Thanks for your time, Rob ( A new member to the list)

 

if it were me I would start with gauges first ( fuel pressure, exhaust temp, boost, and if you have an automatic probably a tranny temp gauge since you tow) unless the programmer you want has built in gauges. then maybe lift pump for reliability for your injection pump. then exhaust, then programmer.

 

The basics,
Tire inflation. Tread patterns and size can also effect fuel mileage.
Synthetic oil front to back.
Are your brakes dragging.
High electrical loads and AC can drag your engine down.
How are your wheel bearing?
Anything that adds drag, weather it is something you added or change or a maintenance issue will effect your fuel mileage.

 

At stock power levels none of the mods you listed will cause you to gain mileage....I know the ads all say they do but realistically at best the exhaust system would help you lower Exhaust gas temps but again no real mileage increase to be had there.

If you are driving at 70 or over that will hurt your mileage as well...I would love to sell you all those products but I could not do it in good faith if your only goal is mileage...that money can pay for a lot of fuel....

The stock air box flows more air than you can use at stock levels as well...again the gain would be lower EGT's IF you are seeing things too hot.

 

Clean the MAP sensor - probably pick your mileage back up quickly. As others have said driving habits dictate mileage more than anything. As long as you're happy with power - stick w/maintenance as all these things will cause a snowball to start growing - but if that is what you want - gauges, transmission, then start adding power.

 

Well not sure where you live it doesn't show under your username. So if you have members close to you and willing to let you try a smarty/programer or edge ez / chip and run it on lowest economy level (usually added timing)
see if this gives you a increase in MPG and alittle more pep.

I do say Gauges are good to get. keeping the stock air box would be fine. if you really want an aftermarket kit. watch Craigslist buy a used one you can get one cheap and at worst would maybe just need to buy a new cone filter for it.

on these years of trucks cleaning sensors , AIT/MAP etc if never done when dirty can affect MPG.

So the posted MPG you stated you are getting is this towing? what do you get not towing. Also where are you towing this? at what elevations? if you lived in high elevations and went RVing always in High elevations with alot of Hills I can understand having 10-12 MPG.

 

I would have to agree, a K&N or other similar brand won't do anything for you other than slightly cooler EGT's and over the long haul, save you money since the filter can be cleaned. Exhaust on my truck was only upgraded because it was damaged, I upgraded to a 4 inch stainless with a muffler and although it sounds nice, no performance gains or MPG gains have been noticed. Have you checked for blow by? Depending on milage and engine conditions this could be effecting MPG. Running synthetic oil is something I have always used, and although it should help MPG in theory, I haven't noticed any gains, but I have ran synthetic for most the time I have owned this truck and many other things have changed as well so it would be hard to notice it. Sofar the best things I think would be to get an accurate idea of FP, and then clean the MAP and IAT sensors, and also check for blow by. Once these are done you might have a better idea what direction you want to go.