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Diesel Fuel Economy and chips

391 messages,  Last post on Oct 28, 2009 at 4:28 AM

You are in the Diesels Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, GMC Sierra 2500HD, GMC Sierra 3500, Fuel System, Performance Mods, Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

#371 of 391 Re: what chip is right for me ? [bobola] by stevedebi Mar 04, 2009 (12:35 pm)
Replying to: bobola (Mar 03, 2009 8:09 pm) " You ever her some one talk about a smoke switch its a joke and will hurt you motor know i out smoked a guy with my setup and he had a smoke switch, then i out ran him, and just the Quadzilla programmer and airdog fuel pump is all i got down to my truck by the way. If you got anymore questiuons just ask "   OK, I'll ask. Are you saying in your post that you got better MPG, or better power? What is the MPG with your modifications?
#372 of 391 i need help and im new to edmunds by jay7805 Mar 05, 2009 (3:24 pm)
Hey. Im new to this and im actually looking to buy another truck, im looking into diesel pickups, chevy or gmc 2500 actually, or a ford f-250. I know and work with ppl that own diesel pickups. I get alot of different types of advice. and alot of ppl have told me if i buy a diesel and dont use it to pull or drive far then it will just get trashed because it is not mad to tool around town. I do drive 25 mins to work one way. and pull a trailer with 4 wheelers.    I basically want a diesel becasue they hold their value, and i believe that they hold up better than a gas pickup. I also have been looking into chips for more MPG . i hope you guys can help thank you Replies to this message: oochuck (Mar 26, 2009 1:16 pm)
#373 of 391 Diesel Mileage by redbearde Mar 20, 2009 (7:34 pm)
I have a stock hight and wheels Dodge 06' Dodge Diesel 2500 4x4 QC with 103,000k, picked it up about a monthe ago. Averaging 16 mpg w/ even mix of city/highway.Was hopeing for much better! It has an AFE intake and a banks cat back. Dont think anything else, but not sure?It runs great! and Ive been easy on the throttle. The biggest thing I have noticed is the idle. As i drive the idle changes. one stop light will idle smooth as can be next stop light its like beeing in a massage chair.and everywhere in between. I have a short time left on the warranty so I am taking it back in next week to complain about idle.( they already changed lift pump,(In Tank)It was stalling at idle.Will mention mpg.But im sure they'll tell me ("yep! Thats what they get!). Any one have any suggestions on specific items I could mention to the dealer pertaining to my issues? Or any other advice like things I could check on my own? i.e. fluids,wiring?I am good w/cars(built a few 4x's)I dont have a lot of experience w/diesels.   Thanks! Replies to this message: pipfindr (Mar 26, 2009 6:40 pm)
#374 of 391 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? by ingarage Mar 22, 2009 (12:52 pm)
I may be taking a job that requires a lot of freeway time and the company will buy my fuel but they want us to drive vehicles that get at least 24 mpg, typically cars. I want to use a dually because I need one to pull a 22,000# gooseneck 3-4 weekends a year (on my time). My business driving will be at 65-70 mph, generally level freeway near sea level in California. I would buy a used truck, looking for the right gear ratio and tranny, and would make whatever mods necessary to the plumbing and programming. Probably 2WD to save weight and height. 1st choice is Dodge mega cab short bed, then 6.0 or 7.3 Ford crew cab short bed. Has anybody achieved this average freeway economy? 5.9 Cummins likely more economical than the new engine? Is 3.54 a good ratio for this speed? Advice on engine mods by brand names? Do I have to have a stick? Do dual wheels kill me? I don't know if I'd want to tow that much with singles, even a few times a year.    Secondary issue: I realize low numeric rear ends mean tougher towing with that big load. This would be at 55 mph, so is there an automatic that will downshift to the right gear, or should I be looking at a manual? I'd go with an underdrive or overdrive if that give the most versatility. Again, I am willing to have an imperfect towing rig to get the high mpg unloaded. Replies to this message: kcram (Mar 22, 2009 6:26 pm) ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 8:12 pm) kcram (Mar 24, 2009 5:10 pm) and 2 more...
#375 of 391 Re: 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? [ingarage] by kcram HOST Mar 22, 2009 (6:26 pm)
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 12:52 pm) Your biggest problem is your trailer. No pickup is legally rated to pull a 22,000 pound trailer, and you would be in for some hefty fines at a weigh station. The trailer alone exceeds the combined weight ratings for almost every pickup out there. To pull something that heavy, you need at least a Class-6 medium truck.   As far as the truck itself as a daily driver, a Ram MegaCab is probably not your best option only because the 3.42 axle was only introduced in the last couple of years, and only available on the automatic for 2009. Otherwise, you're looking at the 3.73 with Dodge. I have a Quad Can 4x4 dually with 3.73s, and while I can break 20, I doubt that, even with a 2WD MegaCab over my 4x4 Quad Cab, you would be consistently able to crack 24. You'd be close.   If you truly need all the rear seat space, your best option is a Ford Crew Cab with the 7.3, single rear wheels, the shortbed if you can manage it, and the lowest-numeric axle. And again, you'd be close to your 24 mpg, but no guarantees of keeping it there.   kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host Replies to this message: ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 8:12 pm) kcram (Mar 24, 2009 5:10 pm) ingarage (Mar 24, 2009 9:07 pm) and 1 more...
#376 of 391 Re: 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? [kcram] by ingarage Mar 22, 2009 (8:12 pm)
Replying to: kcram (Mar 22, 2009 6:26 pm) Oops, I made a typo on the trailer weight. To simplify the post, let's forget the towing questions and just look at the possibility of getting a Megacab dually or any crew cab Ford dually past 24 mpg. Thanks for your recommendation kcram. Replies to this message: kcram (Mar 24, 2009 5:10 pm) ingarage (Mar 24, 2009 9:07 pm) kcram (Mar 25, 2009 7:29 pm)
#377 of 391 Re: 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? [ingarage] by kcram HOST Mar 24, 2009 (5:10 pm)
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 8:12 pm) Ironically, you can get a brand new MegaCab dually past 24, since the 2009s offer a very tall 3.42 axle - with the double overdrive of the 6-speed automatic, you should have no trouble reaching 24 in a 2wd truck. If your budget doesn't permit "new", you can likely achieve the same going back to a 2007.5 Ram with the 6.7L Cummins and 6-speed automatic, then have the 3.42 diff swapped in.   The tallest Ford ratio is a 3.73, so you will need to look for a very light configuration... Ford does make a shortbox dually crew cab, bit they are VERY hard to find, as not many people ordered them.   kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host Replies to this message: ingarage (Mar 24, 2009 9:07 pm) kcram (Mar 25, 2009 7:29 pm)
#378 of 391 Re: 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? [kcram] by ingarage Mar 24, 2009 (9:07 pm)
Replying to: kcram (Mar 24, 2009 5:10 pm) Thanks kcram. So is it the 6 speed autos taller top gear ratio I am looking for and was it introduced in 2007.5, or is that when the 6.7 came out? Is the 6.7 a better candidate for a fuel economy project than the 5.9? When did particulate filters come out and are these a factor?   If fuel economy is mostly an rpm thing, why not just add an overdrive or change axle ratios on any 5.9? Replies to this message: kcram (Mar 25, 2009 7:29 pm)
#379 of 391 Re: 24+ freeway mpg possible with a dually???? [ingarage] by kcram HOST Mar 25, 2009 (7:29 pm)
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 24, 2009 9:07 pm) The 6-speed automatic and 6.7L were introduced together in 2007.5, along with the particulate emissions equipment.   In getting the best mileage from a diesel, you want the rpm as close to the torque peak as you can get for the typical road speed... for a Cummins, that sweet spot is right around 1600-1700 rpm. But since you're driving 65-70 mph, you will need the tall 6th gear of the 6-speed automatic along with that 3.42 axle, or you would need a much older truck (12-valve mechanical Cummins from 1998 or earlier).   I had a 1996 Ram 3500 Club Cab 4x4 dually, 4-speed automatic, 3.54 axles and OEM tires (LT215/85R16E). I could get 24 mpg out of it, but to do it, I had to keep my cruise control at 55. At the same speed, my 2005 Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 dually with 3.73s and LT235/80R17E tires will get around 21.   kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
#380 of 391 Re: i need help and im new to edmunds [jay7805] by oochuck Mar 26, 2009 (1:16 pm)
Replying to: jay7805 (Mar 05, 2009 3:24 pm) Buy the truck you want. On my Dodge diesel I mainly drive from stop light to stop light over the past few years after selling the RV trailer. Going on 90,000 miles and only opened the hood to do the oil change and replace the batteries once over the past 5-6 years. Great way to go. Just purchased the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Mercedes V-6 diesel. Tows up to 7,400 pounds. My wife also drives from stop light to stop light and has averaged over 17 MPG. Not bad for a 4,700 pound SUV. Economy of a 4 banger and power of a V-8 (376 torque rating). And the price new was $19,999.99. You can check Autotrader.com and put in zip code 75042 with a hundred mile radius to find a few of these new 2007 Jeep diesels.   Good luck to all

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