Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Pickups Diesels 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
|
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.
|
|
|
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 12:52 pm) 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
|
|
|
Replying to: kcram (Mar 22, 2009 6:26 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 22, 2009 8:12 pm) 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
|
|
|
Replying to: kcram (Mar 24, 2009 5:10 pm) If fuel economy is mostly an rpm thing, why not just add an overdrive or change axle ratios on any 5.9?
|
|
|
Replying to: ingarage (Mar 24, 2009 9:07 pm) 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 |
|
|
Replying to: jay7805 (Mar 05, 2009 3:24 pm) Good luck to all |
|
|
Replying to: redbearde (Mar 20, 2009 7:34 pm) |
|
|
Considering trading my '06 F250 SD/SC gasoline for an ' 08 F250 4wd SD/CC diesel. Never owned a diesel before. only considering because of the deep discounts on '08. Thoughts? experiences? Is mpg that much better than gas?
|
|
|
Replying to: jet12 (Apr 03, 2009 8:26 pm) It depends on what you are going to do with the truck. My gasser worked great as a grocery getter, but didn't do well at all climbing over the Sierras with our travel trailer. My "new to me" duramax requires caution to not go uphill too fast with the trailer. Awesome. Amazing. I'm REALLY enjoying it. |
|
You are here:
Forums
Pickups Diesels Diesel Fuel Economy and chips
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2010 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500
2010 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2009 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500
2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2006 GMC Sierra 3500
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
