How can I improve MPG?

[Judy]

Your best option is slow and gradual exceleration

 

[jws123]

i love when ppl buy a truck and expect it to be good on gas no matter what ya do it will suck on gas.

 

[mtnrider]

Pulling my large 5th wheel, 10-11mpg. It should be doing better. I'm going to calibrate the bigger tires which I had not done yet oh, that might add a mile or two to the average indicator.

These new trucks get around 11 towing heavy, you are right where everyone else is. Not going to get any better, especially with 35's.

.

 

[SOKY_RAM]

I know this will probably open a can of worms but....

I put one of these on my 17 CTD and I feel like it helped. Can also hear the turbo whistle now, which I like.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/...eG1neEpd7sw10JBInChgJGnAdv533iMRoC88IQAvD_BwE

 

[texan279]

 

[VCorleone]

Looking for solid info. Thanks for the smartass reply.

In all fairness, who buys a 3500 and sweats MPG?

If it is heinously bad, even for that model, then check your air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, look for a fuel leak, etc.
Other than that, put a tonneau cover on the bed, make sure your tires are always properly inflated, and go easy on the gas pedal.

Post an update if it turns out to be something with your specific truck and you fix it somewhat.

 

[huntergreen]

i love when ppl buy a truck and expect it to be good on gas no matter what ya do it will suck on gas.

Actually, compared to the 350 engines of the eighties and nineties , I find the mileage pretty dang good.


as for a diesel, his mileage sounds low, but without calibrating for the larger tires, he has no way of knowing what his mpg is.

 

[mtnrider]

as for a diesel, his mileage sounds low, but without calibrating for the larger tires, he has no way of knowing what his mpg is.

10-11 mpg is about spot on for a truck with 35's pulling a heavy wind sail 5th wheel. Calibrating will change it about ~0.5mpg. Even stock you are probably looking at about 11-11.5mpg with that truck and load?

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[huntergreen]

10-11 mpg is about spot on for a truck with 35's pulling a heavy wind sail 5th wheel. Calibrating will change it about ~0.5mpg. Even stock you are probably looking at about 11-11.5mpg with that truck and load?

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Depends on his gearing, trans and weight of the trailer. I would think about 14 mpg with his 5th wheel. The 6.4 gasser would be getting 8 to 10 mpg, a diesel should be getting more than 10.5 mpg. Of course we need a lot more info.

 

[Tl806]

I’ve found that ethanol free gas boost my mpg slightly.

 

[mtnrider]

Depends on his gearing, trans and weight of the trailer. I would think about 14 mpg with his 5th wheel. The 6.4 gasser would be getting 8 to 10 mpg, a diesel should be getting more than 10.5 mpg. Of course we need a lot more info.

I've never seen anyone with a newer cummins getting 14 towing a 5th wheel. Not unless it's really tiny. We are all getting in the ~11-12 range at best when towing a decent load. Heck most cummins are only getting ~15 around town unloaded.

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[mtnrider]

I’ve found that ethanol free gas boost my mpg slightly.

I wouldn't run that in a diesel though......


.

 

[Tl806]

I wouldn't run that in a diesel though......


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Missed that part!! Yea, that would be a bad idea.

 

[McBroom]

Pulling my large 5th wheel, 10-11mpg. It should be doing better. I'm going to calibrate the bigger tires which I had not done yet oh, that might add a mile or two to the average indicator.

As you said “pulling my large 5er and getting 10-11 mpg”
That’s actually freakin awesome!!


The Blue Mule

 

[McBroom]

Actually, compared to the 350 engines of the eighties and nineties , I find the mileage pretty dang good.


as for a diesel, his mileage sounds low, but without calibrating for the larger tires, he has no way of knowing what his mpg is.

Ya know OP never gave much info about the truck other than it’s a 3500 SRW.


The Blue Mule

 

[sandawilliams]

I've never seen anyone with a newer cummins getting 14 towing a 5th wheel. Not unless it's really tiny. We are all getting in the ~11-12 range at best when towing a decent load. Heck most cummins are only getting ~15 around town unloaded.

.

An honest diesel owner!

 

[dhay13]

Different truck but my son towed his 8000lb camper with a 2017 2500 Duramax 4x4 CCSB and got about 9 MPG on a 200 mile trip with about 150 of that being highway. Speeds were about 65 the whole way. I know this cause I followed him.