Wanting better mpg!

[Sticks]

There are so many factors that contribute to MPG, the biggest one is the operator.

Tire tread and Tire pressure (rolling resistance)
Weight
2wd vs 4wd equipped
What you may or may not have in the bed
Exterior bolt ons (bumpers, grill guards, bed covers, running boards/nerf bars, bug deflectors)
Age of the engine
Fuel quality
Altitude

It's a long list.

My '02 in my sig line gets 14-16 city, 15 - 16 highway (flats @ 69 - 79mph), and oddly enough 21-23 in the mountains (59 - 69mph) - which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

OP - I would have to agree with the others, give the engine some time to loosen up, and start to work it.

 

[Essy]

I've only got 2000 miles on my 2013 2500 4x4 and getting 12.8 mpg. This is my first diesel and I thought I would be getting better mpgs. Any suggestions? Bully dog gt? Def model, ram active air.

I have 15k on my Ram 2500 and consistently get between 19-20 mpg. Checked by calculator. Haven't done a thing to it but drive it.

 

[slingshot383]

A Smarty Jr. would be the best bang for the buck, a US model will not support deletes, so only get it if you are going to stay stock, a ME model will be able to handle the delete programs.

 

[RVTRKN]

DPF, EGR and other restrictive emissions on our diesel trucks of all makes have ruined our MPG. What kind of MPG would you expect to get with a potato stuck up your exhaust, it kind ruins the advantage of a diesel. There are exceptions to the rule though, just not in a truck capable of 30K GCVW.

 

[RikDavis]

My truck is basically the same as yours and I am averaging about 15.5 hand calculated, 90 % towing but almost no city driving. This is about 3/4 mile less than my 99 which was 2wd and much lighter and less power so I am pretty happy so far. Generally do not tow over 60 mph though.
Currently at 4700 miles. Evic has indicated around 20 the few unloaded freeway miles I have driven

 

[rscurtis]

That's unusual. My signature truck still drives great at 85K miles on its original tires, brakes, and all front suspension parts. Only thing I've changed are the shocks and the addition of a steering box brace and of course, the Dynatrac hubs.

 

[SOLER]

There are so many factors that contribute to MPG, the biggest one is the operator.

Altitude



My '02 in my sig line gets 14-16 city, 15 - 16 highway (flats @ 69 - 79mph), and oddly enough 21-23 in the mountains (59 - 69mph) - which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

OP - I would have to agree with the others, give the engine some time to loosen up, and start to work it.

Mountainous driving always makes for better fuel economy. Going up takes a lot, but going down is like "making gas" That's why airliners climb as quick as possible, and as high as possible. Airliners that hop the Hawaiian islands climb as high as they can before descending. It all averages out to better than climbing a little and cruising. The air is thinner as well, which makes for less power, but also less fuel burned.

 

[Mawvelous]

2013 AND LATER CTD's:
1. DEF comes on all 13 & later
2. You want DEF because there are less regens and less reliance on EGR
3. Almost every thread I have seen indicates Better economy than the 2008-2012 non DEF trucks
4. There are 2 and soon to be 3 tuners available: Bully Dog W/ECM unlock 1800.00, TS Stryker add on box 825.00 Edge Juice W/Attitude available in April 850??
5 NO OTHER TUNER WORKS! NOTHING 2012 & EARLIER WORKS NOTHING
6. Listen to the dealer and others that actually know what they are talking about: YOU CAN'T DELETE A 2013 OR LATER