A detailed look at my mileage (long)

[6 2 Carl]

I have tracked my mileage since I bought my truck new in April of 2004. I had a lot of spare time at work last night so I made of a chart of my mileage. I would say 70% of the miles are highway miles. My average speed over 44000 miles was 42. 6mph. I would say on average I have about 500lbs of stuff of in the truck. Look in my sig for my truck details. I had the 315’s from day one. The pinion factor was changed when the tires were installed.



I would say I have a heavy right foot, but I do try maximize my mileage as much as possible. I averaged the curve over three mileage stations to smooth it out a bit, and the graph does not include towing mileage. I usually travel about 65-75 mph on the highway.



As you can see there is quite a bit of deviation in my mileage. Most of the short term deviation is caused by my heavy right foot, wind and changing driving conditions. It is good to see that over the long term my mileage has increased.





#ad






Additional Notes & Observations:



0-6000 miles – I drove the truck quite hard to help the break-in process. I also towed 8000lbs for about 500mile during this period. I also towed a small boat and a tent trailer several times, and did not omit this mileage from the chart.



4935 miles – Changed out all drive train fluids. Redline MTF in transmission, Amsoil ATF in T-case and Mobil 1 in the Diffs.



7000 miles – June 18 MBRP Exhaust with Donaldson muffler installed



11200 miles – July 24 – Installed AFE intake



12500 miles, Oct 8 – Had the mileage TSB done



13850 miles Oct 16- Dec 18 – Did not drive my truck for two months. Winter fuel was used after this point



21350 miles March 18– June 2 – Once again I did not drive my truck during this period. Summer fuel was used after this point



23750-32660 miles June – September – Had my 700lb quad in my truck at all times.



42800 miles Dec 28 – Installed Roktech, fully advanced.



43200 miles Jan 3 - #2 injector was replaced to cure intermittent excessive smoke at startup. (#2 injector was operating at 82%)



My top three tanks were: 20. 3mpg @ 23400miles, 20. 0mpg @ 40820miles, 19. 9mpg @ 21000miles.



Before the mileage TSB the overhead mileage was up to 2 mpg lower then the calculated mileage. After the TSB the overhead reads anywhere from 1-3 mph high.



It is too soon to see if the rokteck sensor is having any effect on my mileage.

 

[JVolpe]

You did have way too much free time last night. Although my driving is 70% congested city driving and I have done many different performance mods and upgrades since I bought the truck in June of 2004, I see basically the same mileage increase over time.



I would say that I have the same driving habits as you, heavy footed sometimes and I dont baby it, but I also drive with truck saftety, performance and mileage in mind. I have a little over 40,000 miles now. I went through same type variances with the TSB and had #6 injector replaced about 9,000 miles for same reason.



Although I see some wide variances, they are a direct result of the current driving conditions. I average about 15mpg 70-75% city driving and 18. 5mpg all highway at 75mph. These averages are up about 3mpg compared with first 6 months of operation. The best highway so far was couple months ago highway trip averaged 19. 2mpg 72-78mph on 600 mile trip. I believe that I can hit 20mpg if I stayed between 65-70mph highway. Overall I am satisfied with the current mileage I am getting.

 

[DMcGalliard]

Hi 6 2 Carl,

I like your post and it will help owners that are concerned about fuel mileage. We are planning a Alaska trip this summer and I am interested in your home made bug screen. A description and pictures would be great. I have been looking at the problem for rock and gravel protection, so your ideas will help.



Oo. Just finished the security switch that bypasses the clutch safety switch. I used a push pull stitch that I can hide when I need to use it. If I leave my truck and camper for a couple days I would like to be there when I get back. Or atleast who ever moves have to go to lots of trouble.



Thanks, Dave Mc

 

[Spooled-up]

6 2 Carl,



Did you have your pinion factor changed so your speedo would be correct with those tires?

 

[ERohloff]

Also interested in the homemade bug screen. And trip to AK also planned. hope to see pic's and description... ... ... .

bob r...

 

[MYeary]

6 2 Carl,



Did you have your pinion factor changed so your speedo would be correct with those tires?

Good point, my question also

 

[6 2 Carl]

I had the pinion factor changed when I had the tires installed.



My bug screen is a window screen that I had custom made to fit over the condenser. I have had it on for two summers and I am quite pleased. I travel on a lot of gravel roads, and I haven't had a stone go through it yet. There are a few marks on it from stones, but so far no damage. I am sure someday a stone will get though it, but hopefully the screen slows it down enough that it won't do any damage.



I don't have it on my truck right now (got the Mopar winter front on), so I can't give you any dimensions. I think I have some pictures of it on my home computer (600miles away). I will try and get them emailed to me so I can post them.



I have always taken any fuel mileage talk with a grain of salt. People always like to talk up their mileage, only quoting the best mileage. Charting my mileage and averaging it over three intervals, shows the true real world mileage. I have gotten over 19mpg many times, but it is hard to consistently achieve that mileage.



I am somewhat disappointed with my mileage, but only because my roommate has a 03 that gets considerably better mileage then mine. He has a 03 regular cab 2500, NV4500, SO, AFE intake, MRBP muffler, 3. 73’s and 285’s. The last road trip we took with his truck, we got 21. 1mpg. I didn't mind since my truck had more power, but he as since added a Predator module, and his truck is now faster then mine and gets better mileage! I have seen him get over 700 miles to a tank! Of course his everyday mileage won't be as good, and he doesn't track is mileage like I do, but there is a noticeable difference between our trucks.

 

[JVolpe]

I also had my "Pinion Factor" reprogrammed for the 315s which were put on at about 2,000 miles. I have not actually used a spread sheet or database to track mileage, but I always fillup between 1/8 - 1/4 tank. I write trip mileage, OD reading and overhead mpg on every slip. I have an envelope with every fillup since new and one day when I have too much time I will database all of the numbers and map the trends. Of course I do have some variances related to the 15 or 20 times I have been to the drag strip, but those will average out in the long run. Like I said my overall mileage has inceased close to 20% since new and seems to still be increasing a little.



BTW I started using PS/MMO mix in every tank at about 7,500 miles. It is just part of the fillup process. I have not missed a tank since then and am at 40,000 plus now.

 

[jwduke]

Nice reference chart, kinda gives a guy what bombs will do what, and their impact on mpg.

 

[6 2 Carl]

Here are the pictures of my bug screen that I made out of a window screen. I notched the top of it to make room for the hood release. It buckled when I leaned on it one day. I plan on fastening two support rods to strengthen the top of the frame, and restore tension to the screen



#ad




Even though I placed the screen as high as possible, some bugs still make it past the top.



#ad




#ad

 

[rbattelle]

Here's mine. I drive pretty conservatively most times.



-Ryan

 

[6 2 Carl]

Ryan,



Thanks for posting your information. It is interesting to compare our mileage. It looks like you didn’t aveage out your mileage over three intervals, but the linear line clearly shows that you are getting better mileage (about two mpg). I am jealous. :{

 

[RMachida]

It looks like you didn’t aveage out your mileage over three intervals, but the linear line clearly shows that you are getting better mileage (about two mpg). I am jealous. :{

What are the "three intervals"? Something like last 5000 miles or is average for the last 3 fillups? Either would help make for much more reliable data than just calculating for a single fillup. Helps to control variables.

 

[rbattelle]

Ryan,



Thanks for posting your information. It is interesting to compare our mileage. It looks like you didn’t aveage out your mileage over three intervals, but the linear line clearly shows that you are getting better mileage (about two mpg). I am jealous. :{

Yeah, I didn't bother calculating the top 3 tanks like you did... because I'm lazy.



I'm not surprised my mileage is better than yours because:

1. I've never towed anything.

2. I'm empty at least 90% of the time.

3. I have a light foot. I tend to cruise at 65-68 most times; as high as 75 on a long trip.



My ratio of city/highway is probably pretty close to yours. I also have stock intake, exhaust, tires, and engine (except for the fuel system). Never run a box. I keep my tire pressure at 55 front, 50 rear.



-Ryan