Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) better milage for towing

[Mbranson]

I have a completly stock 01. 5 cummins truck and I tow a 10k trailer. I'm looking for a little more power and better milage when I'm towing. What would you suggest for upgrades.

 

[BLassiter]

As with everyone who has suggested to me and after reading hours of forums, you get the same answers, Get good air flow FIRST. Exhaust and custom air intake stuff, then gauges to monitor your temps, egt, boost, etc, then look into getting a box such as smarty or edge, whatever floats your boat, but I'm sure that everyone will agree with me and dont be stupid and boost performance before you make your truck "breathe" better and can easily monitor its performance via gauges =)

 

[GCULP]

ABSOLUTE DITTO,

1. guages - egt, fuel pressure, boost

2. fuel pump upgrade of somekind - FASS, Glacier, etc

3. exhaust - 4" minimum

4. intake - AFE, BHAF, etc

5. injectors - Mach 1. 6, RV275, etc

6. electronics - Smarty, Edge, TST, etc



first monitor what you have, then ensure your fuel delivery, then get the air out before you get the air in, next you can add more fuel, and finally start tuning with electronics.

 

[WestTN]

Those are all good power enhancements. However, the single, undisputed winner of the fuel mileage war is, slow down.

I usually get 12. 5 to 13 while towing my 29'TT. One trip across Tennessee while following a friend, we drove just 55 the entire trip. He was concerned about his auto trans in his '98 Dodge. Following him about a half mile behind, I got 15. 07 mpg. And that is hand calculated as is every tank.

 

[SnoKing]

I have a completly stock 01. 5 cummins truck and I tow a 10k trailer. I'm looking for a little more power and better milage when I'm towing. What would you suggest for upgrades.

You did not say anything about the transmission, gears or speed you tow at, but in most cases the biggest gain is to slow down a bit.



Also the corners on the trailer can make a difference. My 26. 5 foot Terry had square corners with a flat back, and my 29 foot Cardinal has aero front cap and a rear cap, it weight a lot more, but I get better mileage. The Michelin XPS RIB all steel tires helped also.



SNOKING

 

[DCreed]

good tire pressure and (if auto) good tc/tight shifts i like smarty too as it helps many ways , cams though expensive offer CONSTANT mpgs and lower egts as well as broader high torque curve. add these to other lists.