Big Trip

[Jumbo Jet]

Just returned from 3,500 mile trip to California, which was preceded by a 2,800 mile trip to Florida. There are a lot of Dodge CTDs pulling loads on I-40 and I-10. Saw a bunch of Fords and a few GM Duramaxis. Actually saw more Chevy 2500 gas burners than Duramaxis.



I think my 2002 is well on it's way to being broken in correctly. Left the house with 7,600 miles on it and now have over 14,000 on it.



The 2,800 was pulling a 9,000 5th wheel trailer. Half of the 3,500 mile trip, I had 2,000 pounds in the back.



Truck has never used a drop of oil and can climb any hill on I-10, I-17, and I-40 at whatever speed the cruise was set. Mostly set at 79mph through OK, NM, and AZ. TX and CA only set at 70 mph.



Whole trip average was 20. 8 mpg. Not bad for having the severe head winds on the way out. Did have a nice tail wind for about half of the return trip.



Fellow worker that travelled with me and drove about 1/2 of the trip told me coming home that all the things I had told him about the CTD was true. He really enjoyed the drive.

 

[10-G]

Sounds like you had a good trip. Congrats on your truck performing so well. Can you tell us more about your truck? Is it HO/ Auto? what type of rear end ratio.

 

[Dieselnerd]

20. 8 miles per gallon average while towing at 70+ MPH? I have trouble getting that kind of mileage empty. What gives? Tell us more. I tow a 14,000# fifth wheel and on good days I get 11-12 miles per gallon and in a strong headwind about 9. Most of the reports I've seen on this website are similar to mine.

 

[bombero]

Boy I wish I could get that kind of miliage. Just got back from a up and down trip thru the south west and after 3500 miles I got 12mpg. I am pulling a 7500lbs of TT and about 1000 of junk. PS, 2001 HO W/6sp

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Went back and read my message.



To clarify - the 3,500 mile trip is the one I averaged 20. 8 mpg on. I was NOT towing the TT on that trip. Did have 2,000 lbs. in the rear going out with head winds and empty coming back.



At 65 mph with OD off, best I ever get towing the TT is 11-12 mpg.



Truck has Auto / 4. 10 rearend with Gearvendors OD. Totally stock engine.



I never, ever saw 20+ mpg with my 5 speed manual CTD.