Fuel economy test

[Grieke]

I just finished my own personal fuel economy test. The test was done on a mostly Freeway route through CA, AZ, NM. Total lenght of the loop is about 1900 miles. Driven to achieve max economy. Mostly between 1800 & 1900 rpm in O/D, keeping EGT between 600 & 800 F. This amounts to 60 to 65mph with 4. 10 gears and stock tires. Cruise controll ON whenever possible.

The truck was my '04 3500 RAM, 4X4 auto, carrying a Callen camper (12" cabover) and four passengers.

I drove this route twice, first time with Quadzilla XZT installed netting 17. 6 mpg, second time I removed the XZT and got 19. 1 mpg. Everything of course hand calculated (I have the tank vent kit). As far as I can tell conditions where exactly the same. I even used the same fuel pumps at the same truck stops.

Is it possible that the fuel savings benefit (timing, etc. . ?) of a module do not come into play when driving gently to achieve best economy?

Your thoughts please!

 

[p-Bar]

I had found the same issue with the Quad xzt box , got better mileage with it off now it sits in the glove box.

 

[bmoeller]

I would try it again without the cruise on. I normally do better than letting the cruise do it for me.

 

[JRMora]

I had found the same issue with the Quad xzt box , got better mileage with it off now it sits in the glove box.

Ran pretty much the same route as grieke2002 only the other way around (Albuquerque to L. A. to Las Vegas to Albuquerque) 9 days, 1982. 3 miles, 180. 837 gals diesel for a grand total of 10. 96 mpg.



OK, I was pulling our 36' fifth wheel, and there were 5 of us, used AC, and I ran 1900-2000 RPM (65-68 mph on our 6 speed 3. 73's) and running a little under 22,000# GCVW.



The best tank was 12. 17 mpg, the worst was 9. 47 (Las Vegas to Flagstaff via Laughlin, NV).



Ran the Quad on the 60 HP setting (I have the Xilleraider - not the XZT) all the way. I had to keep an eye on EGT's and coolant temp on some of the big climbs (4000 ft climb in 17 miles at 105°), but all in all, I was very happy with the performance of the truck. The Quad definitely helps with the load and climbing some of these big grades. The Pac Brake helped immensely on the way down.



Since I installed my Quad, I haven't noticed any big gains in mileage, but I have noticed a big gain in power. I installed a BD low fuel pressure warning lite, and I know I need to get a higher volume fuel pump as some of the climbs could really pull down the fuel pressure.



Given a choice, I'd do it again in a heart beat (Quad, Pac Brake, six speed, etc. ) as I have been very happy pulling with this combo.



I'm sold.



Juan

 

[Grieke]

Hi Juan,

Just like you, I am happy with the performance of my truck with the Quad XZT. No complains there. Except I am looking for fuel savings and NOT necessarily additional power. :-laf :-laf

Enjoy the ride.

 

[MBurtch]

I drove with no trailer from Helena, MT to Boise, ID. I have a XZT. I was driving 65 to see what my mileage would be. I got a hair under 20 mpg on the way over. I had not filled the tank up to where I could see the fuel before I left Montana so I may have even beat 20 mpg. I got about 12 mpg averaging two fillups on the way back pulling a 13,500 pound 5th wheel. I was pulling about 62 mph on the way back at about 1,850 rpms. I filled up with fuel all three times until I could see the fuel in the neck. That is about the same mileage I got pulling my old trailer that weighed 8,400 pounds at 70 mph.

 

[Grieke]

I drove with no trailer from Helena, MT to Boise, ID. I have a XZT. I was driving 65 to see what my mileage would be. I got a hair under 20 mpg on the way over. I had not filled the tank up to where I could see the fuel before I left Montana so I may have even beat 20 mpg. I got about 12 mpg averaging two fillups on the way back pulling a 13,500 pound 5th wheel. I was pulling about 62 mph on the way back at about 1,850 rpms. I filled up with fuel all three times until I could see the fuel in the neck. That is about the same mileage I got pulling my old trailer that weighed 8,400 pounds at 70 mph.

OK now do the same trip under the same conditions w/o the XZT so we have a basis for comparison.

See ya on the Highway.

Keep on trucking.

 

[MBurtch]

What A Guy

 

[pwr2tow]

O. K. anyone want to add to this or any updates. I'am also looking for something to improve towing MPG.

Thanks,