mpg's screwy

[dsaint69]

When I first got my truck I was averaging about 17mpg's at 70 mph with a 6 speed 4. 10's. Now at the same speed I am getting like 13 or 14 at best. Then I just went to TN this weekend only pulling a load weighing ~9000 lbs and I was averaging 10-11 mpg's. Is this normal?? Or should I bring it in??

 

[BHolm]

That is what you might expect to see if the fuel was a winter blend. You are going to see an mpg drop. I think your old numbers sound right, 17 mpg at 70. I got 14 towing my Bobcat ( about 7-8k lbs) cruising at 75, 48re 3. 73's.



Before I brought it in I would check with the gas station to see if they have switched to a winter blend.

 

[dsaint69]

I guess. But I think it's the exhaust and not having the cool air intake in that will help get my mpg's up there. That should help, correct??

 

[KBennett]

If I keep the boost below 5 psi then the mileage is over 20, typically this is around 65 MPH on a 70 degree day. Other factors are headwind, fuel, and tire pressure.



Your towing mileage is close to what I get. Don't cry too hard, my buddies V10 Ford gets 13 at 80-no load, and 8 with a 3K trailer. He has to slow down on the hills to keep it from down shifting constantly.

 

[NickSullivan]

I have the same setup you have and I have never been able to get 17 mpg at 70, even after having the computer reflashed. I on average get 15 mpg, this weekend I was towing gravel all weekend with a load average of 13,000 lbs. and I got 12 mpg.

 

[dsaint69]

OK, So I guess my conclusion is that this is normal. I guess that's as good as it will get, but I hope I get better when I get the exhaust and cool air afe installed.

 

[NickSullivan]

That could be, I am still stock but I would like to do the same things. Maybe if someone could confirm an improvement in fuel economy after doing these mods I might be able to convince my wife!

 

[jwduke]

I don't think winter fuel is out yet, at least it isn't around here. I think I would take it in. Good luck!

 

[jandr]

Fuel milage numbers seem to be all over the place. I have a 2001 so I can't compare to yours but a friend has an 03 and he never gets any better than 15. 8. 5 when he tows his 12000lb. 5th wheel at 65 mph. I know in my case, with my lousy 47RE I get miserable milage around town but 21 to 22 on the highway. Average per tank full is 15 to 18 depending on the town/hiway ratio. I'm thinking about an 06 so these posts interest me.



By the way, my buddy put a full high flow intake on his 03 and it made no MPG difference. I've put diferent things on mine(check my signature) for various reasons but in part looking for MPG improvements not much difference ever. The most improvement was through injectors and the reprogrammer. More power means I don't HAVE to have my foot in it so much. I have another friend who put the edge box on his 05 and said he went from 11 mpg to 13 mpg towing his toyhauler.