Newbie Needs Help

[MLambert]

Just found out about this website and happy to find it. I few months back I bought an 03 4X4 3500 dually and my fuel mileage is terrible. I bought the Dodge because I had talked to many owners and friends that were experiencing 18 to 20 miles to the gallon. I now have 12000+ miles on this truck and the best mileage I have experienced so far is 14 miles to the gallon! I have a trailer that I pull that weighs anywhere from 1500 to 3000 lbs depending on the load but regardless of that I only get 11 mpg! I pulled a 12000 lb load from California to Arkansas and would see 9 mpg! I have been back to the dealer 3 times and they act like I shouldn't be concerned and that it is normal.



My gearing is 3:73 and at first I was turning about 2050 to 2100 rpm at 70 mph. Now I have noticed that it is around 1900 to 1950 rpm at 70 mph.



I ran across one owner that said I needed to have my chip re-flashed but I don't know what that means or if it would help. I live in the DFW area and most of my driving is at 65 to 75 mph.



This is my first diesel pickup I have owned and so far I really like everything except pulling up to the pump which I have to do OFTEN!



Can anybody help me out with some info so I might be better prepared to deal with this? Are my expectations unreal?



Thanks for your help!



Max

 

[StephenThomas]

Are you figuring the fuel mileage by manual or using the overhead computer thingy. You may want to do it by hand to ensure accuracy.

 

[MLambert]

I have been checking the mileage manually. I should add though that the overhead display has been in agreement with what I have been figuring manually.



I didn't mention in my earlier post that I have an automatic transmission in case it makes any difference in what mileage I should expect.



Still looking for help from anyone.



Thanks!

 

[StephenThomas]

If it helps....

My 2004 only has 2,600 miles on her. I'm not getting great fuel mileage myself -- average 14-15mpg. I am not concerning myself with the mileage yet because she's not broke in.



My 2001 was only getting around 14-15mpg at first too. Upon break in (15K or so) I started getting better fuel mileage of about 18mpg around town -- Highways about 24mpg -- towing my trailer (5K) 14mpg.



Also, my mileage improved slightly after installing Diesel Dynamic's True Torque Power Module.

 

[MLambert]

It does help and thanks for the reply. You mentioned the Diesel Dynamics TPM. What is this? Is this what is called the "chip" I hear so much about that cost about 300 to 500 dollars? If I choose to add a TPM should I wait until it is fully broke in AND, does such an add on void my warranty?



Thanks again for your help!

 

[JDinNY]

I average 17. 5 around town and backwoods driving. have seen as high as 20, and as lpw as 15. Truck has 5400 miles on it.

 

[StephenThomas]

MLambert....

I sent you a PM (private message)..... you do not have to wait until final "break in" to install True Torque Power Module. I just installed one on mine about a week ago and my truck was under 2000 miles at the time. Just remember to take the module off when you take your truck in to the dealers for work -- it only takes a minute to put the module on/off.

 

[kaptn]

I had a 3/4 ton that got 20 mpg. My 2001. 5 3500 only see's 14. 5-16 mpg. Mostly 14 due to my modifications and lead foot. Get the chip you will be glad you did. I didn't lose any fuel economy and I hear some gain.

 

[GSpeed]

I run with about 300lbs in the box and I get anywhere from

20-24mpg;depending how fast i'm going (60mph=24mpg)

When I pull a Quad trailer with 2 quads I average 16-18mpg.

Truck has 32000kms on it. Didn't really notice any difference in mileage from when I bought 4 months ago(break-in?)

 

[mconstable]

I notice a pretty big difference if I keep the RPM's below 2,000... even more below 1,800, truck has 17,000 miles on it now... hope this helps... Michael