I know that this has been posted before (probably in this thread, in addition to my earlier reference), but "winter fuel" formulations make a BIG DIFFERENCE, so don't overlook that factor when mulling over diminishing performance since late fall...
Around here, they've been pumping winter fuel since Nov 1st, and there's no question but that it's cost me 1. 5-2. 00 mpg.
Also, and this is huge, all engines are more efficient when they've come up to optimum operating temperature, their fluids and lubes are at normal viscosity, etc. Lots of the problems we're experiencing now (fuel mileage) are related to guys taking short hops in very cold weather. A run to the market, post office, or whatever -- trips that take ten minutes and span 5 miles, each way, are fuel milage killers of the worst sort. It doesn't matter how carefully you drive (egg under foot, etc. ), you're going to get gawd-awful fuel efficiencies, if you're driving that way.
I take my old lady's car (whenever possible) on weekends, at nights, and/or any other time I can, when the transportation need falls into the "errand" category. Our trucks will eat us alive if we use these "Clydesdales" to fetch the mail.
I've seldom gotten less than 15 mpg (hand calc'd) but I make an effort to let the truck warm up for 5-10 mins. in the driveway (with high-idle enabled), and I've found that the best mileage returns, for this truck, happen when I'm holding it on 60-62 (not 55). My rig feels like it's lugging the engine a little bit at 55 in D. In overdrive, at 55 mph, it's a little around 1475 rpm, and it feels lazy and sluggish making small hills. At 62, the tach is at around 1550, and the truck is more responsive and in a better part of it's power zone.
This sounds counter-intuitive, too, I know, but I live about 4 miles (almost straight up) above the Roaring Fork Valley, and, when I turn off Hwy 82 on the valley floor, and head up Basalt Mountain to our home, I push the truck hard going up the hill. This is about a 4 mile climb and an elevation gain (to our driveway) of about 1200 feet. I'm convinced (whether it's true or not, who knows?) that this daily workout helps keep the DPF happy, and the truck running clean.
I hope you guys get your problem trucks figured out, because it's a shame to have spent so much money on a piece of engineering, and then be bitterly disappointed by it.
I honestly think that "Brands F, and GM" are having similar problems, and that people who tell you otherwise, aren't being truthful. My brother lives in Eugene Oregon, and has a brand new Duramax, which he's fitted with lots of aftermarket stuff, including 35" tires, a seven inch lift, and a Road Armor bumper. He's going to add a WARN 16,000, as well, and he loves his truck, but he's miserable about the mileage (town 11-12, hwy 14-15)
We're all in the same boat, but some common sense and a patient approach can help lessing the fuel-mileage pain.
I do believe, sincerely, that there will be an after-market "fix" for achieving greater efficiencies, and I don't believe that they will necessarily involve gutting our factory emissions system.