See-that's more realistic-for example, my (overloaded) E-350 van occasionally pulls a 3-6K enclosed trailer (flat nose, around 8 feet tall)-it usually only gets 11-12 MPG pulling that. It's all time best MPG was rolling downhill, fairly flat ground, all highway-got 19! It does tip the scales @ 9K, though.
05 Dodge Cummins + T6 = Great MPG
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By way of comparison, though-my last GAS work van was a GMC Savana 2500HD 5.7 Vortec-running with a similar load, no trailer-never got above 13 MPG, ever.
Originally Posted By: JXW
I am not sure what the cause is. I don't have any aftermarket gauges but watching the factory coolant gauge it does run hotter when pulling the trailer. I beleived this to be somewhat normal but I have to ask the reason for your question/concern?
The temperature shouldn't go up very much if everything is in 100% working order. If you're seeing the temp creep up while towing, my guesses would be 1) radiator fan clutch getting weak, 2) thermostat sticking and not opening up fully 3) clogged radiator or intercooler fins blocking airflow.
I am not sure what the cause is. I don't have any aftermarket gauges but watching the factory coolant gauge it does run hotter when pulling the trailer. I beleived this to be somewhat normal but I have to ask the reason for your question/concern?
The temperature shouldn't go up very much if everything is in 100% working order. If you're seeing the temp creep up while towing, my guesses would be 1) radiator fan clutch getting weak, 2) thermostat sticking and not opening up fully 3) clogged radiator or intercooler fins blocking airflow.
My 95 Dodge CTD wont get anywhere near that MPG, either. I'm not a hypermiler type driver, but I do everything reasonable to improve MPG. I can manage 22 on the hwy, empty, at 1950 RPM, but it's getting tougher with ULSD, at least it seems like it. A 15 MPH headwind (or tailwind) can make a huge difference.
I've used mostly Rotella dino, but Delo at 8.50 a gallon has found its way in there for the last few changes.
I've used mostly Rotella dino, but Delo at 8.50 a gallon has found its way in there for the last few changes.
Originally Posted By: 951Indy
My 95 Dodge CTD wont get anywhere near that MPG, either. I'm not a hypermiler type driver, but I do everything reasonable to improve MPG. I can manage 22 on the hwy, empty, at 1950 RPM, but it's getting tougher with ULSD, at least it seems like it. A 15 MPH headwind (or tailwind) can make a huge difference.
I've used mostly Rotella dino, but Delo at 8.50 a gallon has found its way in there for the last few changes.
I did a 600 mile run on my last tank at mostly 60-65 mph unloaded in my 98 12 valve last weekend, and that was what I got.
26.7 mpg in a CR seems far out to me...
My 95 Dodge CTD wont get anywhere near that MPG, either. I'm not a hypermiler type driver, but I do everything reasonable to improve MPG. I can manage 22 on the hwy, empty, at 1950 RPM, but it's getting tougher with ULSD, at least it seems like it. A 15 MPH headwind (or tailwind) can make a huge difference.
I've used mostly Rotella dino, but Delo at 8.50 a gallon has found its way in there for the last few changes.
I did a 600 mile run on my last tank at mostly 60-65 mph unloaded in my 98 12 valve last weekend, and that was what I got.
26.7 mpg in a CR seems far out to me...
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Originally Posted By: D-Roc
I did a 600 mile run on my last tank at mostly 60-65 mph unloaded in my 98 12 valve last weekend, and that was what I got.
26.7 mpg in a CR seems far out to me...
I say faulty calculator...
I have only once gotten that high...hand calculated, back to back tanks. I was driving 50 to 55 mph in North Dakota on I94 (FLAT), completely empty, with a 50+mph tailwind. I have done a lot of mods to my truck to obtain a consistent 20mpg highway...an 05 with (most likely) a G56 is going to be like my 04.5 NV5600 with 4.10s, they are NOT mpg friendly.
Knowing what I know of the CTD...the CR is known to average high teens/low 20s unloaded. Towing puts them in the mid teens.
Averaging 26.7 mpg isn't going to happen...unless the truck is on a trailer!
Someone is mpg happy...
I did a 600 mile run on my last tank at mostly 60-65 mph unloaded in my 98 12 valve last weekend, and that was what I got.
26.7 mpg in a CR seems far out to me...
I say faulty calculator...
I have only once gotten that high...hand calculated, back to back tanks. I was driving 50 to 55 mph in North Dakota on I94 (FLAT), completely empty, with a 50+mph tailwind. I have done a lot of mods to my truck to obtain a consistent 20mpg highway...an 05 with (most likely) a G56 is going to be like my 04.5 NV5600 with 4.10s, they are NOT mpg friendly.
Knowing what I know of the CTD...the CR is known to average high teens/low 20s unloaded. Towing puts them in the mid teens.
Averaging 26.7 mpg isn't going to happen...unless the truck is on a trailer!
Someone is mpg happy...
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Will all of with you G.E.D.s raise your hands? Thank you. Now go kick yourselves in the butt.
If the OP's absurd mileage claim of 26.7MPG in mixed driving is to be believed, he must get SPECTACULAR towing and city numbers.
It's not the calculator that's broken, it's lies in, lies out.
OP claims 26.7 MPG average with:
60% highway unloaded
30% towing an 11K gooseneck
10% city
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and ASSUME he gets 19MPG towing 11K and 19MPG city.
If 40% of his driving gets 19MPG, his empty 60% highway must return THIRTY SIX POINT SIX MILES PER GALLON
And, that's only if he's getting 19MPG towing 11K and in the city.
Anybody who believes him, at best, does not own a diesel truck.
To put things into perspective:
My 2005 F250 FX4 with a Snug Top cab high shell and a OK Industries rancher grill guard weighs 7,400 lbs with a full tank.
Round trip from Cody to Casper Wyoming empty with an average speed of 62.8 MPH = 16.9 MPG.
Shoshoni to Cody at an average of 50.4 MPH NO TRAFFIC = 20.7MPG
Two round trips between Cody and Powell Wyoming at 46MPH NO TRAFFIC (lowest speed which transmission stays in top gear) = 24.7 MPG
That's EMPTY with T6. The last two MPG calculations were done to verify the effect of aerodymamic drag on MPG (it squares with a doubling of speed).
I've driven a stock 2005 Dodge Cummis Quad Cab 4 X 2 for over 3,000 miles. It gets 20.4 MPG empty at 65MPH, about 16 empty tooling around Palm Springs and 9 - 12 MPG towing a 11,780 lb. fifth wheel trailer. The truck runs T6;.
If the OP's absurd mileage claim of 26.7MPG in mixed driving is to be believed, he must get SPECTACULAR towing and city numbers.
It's not the calculator that's broken, it's lies in, lies out.
OP claims 26.7 MPG average with:
60% highway unloaded
30% towing an 11K gooseneck
10% city
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and ASSUME he gets 19MPG towing 11K and 19MPG city.
If 40% of his driving gets 19MPG, his empty 60% highway must return THIRTY SIX POINT SIX MILES PER GALLON
And, that's only if he's getting 19MPG towing 11K and in the city.
Anybody who believes him, at best, does not own a diesel truck.
To put things into perspective:
My 2005 F250 FX4 with a Snug Top cab high shell and a OK Industries rancher grill guard weighs 7,400 lbs with a full tank.
Round trip from Cody to Casper Wyoming empty with an average speed of 62.8 MPH = 16.9 MPG.
Shoshoni to Cody at an average of 50.4 MPH NO TRAFFIC = 20.7MPG
Two round trips between Cody and Powell Wyoming at 46MPH NO TRAFFIC (lowest speed which transmission stays in top gear) = 24.7 MPG
That's EMPTY with T6. The last two MPG calculations were done to verify the effect of aerodymamic drag on MPG (it squares with a doubling of speed).
I've driven a stock 2005 Dodge Cummis Quad Cab 4 X 2 for over 3,000 miles. It gets 20.4 MPG empty at 65MPH, about 16 empty tooling around Palm Springs and 9 - 12 MPG towing a 11,780 lb. fifth wheel trailer. The truck runs T6;.
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Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Forgive me, for I don't mean to be rude, but I must call out some things that simply don't make sense to me.
For you to average nearly 27mpg, it would be reasonable to think that pulling the 11k pound load would drop your average down, which means your unloaded economy would have to be be over the 27mpg, so that the average was 26.7mpg. So I'm supposed to believe you got 28-29 mpg running interstate speeds 60% of the time? I call bovine-poo on this claim.
No, you're suppose to believe he's getting 19MPG towing 11K, 19MPG city and 36.6 MPG empty on the highway!
Forgive me, for I don't mean to be rude, but I must call out some things that simply don't make sense to me.
For you to average nearly 27mpg, it would be reasonable to think that pulling the 11k pound load would drop your average down, which means your unloaded economy would have to be be over the 27mpg, so that the average was 26.7mpg. So I'm supposed to believe you got 28-29 mpg running interstate speeds 60% of the time? I call bovine-poo on this claim.
No, you're suppose to believe he's getting 19MPG towing 11K, 19MPG city and 36.6 MPG empty on the highway!
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Wouldn't get too excited-I still say his overhead is just WAY off-they don't call it the "LIE-O-METER" for nothing!
Originally Posted By: STG
Will all of with you G.E.D.s raise your hands? Thank you. Now go kick yourselves in the butt.
If the OP's absurd mileage claim of 26.7MPG in mixed driving is to be believed, he must get SPECTACULAR towing and city numbers.
It's not the calculator that's broken, it's lies in, lies out.
OP claims 26.7 MPG average with:
60% highway unloaded
30% towing an 11K gooseneck
10% city
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and ASSUME he gets 19MPG towing 11K and 19MPG city.
If 40% of his driving gets 19MPG, his empty 60% highway must return THIRTY SIX POINT SIX MILES PER GALLON
And, that's only if he's getting 19MPG towing 11K and in the city.
Anybody who believes him, at best, does not own a diesel truck.
To put things into perspective:
My 2005 F250 FX4 with a Snug Top cab high shell and a OK Industries rancher grill guard weighs 7,400 lbs with a full tank.
Round trip from Cody to Casper Wyoming empty with an average speed of 62.8 MPH = 16.9 MPG.
Shoshoni to Cody at an average of 50.4 MPH NO TRAFFIC = 20.7MPG
Two round trips between Cody and Powell Wyoming at 46MPH NO TRAFFIC (lowest speed which transmission stays in top gear) = 24.7 MPG
That's EMPTY with T6. The last two MPG calculations were done to verify the effect of aerodymamic drag on MPG (it squares with a doubling of speed).
I've driven a stock 2005 Dodge Cummis Quad Cab 4 X 2 for over 3,000 miles. It gets 20.4 MPG empty at 65MPH, about 16 empty tooling around Palm Springs and 9 - 12 MPG towing a 11,780 lb. fifth wheel trailer. The truck runs T6;.
Most people would take offense to your feedback on such a simple topic as MPG and new oil formula but I won't. I will only restate the obvious:
1. I ran the original oil and overhead from day one (approx 4k miles)until I changed the oil, filters and exhaust.
2. I observed an increase in the MPG AFTER the change.
3. If the overhead is inaccurate it has nothing to do with me personally as that is where I got the data from.
I never did a hand calculation before I did the service so I have no basis of comparison for a current hand calculation post service?
One good thing about this post is it brought forward some good knowledge, practical experience from like diesel owners and made some good debate as to the reliability of the overhead. There was never any intent on my part to deceive anyone or make false claims so if that was perceived allow me to apologize.
On another note I just picked up a case of Stanadyne performance blend in hopes to keep my injectors healthy happy and wise.
Will all of with you G.E.D.s raise your hands? Thank you. Now go kick yourselves in the butt.
If the OP's absurd mileage claim of 26.7MPG in mixed driving is to be believed, he must get SPECTACULAR towing and city numbers.
It's not the calculator that's broken, it's lies in, lies out.
OP claims 26.7 MPG average with:
60% highway unloaded
30% towing an 11K gooseneck
10% city
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and ASSUME he gets 19MPG towing 11K and 19MPG city.
If 40% of his driving gets 19MPG, his empty 60% highway must return THIRTY SIX POINT SIX MILES PER GALLON
And, that's only if he's getting 19MPG towing 11K and in the city.
Anybody who believes him, at best, does not own a diesel truck.
To put things into perspective:
My 2005 F250 FX4 with a Snug Top cab high shell and a OK Industries rancher grill guard weighs 7,400 lbs with a full tank.
Round trip from Cody to Casper Wyoming empty with an average speed of 62.8 MPH = 16.9 MPG.
Shoshoni to Cody at an average of 50.4 MPH NO TRAFFIC = 20.7MPG
Two round trips between Cody and Powell Wyoming at 46MPH NO TRAFFIC (lowest speed which transmission stays in top gear) = 24.7 MPG
That's EMPTY with T6. The last two MPG calculations were done to verify the effect of aerodymamic drag on MPG (it squares with a doubling of speed).
I've driven a stock 2005 Dodge Cummis Quad Cab 4 X 2 for over 3,000 miles. It gets 20.4 MPG empty at 65MPH, about 16 empty tooling around Palm Springs and 9 - 12 MPG towing a 11,780 lb. fifth wheel trailer. The truck runs T6;.
Most people would take offense to your feedback on such a simple topic as MPG and new oil formula but I won't. I will only restate the obvious:
1. I ran the original oil and overhead from day one (approx 4k miles)until I changed the oil, filters and exhaust.
2. I observed an increase in the MPG AFTER the change.
3. If the overhead is inaccurate it has nothing to do with me personally as that is where I got the data from.
I never did a hand calculation before I did the service so I have no basis of comparison for a current hand calculation post service?
One good thing about this post is it brought forward some good knowledge, practical experience from like diesel owners and made some good debate as to the reliability of the overhead. There was never any intent on my part to deceive anyone or make false claims so if that was perceived allow me to apologize.
On another note I just picked up a case of Stanadyne performance blend in hopes to keep my injectors healthy happy and wise.
Thanks for putting my thoughts to words in a less "touchy feely" manner...STG. I'm working on my politeness and PC skills more these days. It's that Army time that gets tough to shake off, they don't necessarily like it in my environment.
(bullwinkle) too...
I own a 1998 12V, a 1998.5 24 Valve, and a 2006 24V CR...I have a pretty good idea what they get mpg wise...
(bullwinkle) too...
I own a 1998 12V, a 1998.5 24 Valve, and a 2006 24V CR...I have a pretty good idea what they get mpg wise...
I'd still like to hear, though, what the OP's ACTUAL hand-calculated MPG is-my truck will be out of engine warranty next spring-and a new catback along with a Smarty would be easier to justify if I could pick up 4 or 5 MPG with it!
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
I'd still like to hear, though, what the OP's ACTUAL hand-calculated MPG is -
Because you'd trust those numbers!
I'd still like to hear, though, what the OP's ACTUAL hand-calculated MPG is -
Because you'd trust those numbers!
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
I'd still like to hear, though, what the OP's ACTUAL hand-calculated MPG is-my truck will be out of engine warranty next spring-and a new catback along with a Smarty would be easier to justify if I could pick up 4 or 5 MPG with it!
Whatever your best mileage is, that you have ever gotten to date; and that's what you would probably get more consistently. I've been running a straight-through exhaust, dynatrac hubs, FASS, and a smarty JR; and I average about 20-21mpg highway, and about 18mpg mixed.
Don't expect high gains from a programmer or exhaust...if that's all it would take, the manufacturers would be all over it in search of a better CAFE number.
This driver (and their driving habits) makes more difference in mileage gains than anything...for example, I know my truck gets its best mileage at 60 mph and drops off significantly above that; but other people who own a similar truck expect to get the same mileage driving 80mph! Its not going to happen!
I'd still like to hear, though, what the OP's ACTUAL hand-calculated MPG is-my truck will be out of engine warranty next spring-and a new catback along with a Smarty would be easier to justify if I could pick up 4 or 5 MPG with it!
Whatever your best mileage is, that you have ever gotten to date; and that's what you would probably get more consistently. I've been running a straight-through exhaust, dynatrac hubs, FASS, and a smarty JR; and I average about 20-21mpg highway, and about 18mpg mixed.
Don't expect high gains from a programmer or exhaust...if that's all it would take, the manufacturers would be all over it in search of a better CAFE number.
This driver (and their driving habits) makes more difference in mileage gains than anything...for example, I know my truck gets its best mileage at 60 mph and drops off significantly above that; but other people who own a similar truck expect to get the same mileage driving 80mph! Its not going to happen!
Originally Posted By: JXW
I purchased the truck with 98K on the clock and was told it had a fresh oil change from bulk drum of 5w-40 something. The previous owner claimed to have changed oil every 3K as he was "not taking any chances".
I ran from 98K to 101K on the bulk 5w-40 and old filters. I took the avg mileage from the overhead over that 4000 miles and then reset the overhead after the OCI with T6, new filters etc. and of course the cat back exhaust.
What I have reported is factual and represents what I have seen as the change in the mileage reported on the overhead. I have no way to validate the calibration of the overhead display.
Having said that, my driving habits have not changed. The reason for my post was to report the following:
1. I chose T6
2. I performed maintenance that diesels require at same time as OCI.
3. Give some basis of the maintenance and OCI history.
I take no offense to any of the replies provided here as I am happy with my set-up and I always enjoy getting feedback from from a more global prospective.
Is the truck running the same diameter tires it came with from the factory? If not, your odometer may be off a bit.
I purchased the truck with 98K on the clock and was told it had a fresh oil change from bulk drum of 5w-40 something. The previous owner claimed to have changed oil every 3K as he was "not taking any chances".
I ran from 98K to 101K on the bulk 5w-40 and old filters. I took the avg mileage from the overhead over that 4000 miles and then reset the overhead after the OCI with T6, new filters etc. and of course the cat back exhaust.
What I have reported is factual and represents what I have seen as the change in the mileage reported on the overhead. I have no way to validate the calibration of the overhead display.
Having said that, my driving habits have not changed. The reason for my post was to report the following:
1. I chose T6
2. I performed maintenance that diesels require at same time as OCI.
3. Give some basis of the maintenance and OCI history.
I take no offense to any of the replies provided here as I am happy with my set-up and I always enjoy getting feedback from from a more global prospective.
Is the truck running the same diameter tires it came with from the factory? If not, your odometer may be off a bit.
Originally Posted By: Throckmorton
Originally Posted By: JXW
I purchased the truck with 98K on the clock and was told it had a fresh oil change from bulk drum of 5w-40 something. The previous owner claimed to have changed oil every 3K as he was "not taking any chances".
I ran from 98K to 101K on the bulk 5w-40 and old filters. I took the avg mileage from the overhead over that 4000 miles and then reset the overhead after the OCI with T6, new filters etc. and of course the cat back exhaust.
What I have reported is factual and represents what I have seen as the change in the mileage reported on the overhead. I have no way to validate the calibration of the overhead display.
Having said that, my driving habits have not changed. The reason for my post was to report the following:
1. I chose T6
2. I performed maintenance that diesels require at same time as OCI.
3. Give some basis of the maintenance and OCI history.
I take no offense to any of the replies provided here as I am happy with my set-up and I always enjoy getting feedback from from a more global prospective.
Is the truck running the same diameter tires it came with from the factory? If not, your odometer may be off a bit.
Running 285 Bridgstone Duellers which I think show the odometer about 5mph SLOWER than actual speed. Wife used Garmin speed calculator and compared to the truck speedo showed 5mph diff at 60 mph.
Originally Posted By: JXW
I purchased the truck with 98K on the clock and was told it had a fresh oil change from bulk drum of 5w-40 something. The previous owner claimed to have changed oil every 3K as he was "not taking any chances".
I ran from 98K to 101K on the bulk 5w-40 and old filters. I took the avg mileage from the overhead over that 4000 miles and then reset the overhead after the OCI with T6, new filters etc. and of course the cat back exhaust.
What I have reported is factual and represents what I have seen as the change in the mileage reported on the overhead. I have no way to validate the calibration of the overhead display.
Having said that, my driving habits have not changed. The reason for my post was to report the following:
1. I chose T6
2. I performed maintenance that diesels require at same time as OCI.
3. Give some basis of the maintenance and OCI history.
I take no offense to any of the replies provided here as I am happy with my set-up and I always enjoy getting feedback from from a more global prospective.
Is the truck running the same diameter tires it came with from the factory? If not, your odometer may be off a bit.
Running 285 Bridgstone Duellers which I think show the odometer about 5mph SLOWER than actual speed. Wife used Garmin speed calculator and compared to the truck speedo showed 5mph diff at 60 mph.
I hope you know that it ain't 5 mph across the board!
285s would actually raise your gear ratio (and empty highway MPGs) slightly, wouldn't really affect city or towing MPG much (have to stay in lower gear longer)-the dealer was actually able to reflash my computer to compensate for my 285s, but I've heard that low-restriction intake & exhaust, along with a timing box, is the best way to add MPGs (of course lessening air drag by keeping speeds as low as possible, drafting, etc. also help).
Originally Posted By: D-Roc
Thanks for putting my thoughts to words in a less "touchy feely" manner...STG. I'm working on my politeness and PC skills more these days. It's that Army time that gets tough to shake off, they don't necessarily like it in my environment.
(bullwinkle) too...
I own a 1998 12V, a 1998.5 24 Valve, and a 2006 24V CR...I have a pretty good idea what they get mpg wise...
If it is the truth, say it like it is!!!
Thanks for putting my thoughts to words in a less "touchy feely" manner...STG. I'm working on my politeness and PC skills more these days. It's that Army time that gets tough to shake off, they don't necessarily like it in my environment.
(bullwinkle) too...
I own a 1998 12V, a 1998.5 24 Valve, and a 2006 24V CR...I have a pretty good idea what they get mpg wise...
If it is the truth, say it like it is!!!
The best I have ever seen from any ctd was 24mpg on highway no load and driving at 60mph. That was on a 2wd regular cab 94 model. We have 4 ctd in my family. All but this one I mention are 4wd extended cabs of some sort. I have an 03 and I get the best out of the others at 21 hwy at 65 mph. 19/17 mpg is more realistic. That is unloaded as well. 10k lbs behind it I get about 13 mpg on the hwy. Seeing that he has 285s on it I am assuming his is 4wd as well. I have mbrp exhaust, afe intake as well. No way he is getting this kind of mileage. I had a quadzilla box on my truck at one time. It did make the overhead show much better numbers but they were wrong. I am running 285s as well. I lost about .5 mpg going from 265s to 285s. Again, no way he is getting that kind of mileage.
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