Hey All ,New here and I just purchased an 03 SD super cap 4X4 V10 with 109k wondering what I can do to her to get the best fuel mileage and performance

 

Well, I guess I'll be the first one to say either don't drive it, or buy a Prius! Kidding of course.

Seriously though, the V-10's are known for pulling power, not MPG's. Most people (depending on tire size and such) get between 8 to 12 MPG.

The only thing that you can do is basic maintenance stuff. Plugs, air filter, clean MAF and IAC, etc. You can add a tuner from Mike at 5Star, but that typically improves performance not mileage. And, of course, drive it like the little old lady from Pasadena.

I have a 4:30 rear and 315 tires. I generally get 10 around town, and 8.5 or so pulling my TH.

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

 

Hello RevDan and welcome to FTE. The best way to improve MPG is simple, Don't drive it. But I know that is what you bought the truck for. These trucks weren't built for MPG they were built to run and work. Mine gets about 10-12mpg's in town, and 12-15mpg's highway. For performance look at a 5 star programmer from Mike. I don't have one yet, but I want one. I have a superchips, but if I knew about 5 star I would have bought that one instead. Also a Cold air intake, is a waste of money, again I wish I knew before I spent my money on one.

The best thing to do is go over to the V-10 forum and start to read. You will learn more about these trucks and motors then you want to know. Also get some pictures posted on your account and show off that new toy.

 

This one is running 315s also but with 373. I have read that some guys are getting up to 16 mpg is that true? and if so how did the accomplish that?

 

Try driving down hill with a good tail wind. Just kidding! 315s are pretty big compared to the stock 265/75/16. And with that gearing. You might need to regear, or change the tires. What are you currently getting for mpg's? That way we know if that is to low or about right for the truck.

I once saw 18 mpg's while on a road trip. It only happened for one tank of gas, and I have never came close to that again. I probably never will.

 

I'm running a 4 inch lift with 305's an I get roughly 8.5 around town. I heard that's only cuz I have 373 gears. HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt you will get 16 unless your going down hill for a LONG time.

 

I find 16mpg hard to believe,personally if you're worried about MPG, you should have bought a 4cyl. The best I get with my '04 is 13mpg, towing which is 75% of time 9-10mpg, keep your foot off it until you need it.

 

I have an 08 Dodge dually CC with 6.7 that I purchase brand new so I am not new to the big pickup world. 4 yrs I got rid of my 03 SD CC W/7.3 I just want some help this V10 I have no knowdlege of them what so ever with diesel prices they way they are just wondering if might do better with the gasser pulling me 30' Coahmen. So please dont talk to me like I am stupid as soon as the rubber wears on 315s I will be going with 285s maybe earlier if I can find some one thats willing to do a swap in my area.

 

To add to this I have to say I have always liked the look of the SD I love the body style the Lariat pakage I got on this 03 is prefect the leather all of it. If I can not do good with the V10 then I will most likely do the conversion drop the cummins into the SD.

 

The V-10 will have no problem pulling a 30` travel trailer. There are plenty of guys here that pull trailers larger than that with their V-10s on a regular basis. It's not going to have the power you are used to with the Cummins, but it will get the job done. I wouldn't expect to save anything on fuel costs. Gas is cheaper, but the diesel will get better mileage while towing. I don't know what you get with the Cummins, but I wouldn't expect to get any more than 8-9 MPG while towing with the V-10. Unloaded you can probably expect around 10 in the city and maybe 12 or 13 on the highway, and those are high numbers. If you are heavy on the gas pedal, you can expect less.

 

Thanks Guys! I guess time will let me know what I need to do.

 

Dan,

We weren't trying to talk down to you and there was certainly no offense intended. The "How can I get better MPG's out of my V-10" question is asked hundreds of times per week here, and has been played out and answered to the Nth degree. So some of us that have been around for a bit sometimes have a little fun with it.

That being said, kd nailed the answer. The V-10 will pull a 30 footer and probably pull it well, but is totally different from a diesel. The V-10 LOVES to rev, I ran the Grapevine with mine pinned at 4500RPM's and was going 55mph. The engine was steady and didn't sound like the valve were going to shoot out through the hood. The main difference I have seen (besides the mileage) is momentum.

If you get your heavy load moving, the V-10 keeps it moving fine and will accelerate well with the load. Up a hill it will maintain and even accelerate depending on the hill. BUT, if your going 60 on a hill with a load and someone cuts you off, you slow down to 45, it takes it a bit to recover and get back up to speed. A diesel definitely has the advantage there.

I've had mine for about a year and love it. It pulls like a 40 mule team and has never let me down. To my thinking, the gas mileage is just the price of admission. If you sit down and look at the mileage of the V-10 vs. gas prices, vs. maintenance costs it probably comes down to preference as it typically comes out close to a "wash".