When I joined the forum, the catch phrase was "stay out of the pedal on the right, and stay off the pedal on the left". I've found that the pedal on the left has just as much to do with mileage as the accelerator. These 4 ton trucks need power to build speed and every time you brake you have to use fuel to get back up to speed.

I bought my V10 Ex used. It had been someone's daily driver, with most trips from home no more than about 2 miles. It barely got warmed up before it was shut down. These motors like to purr at about 2,500 RPM. Mine's no different. She labors a bit under 2,200 RPM, and really frees up about 2,700.

It got about 10 MPG on the highway and a lot less in town when I bought it. Towing the boat on the highway got 8.5. No mods, but lots of magic additives later the mileage is a lot better. Every time I go on the highway I add Lucas fuel treatment to the gas. 12-16 ounces per tank. She now gets more that 11MPG towing down the highway and over 13 without the boat. Considering what it was when we started, I'm happy as a clam.

And my Ex actually gets better gas mileage at 80+ than it does at 70.

 

I've owned both diesel and gas Excusions. I had a 6.0L but sold it because I was concerned about repairs. The gas engine for me is much nicer, true the V10 doesn't get good mileage but on average you can buy a V10 for a lot less money than a 6.0L or a 7.3L. There are mods that can be done to a 6.0L but that engine is the reason the 7.3L trucks are so pricey. The difference in money not spent can buy a lot of gas and piece of mind, at least it did for me. I talked to the V10 2V calibrator and he said that what we have is the best you can get and remain emissions compliant. I've noticed that as long as I keep the Ex moving, it helps the mileage (both gas and diesel). The truck is heavy and the higher 1st gear of the V10 trans doesn't help the take off. I think a 5R would be a nicer swap but maybe wouldn't net as much as I think. As others have said, drive easy and it'll do better.

 

Thanks for all the input.

 

I've six boys and all there gear, plus the mrs.

we are limited as to whats available.

Suburban/gmc or Excursion or fullsized van

none are going to save you much in gas.

 

Here is the "secret"
When you look under the dash there are 2 pedals. The right one is the magic solution.
Every time it is pressed too far and/or too long the mpg's will suffer.
Some people have even perfected to minimize the usage of the left pedal as much as possible and very careful usage of the right one. Up to a point angering other people around them.

 

What about the 5star programmers. I have heard of ppl getting 1-2 mpg more with them.

 

The pedals are the secret to better mpg with the V10. I tell myself that I have the nicest truck at the intersection. That way I don't have to be the first one there or the first to leave.

 

See my post on page 1. they do work. don`t expect it to give you 20+ mpg. mine gave me an improvement enough that I would recommend it!

 

That the Eco setting or towing setting

 

Very eloquent phrased

 

Well, except that the irritating one (the left one) is actually what uses up the fuel as was mentioned earlier. Every time you use it you just threw away the fuel you burned accelerating. Assuming normal accelerations there isn't that much difference in the fuel burned to get to a certain speed whether you creep up or not as long as you aren't having to step on the brake more.

But pretty much city driving is going to be cr*p. That's a lot of weight to be accelerating all of the time. With highway just drive like a geezer (in the right hand lane!). Above 55 mph mileage starts dropping by a material amount and above 65 it really plummets.

As others have mentioned if there was an easy solution to improve mileage the auto makers would have done it decades ago.

 

Make the kids get out and push it to get it rolling when you stop at a red light... my 3 are too young but one day...

 

I run ECO when not towing. and TOW when the TT is hooked up. so the numbers I quoted are respective.

 

So, remove the brakes, don't push on the gas pedal and make the kids push...got it thanks!

 

the plate says it all...