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I want to start this by saying this is my first diesel motor to own. I have replaced some fairly simple things on trucks in the past such as starter, alternator ect. But do not have much experience making modifications.
With that being known I have read several threads where guys mention mods they have done to help improve their MPG, what are some of the things you guys suggest I do first. And is it something I can figure out how to do myself or do I need to pay a professional. I am buying a house soon and I would like to be able to save the money and do it myself if possible.
Rule 1: Like Chris says, get the truck to 100% - the factory did it right.
Rule 2: Be boring. If it's fun to do with your foot, it's bad for economy. So if you like to dance, just make sure there's no Superduty under your feet when you do it.
Rule 3: Skinny tires. Many are under the impression tall tires really hurt economy. Recent events may indicate tall tires are usually fat as well, so width may have more impact on MPG than diameter (assuming the speedo is adjusted correctly). There will be those who say it looks like crap, but you can say that about their fuel bill - while sitting atop a set of 245/80R16 pizza cutters.
Rule 4: Less weight, lower suspension, put in air dams and skirts. Basically convert it into a ricer... or acknowledge the fact that you just bought a diesel truck.
Tuck in the mirrors, drop the tail gate, maintain proper tire pressure and find the sweet spot for mph probably around 60. Save your money!
The sweet spot for BEST mpg is right after it goes into OD, about 46 mph. Of course you will get killed on the interstate, but if you can drive country roads to work with no stops, it's the way to go.
Sorry to dispute you, but this one is a myth... it was covered on Mythbusters.
You beat me to it.....
IIRC having the tailgate up in its normal position with an open bed creates a vortex of swirling air in the bed (think about how the leaves blow out of your bed if you drive down the road......usually up in front of the rear slider). That air bubble allows airflow from the front of the truck to actually slip over the cab and continue right on off the back of the rig. Pulling the gate allows that frontal airflow to actually drag along the bed more and create more drag as the vortex is not created.......
As once was quoted to save fuel, Drive like you have an egg under the pedal. To burn fuel crush the egg.
Best I can get is about 20-21 but that is driving on the interstate at 62 for a very long time. I am happy with the 18-19 when traveling at 70-75 so I don't worry about it. Recently mileage has been slipping, but that has more to do with me mashing the skinny pedal harder than normal and some additional maintenance items needing some TLC. Get the truck to a point where nothing is leaking and then act like you are going to break an egg when you mash the go pedal and you should see some improvement. Maybe not much but a little. But then again, what fun is that. I am averaging around 15 traveling back and forth to work.
If you're getting 16-18 combination and 18-20 pure highway, that's a realistic peak without going extreme.
I am getting 13-15 on the Highway, I would be a happy guy if I was getting 18-20.
As for this being beat to death on here I assumed that was the case but I was on my phone at work and having trouble navigating the search feature to find the discussions.
This falls squarely under the returning your truck to 100% category. A stock truck (with stock tires and suspension) will give you the numbers I mentioned - when in proper running condition. Snake oil and magic technology can actually make things worse.
So... the thread should actually be about restoring your fuel economy. A scan tool is very helpful with this, and we know you have a smart phone. Is it Android (torque Pro) or iOS (Dash Command)? Get yourself an OBDII adaptor (Chinese knock-off $20, proper unit $100) and you're less than a Hamilton from a scan tool.
I am getting 13-15 on the Highway, I would be a happy guy if I was getting 18-20.
As for this being beat to death on here I assumed that was the case but I was on my phone at work and having trouble navigating the search feature to find the discussions.
I did not mean it as a personal attack in any way...
It just gets tedious seeing the same discussions over and over under new threads.
This particular topic has been dragged through the mud so many times, when it is brought back up... pretty much the exact same generalized statements are made.
Mayhap we should get a mpg only questions stickie?
The OP did not say what he was driving? Is it a 2wd 4x4 what year ? Gearing can be a difference ! But I concur with the previous posters on havin the truck a 100%.
Gearing can be a difference ! But I concur with the previous posters on havin the truck a 100%.