02 7.3L F350 Diesel Dually Automatic w/Hypertech & 3500lb Camper...
I am getting 10mpg..this is all new to me so I am wondering if this
is normal? I know a 03 dodge owner with my same camper and he
is getting 16mpg??? Is there any way I can improve my mileage?
Thank you, Z

 

That doesn't seem right to me. My parents get 14 MPG towing a 12K# fifth wheel with their F350 dually 2wd. I guess it partially depends on how you drive it.

 

We round-tripped from California to Minnesota this summer pulling an 8,000lb travel trailer with our F250 4x2 7.3 PSD. Key factors for mileage were wind speed and direction, driving speed, and ascending vs. descending grades. Our average was 12MPG, with a range from 10 to 14.

 

How are you checking your mileage? With the Hybertech, I don't think the on board computer thingy will be accurate any longer. I've been doing mileage studies for nearly 9 months now (see DFA road test post...). One of the biggest factors in checking mileage is consistency. Here are my most updated mileage numbers (average over the last 9 months)...

F250 Crew Cab 4X4 7.3 PSD automatic
35 ft long 5th Wheel Trailer average weight 11,000 lbs.

City (solo) 13-18 mpg...average is 16.5 mpg
Highway (solo) 16-20 mpg....average is 18.3 mpg
Highway (w/RV) 6-10 mpg....average is 9.0 mpg

My data suggests several factors do affect fuel mileage.
Tire Pressure, oil changes, air filter service, right foot etc. I recommend that you try some type of DFA. I've used Diesel Kleen with good results. Stanadyne is equally good. Use the DFA every 3 or 5 tanks, using it more often doesn't seem to help fuel mileage. Change your engine oil about every 4200 to 4500 miles. My records show a drop in mileage around those numbers. My guess is it has something to do with the anti-foaming agents in the oil breaking down and the injectors don't operate as efficiently. Lastly, when towing or running with heavy loads...refrain from mashing the pedal to the floor. I use just enough throttle to get moving safely without causing a traffic problem and I let my turbo gain momentum on it's own. Before I know it....I'm cruising at 75-80 mph and need to back off and settle in for the cruise. Mashing the pedal to the floor doesn't seem to get me up to speed that much faster.

I hope the info helps. Happy camping!

 

Chavez,

You sure don't write much but when you do it is definetly worth paying attention too. I agree with your statements. Also a big factor is wind direction when pulling that high of a load, which would include that camper.

Fire Rooster

 

I just pulled a 24' travel trailer 3,000 miles (through Idaho, Tetons, Yellowstone, Wyoming and back through Montana to Seattle) with my F350 SRW 7.3 CC Auto (S-chip, AIS, gauges, Stanadyne, 80lbs psi in back, 55lbs up front) and averaged 12.6mpg.

I've found that my foot is the primary culprit in reducing mileage. I've gotten as high at 15.6mpg and as low as 10.9mpg towing this setup. Although wind doesn't help.

 

Yeah, it's been a while since I've frequented FTE, feels good to be back. I recently relocated to Phoenix (from Tucson) and haven't had much time to get online. However, I've put 31,000 miles on the truck in the last 10 or 11 months, so I've gathered some really good data regarding fuel mileage etc.
...and I totally agree with you on the wind comment. My 5er is pretty tall and wind makes a big difference on my mileage. These days I just try not to fight it if I'm driving into a headwind. I let the truck pull at whatever speed feels comfortable (throttle wise).

 

Chavez,

Where did you move to here in Phx? There are a couple of us here and we have exchanged #'s and emails to help each other out locally, couple of us live up here in north phx some in mesa, . It has been good though. for helping each other out.

Fire Rooster