How do I Improve MPG?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: Smiths Grove, KY
Your fuel mileage is close to what most others getting, personally I get around 15 & 18. Every truck is a little different and IMO there is no silver bullet for improving mileage except having a light right foot.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: ABQ
I am a believer that your foot is the best MPG saver. I get around 14 in town, but 18 on the hwy. But then again, these motors don't like to be babied all the time either. Double edged sword IMO. My solution: I let the wife baby it and I drive the snot out of it LOL
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
Also depending on what part of the country you live in will play a part on your fuel mileage in the winter. In the winter my average rural driving gets me about 15 even when using a cetane booster. Come summer that figure goes up to 17+ but on the interstate I get 20 running empty. Make sure your tires have the proper air fill.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Strange thing about diesels. You increase the horsepower you will get better gas milage. You might want to buy a custom tuner but that may cost you $400 and will only improve MPG by 1-2. This essentially saves you $.01 - 0.02 per mile. If you drive the average of 20,000 per year it will take you about a year and a half to get back your money. Or you pick up a peice of scrap 2X4 and put it under your gas pedal when ever you drive! 
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,521
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That all that can be said really.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Even then, all the variables that go into calculating mpg for all vehicles period will play a part and you may not see any mpg gains period. I also wouldn't go by the computer at all if you are using that to calculated mpg, because the computer is really going to be fooled with the overfueling that tuners do. If I could trust the computer, I would be getting 21 mpg versus the 12.9 that I regularly get.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
My computer reading is always within 1/2 mpg compared to calc. mileage but I am 100% stock. I do however use the computer reading to alert me if something is changing. Side note: So far I am extremely happy with the new TSB 09-24-3 flash released in November. Seems to be quieter with a little smoother power and possibly a little better mileage.
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Well, I do think there are things we can do to make our engines/drive trains more efficient, and thus increasing MPG. For example, removing or by-passing the EGR will not allow spent gases to be re-introduced into the combustion cycle. This will improve efficiency. Using the right tires for your gearing, inflated to the proper PSI will improve efficiency. IMproving intake (zoodad, etc.) , removing the cat and adding an un-restricted exhaust system improves efficiency. Optimal tuning, although primarily a power ennacer, can also improve efficency. All these things can add up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Well, I do think there are things we can do to make our engines/drive trains more efficient, and thus increasing MPG. For example, removing or by-passing the EGR will not allow spent gases to be re-introduced into the combustion cycle. This will improve efficiency. Using the right tires for your gearing, inflated to the proper PSI will improve efficiency. IMproving intake (zoodad, etc.) , removing the cat and adding an un-restricted exhaust system improves efficiency. Optimal tuning, although primarily a power ennacer, can also improve efficency. All these things can add up.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Carvel, AB, Canada
Well, I do think there are things we can do to make our engines/drive trains more efficient, and thus increasing MPG. For example, removing or by-passing the EGR will not allow spent gases to be re-introduced into the combustion cycle. This will improve efficiency. Using the right tires for your gearing, inflated to the proper PSI will improve efficiency. IMproving intake (zoodad, etc.) , removing the cat and adding an un-restricted exhaust system improves efficiency. Optimal tuning, although primarily a power ennacer, can also improve efficency. All these things can add up.