Post by: Hornseeker on February 19, 2014, 10:55:24 AM
I am driving an 01' F150 quad cab 4X.... I will basically get 12 average... its 10.5 sometimes.... its 13.5 sometimes... but most commonly in the 12-12.5 mpg area most the time.
I will put about 20k a year on... so at $3 a gallon, Im spending 5k on gas. If gas was to stay at an avg of 3.75, I'd be at 6500 a year on gas.
If I can find a decent truck that avg's 18 mpg... I can spend 3300 at $3 a gallon or about 4200 at 3.75 a gallon. 1700 and 2200 dollars a year savings... thats 2-3 guns! Or more optics or hell, just ammo... or maybe some more tags and out of state applications... And frankly, I like my truck, but Im not attached to it. I'm utilitarian... if it can get me and my chit to the mountains and back, Im pretty happy!
So... what trucks (not new $40,000 outfits) can get me in the 18 mpg combined range? or even 17 ish.... I'd love to put 2k in my pocket eveyr year instead of burning it while Im driving down the road...
What does your truck Really get??
Thanks for the input!
Horn
Post by: Hornseeker on February 19, 2014, 10:56:54 AM
Is it really worth it to have another little car... that gets say 32mpg... when you have extra insurance, extra licensing... extra maintenance... etc... doens't it end up a wash if you drive them each about 10k?
Post by: turkeyfeather on February 19, 2014, 11:01:32 AM
Post by: Hornseeker on February 19, 2014, 11:11:20 AM
Post by: quadrafire on February 19, 2014, 11:13:19 AM
I'm in the same boat '02 F150 supercrew. Filled up this morning and checked the mileage (10.5) :yike:
10% Ethanol here in Spokane during the winter months.
I'm only doing about 10K miles/yr. And will just drive it till it tanks.
PS: joking about the bike kinda. But I had mine tuned up recently and will try riding a couple days/week to work.
Post by: Old Man Yager on February 19, 2014, 11:13:26 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 19, 2014, 11:18:05 AM
Lots of other things to worry about. :twocents:
Post by: Broken Arrow on February 19, 2014, 11:19:57 AM
Post by: KNOPHISH on February 19, 2014, 11:20:59 AM
Post by: washingtonmuley on February 19, 2014, 11:23:04 AM
Post by: Old Man Yager on February 19, 2014, 11:26:03 AM
I get 18 with my Tundra Crew on the highway.What motor do you have in that?
Post by: LndShrk on February 19, 2014, 11:29:59 AM
4.6 V8
13 mpg highway empty
10 - 11 mpg towing boat.
Post by: Special T on February 19, 2014, 11:33:03 AM
Here are some things i would consider to bump up your milage in your current truck.
When was the last time you did a tune up, change air cleaner, fuel filter, check air pressure in tires etc? do that stuff first.
Are you running some taller fatter tires than stock? Did you lift your rig? If so consider having 2 sets of tires on wheels. A "Commuter Set" and an offroad set. Tread design, width, airpressure OD have a large effect on MPG of a vehicle.
Anything that requires replacement consider going upgraded aftermarket. I gained some MPG by going with a larger OD exhaust and flow through muffler on my truck. I had to replace it anyway so it helped out.
For you kind of milage 2 rigs wont save you any real $. If your truck got better milage originally then i would do what i could to maximize it. If you just take a look at insurance, and maintains of a second vehicle then you will see there is no real reason to get an "affordable" commuter vehicle. :twocents:
Post by: buckfvr on February 19, 2014, 11:36:41 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 19, 2014, 11:38:12 AM
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
Post by: Broken Arrow on February 19, 2014, 11:40:58 AM
Post by: brokenvet on February 19, 2014, 11:44:53 AM
Post by: turkeyfeather on February 19, 2014, 11:54:15 AM
Oh Ernie.......Just get a bicycle.That's what I am doing. Just bought me a nice new bike. Saving money and losing pounds. Double bonus. :tup:
I'm in the same boat '02 F150 supercrew. Filled up this morning and checked the mileage (10.5) :yike:
10% Ethanol here in Spokane during the winter months.
I'm only doing about 10K miles/yr. And will just drive it till it tanks.
PS: joking about the bike kinda. But I had mine tuned up recently and will try riding a couple days/week to work.
Post by: Special T on February 19, 2014, 11:55:10 AM
http://www.eliomotors.com/ (http://www.eliomotors.com/)
IF they make it into production they will likely be the go to commuter car. at about $7k the milage of a motorcycle and 2 enclosed seats, i'm betting they make many 2 driver homes 3 car owners. Its an interesting idea that utilizes many exisiting parts manufactures, and the best of motorcycle/trike excemptions and auto manufacturing.
Post by: Rick on February 19, 2014, 11:56:21 AM
Are you running some taller fatter tires than stock? Did you lift your rig? If so consider having 2 sets of tires on wheels. A "Commuter Set" and an offroad set. Tread design, width, airpressure OD have a large effect on MPG of a vehicle
In the name of looking cool,most guys run way more tire than they need. I used to run mudders year round because I had myself talked into "needing" them. I still manage to go all the places I used to with a much less aggressive tire on my truck these days.
For the vast majority of guys,a highway or mild A/T tire and a set of chains will take you all the places you have business being in a full sized truck.
Post by: PlateauNDN on February 19, 2014, 11:57:21 AM
I gave up worrying about gas mileage years ago. You can either afford to drive a truck or you can't.
Lots of other things to worry about. :twocents:
:yeah:
I average around 14 with my 2002 Chev Silverado extended cab, 4x4, w/canopy. (5.3 V8)
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
i've got a 2000 doing about the same. it's about 85-100 bucks a week for me, daily and mt driving.
Post by: Skillet on February 19, 2014, 12:05:13 PM
I did an analysis like this myself a few years ago and ran the numbers every which way. Without getting into the whole spreadsheet, if you are considering getting a "beater with a heater" to drive at times instead of your truck, you should only be looking at the improvement you could get when having the second car could be used in place of the truck. That usually means that you'll be using the car instead of the truck when the truck was likely getting its best mileage.
A quick look at your situation, and making assumptions that you could drive a car in place of your truck for 12K miles a year out of your 20K, and you bought a car that could get 28mpg (older toyota tercel with a stick, for example), this is what it would look like.
You'd save 460 gallons of fuel, and at an average of $3.50 a gal that means you saved $1610 over the year. If fuel goes up, you save more - down, you save less. If you got a car that got 35mpg, savings goes up, 20mpg, it goes down. Etc.
Those are the hard fuel numbers based on my assumptions, but if you really wanted to get into it you'd also need to look at insurance and maintenance, licensing, savings on truck depreciation (if applicable), cost of money used to buy the second car, etc., etc.
In the end, I bought a small car for daily transport and figure I'm just a little ahead of even money, but not much.
Post by: Bean Counter on February 19, 2014, 12:08:16 PM
Post by: et1702 on February 19, 2014, 12:16:10 PM
2001 Dodge 3/4ton 4x4 extracab diesel - 18 to 21 mpg with combination of city and hwy driving for my daily commute. Towing 29' 5th wheel, I get about 13 to 14mpg. She has 275K miles on her and still running strong.
I've thought about getting a small commuter car instead. But, cost of car, extra insurance and potential fuel savings don't pencil out.
So, my truck is my daily commuter.
ET
Post by: C-Money on February 19, 2014, 12:26:19 PM
Post by: bhawley76 on February 19, 2014, 12:29:53 PM
Post by: MacAttack on February 19, 2014, 12:31:27 PM
I average around 14 with my 2002 Chev Silverado extended cab, 4x4, w/canopy. (5.3 V8)
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
I have this exact truck, mines a z71 w/canopy, and I get 15 to 15.6 combined, and 17 straight hwy. 137k and still running strong.
Post by: bobcat on February 19, 2014, 12:36:53 PM
I average around 14 with my 2002 Chev Silverado extended cab, 4x4, w/canopy. (5.3 V8)
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
I have this exact truck, mines a z71 w/canopy, and I get 15 to 15.6 combined, and 17 straight hwy. 137k and still running strong.
Exact same mileage that mine has too! You probably do a little better on average because I drive very few miles on the highway. Might also need a tune up, last tune up was 70,000 miles ago.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 19, 2014, 12:51:06 PM
I have a log book of all fuel used. Mileage and dates, even when I've rotated the tires, changed the oil, fuel and air filters.
I average 16mpg (winter), 17mpg (summer), for my daily rural commute. Best I've gotten on I-5 from Bellingham to Tacoma is 21mpg, but on the highway she'll average 19mpg easily as long as I'm not the one in the fast lane going 75mph. The truck loves 65mph. Towing the camp trailer, it'll get 15mpg from the west side to the east side over North Cascades Highway. (Lynden to Colville)
If you want fuel economy better than that from a truck, look for a well maintained 7.3psd of 1999 to 2003 vintage. The Cummins 5.9's get good fuel economy too. No chips, or tuners. Just a good flowing straight pipe exhaust will help a diesel a lot. And learn where the powerband is. Keep the engine rpm right in the lower third of the powerband where there's enough power to maintain speed, but not so much that you're building peak torque and HP with your foot on the throttle like a mad man.
Also, don't expect the best fuel economy from any vehicle with an automatic transmission. Learn to drive a stick correctly and you'll get better fuel economy.
-Steve
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on February 19, 2014, 12:57:41 PM
I average around 14 with my 2002 Chev Silverado extended cab, 4x4, w/canopy. (5.3 V8)
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
I have this exact truck, mines a z71 w/canopy, and I get 15 to 15.6 combined, and 17 straight hwy. 137k and still running strong.
Exact same mileage that mine has too! You probably do a little better on average because I drive very few miles on the highway. Might also need a tune up, last tune up was 70,000 miles ago.
"05 2500 HD Duramax....averages 19.4 in the last 2 years All driving, highway, trailering over the pass, in the woods hunting. I do pay about 12% more for my fuel unless I use all my Safeway points and fuel up at Chevron (Take cans to make sure I get all 25 gallons) which I do about once a month at about 2.89 a gallon lately. Why waste a buck a gallon on a car with a 10 gallon tank :dunno:?
97 power stroke 13 to 15 depending on how I drive. 97 escort station wagon 31.And my wagon is a 93
"
If you want fuel economy better than that from a truck, look for a well maintained 7.3psd of 1999 to 2003 vintage." True story!
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2014, 01:05:55 PM
Have to be careful passing though. I got frustrated being stuck behind a semi for five miles while getting peckered with gravel. When the opportunity presented itself I put my foot into it. Looked at the speedometer when I was getting over and saw 110 mph! Goodness that diesel accelerates smooth. I had no idea! A guy could get himself in some trouble :o I was a lot more careful after that.
Post by: rtspring on February 19, 2014, 01:34:19 PM
Post by: b0bbyg on February 19, 2014, 01:39:32 PM
I average around 14 with my 2002 Chev Silverado extended cab, 4x4, w/canopy. (5.3 V8)
Strictly highway driving I might get 16 if I'm lucky. More dirt and gravel roads during hunting season and it'll be closer to 12 or 13.
I have this exact truck, mines a z71 w/canopy, and I get 15 to 15.6 combined, and 17 straight hwy. 137k and still running strong.
Exact same mileage that mine has too! You probably do a little better on average because I drive very few miles on the highway. Might also need a tune up, last tune up was 70,000 miles ago.
Thanks guys for responding this is good info..
Nice to see some real world numbers for what people get so I know what to expect.
Looking to replace a 95 GMC suburban 4x4 that gets 13.5 average with a 2500 silverado to carry a cab-over.
Post by: Hornseeker on February 19, 2014, 01:43:36 PM
I appreciate all the info guys... just what I was looking for!!!
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 19, 2014, 02:38:04 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on February 19, 2014, 02:46:19 PM
Well, I think I may be well served picking up a 2004-2007ish something or another that gets 17-18 at least... If that can save me 1500-3k a year just on fuel... why wouldn't I? My truck is certainly at the point where maintenance costs are going to start adding up too... so...In my case it's still cheaper to drive my old truck. I have had it for 8 years now and other than having one of the heads rebuilt my only maintenance costs are oil and filter changes. No more than any other vehicle. With the cost of a nicer, newer truck plus insurance I have figured out it is still cheaper to drive "the beast".
I appreciate all the info guys... just what I was looking for!!!
Post by: Mudman on February 19, 2014, 02:53:00 PM
Post by: FC on February 19, 2014, 02:58:28 PM
Post by: LndShrk on February 19, 2014, 02:59:54 PM
Crazy gassers! Diesels. My 01 ford 7.3 averaged 16-17mpg, 14 towing 5-10k. My 05 cummins averages 19mpg lifted and yes hand calculated. 24 if you believe the computer! :yike: I also fuel at safeway with points.cents off. The dodge mpg goes down towing 12-14mpg which isnt as good as the old powerstroke, but more power! Gas cant compete imop.
How much you paying for Diesel? I did the math on buying a Diesel. Based on Cost of vehicle and the amount of miles I drive my truck per year (Not my daily commuter) and the price of diesel it would have taken me 10 years to make up any difference in fuel mileage :tup:
Post by: eastsidemallard74 on February 19, 2014, 03:06:13 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on February 19, 2014, 03:07:25 PM
How much you paying for Diesel? I did the math on buying a Diesel. Based on Cost of vehicle and the amount of miles I drive my truck per year (Not my daily commuter) and the price of diesel it would have taken me 10 years to make up any difference in fuel mileage :tup:
Diesels aren't necessarily cheaper day to day, but they are in the long run if you keep one going for 300,000 miles or so. Then they pay off. I'll support the idea that 'if you don't tow or haul heavy loads', don't buy a diesel. You really don't need one as a daily driver. Just like others, I use the Safeway points to get discounts on my fuel when I can. (But the wife has a Tahoe so she uses the points more often.)
-Steve
Post by: Special T on February 19, 2014, 03:24:27 PM
Post by: WoodlandShooter on February 19, 2014, 04:17:20 PM
Diesel trucks are work trucks! They are made to tow loads and are best outfitted with a Flat Bed not a "Snug Top". The ONLY diesel that i know of that is a good commuter car is a VW jetta TDI with the stick. My uncle had one that got nearly 50mpg on the hwy.
heh heh
got a 2001 Dodge Ram with a little 6 banger diesel in it....added some extra fuel, and an extra turbo, and now it makes just over 630 HP, and 1300 foot pounds...and if I take it easy, it can get 18 MPG...
But full tilt boogy, it's prolly around 9...yee haa...
Post by: buglebuster on February 19, 2014, 04:35:39 PM
Post by: actionshooter on February 19, 2014, 04:40:50 PM
Post by: Mudman on February 19, 2014, 04:41:23 PM
Post by: Stump on February 19, 2014, 04:44:04 PM
Post by: RClare1223 on February 19, 2014, 05:12:20 PM
Post by: Bigtine96 on February 19, 2014, 05:20:41 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
Post by: yorketransport on February 19, 2014, 06:13:13 PM
For a gas engine I'm really starting to love the 4.8L in my 2012 Express Cutaway van. This truck has a 14' long box and sits 9' tall. With a full load (which it always has :chuckle:) it will hit the scales at a little over 10,000 #. It still averages 10mpg in hard driving, start and stop city traffic. Plus it has enough power to smoke the back tires if you're not careful. :tup: I had a 2007 Express van with the same box on the back but with the 6.0L that felt like a bus compared to the little 4.8L. And the 6.0 got 8mpg under identical conditions. I'd never go back to the 6.0 unless I was towing an obscene amount of weight every day.
I have a 23,000# stepvan with the International T444E (basically a 7.3L Powerstroke) that gets 9 mpg under extremely hard use. Then there's my newest truck which has the 5.9 Cummins in a 14,000# truck. It's getting around 10 mpg.
Andrew
Post by: KFhunter on February 19, 2014, 06:17:39 PM
Just wanted to add another question...
Is it really worth it to have another little car... that gets say 32mpg... when you have extra insurance, extra licensing... extra maintenance... etc... doens't it end up a wash if you drive them each about 10k?
Yes, get a little car in the 40's MPG
tires half the cost if stock, even cheaper if you're buying mudders for the truck.
oil change 1/2 the cost, less if you buy a diesel truck
insurance cheaper
Doesn't have to be a new car either, 2k will get you a cheap car and you'll break even in about 6 months considering tires/fuel/maint.
Post by: fish vacuum on February 19, 2014, 06:52:49 PM
Just wanted to add another question...
Is it really worth it to have another little car... that gets say 32mpg... when you have extra insurance, extra licensing... extra maintenance... etc... doens't it end up a wash if you drive them each about 10k?
Yes, get a little car in the 40's MPG
tires half the cost if stock, even cheaper if you're buying mudders for the truck.
oil change 1/2 the cost, less if you buy a diesel truck
insurance cheaper
Doesn't have to be a new car either, 2k will get you a cheap car and you'll break even in about 6 months considering tires/fuel/maint.
My thoughts exactly. Buy the car cheap and it works out. My car gets just over 2x the mpg of my truck. Insurance on my car is dirt cheap, as are most maintenance items. The savings in tires alone nearly covers my insurance for the car. The car saves me hundreds a month in gas.
And since I paid so little for the car, I'm not out much when I finally drive it into the ground. A couple grand will get me another one.
Post by: TheHunt on February 19, 2014, 06:59:24 PM
Post by: jjhunter on February 19, 2014, 07:01:50 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 19, 2014, 07:11:11 PM
I have a 2012 Ecoboost as well. My gas mileage is around 17-18 highway. 13 in town.
I've got a buddy who dropped 50K on the Ecoboost 150. He still won't answer my question of how much money he is saving by driving it. But, he does say he's now cool and is thinking of becoming a pimp :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on February 19, 2014, 07:15:14 PM
don't plan too anytime soon either. I do pay on the wife's car but it's 0% so I can't justify paying it off although the payment is a constant irritation :chuckle:
Post by: RClare1223 on February 19, 2014, 07:15:23 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
Yes
Post by: 6x6in6 on February 19, 2014, 07:25:42 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
Post by: Come Get Some on February 19, 2014, 07:41:27 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on February 19, 2014, 07:46:55 PM
Post by: hillbilli on February 19, 2014, 08:43:27 PM
Post by: coachcw on February 19, 2014, 08:49:22 PM
Post by: KFhunter on February 19, 2014, 09:01:35 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
The 91 1st gen did back in the day (4x4 standard cab auto 3/4ton ) WA to AZ hovering 25mpg and even a tad better.
Had 10 ply skinnys.. before you call BS remember fuel in the 90's was more btu per gallon than it is now.
It still does very well though and will break 20 pretty easy.
Post by: coachcw on February 19, 2014, 09:03:34 PM
yeah but you couldn't hear your self think in that suckerI got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
The 91 1st gen did back in the day (4x4 standard cab auto 3/4ton ) WA to AZ hovering 25mpg and even a tad better.
Had 10 ply skinnys.. before you call BS remember fuel in the 90's was more btu per gallon than it is now.
Post by: KFhunter on February 19, 2014, 09:05:27 PM
Post by: MarkyMark on February 19, 2014, 09:28:27 PM
Post by: Caseyd on February 19, 2014, 09:50:25 PM
Just wanted to add another question...
Is it really worth it to have another little car... that gets say 32mpg... when you have extra insurance, extra licensing... extra maintenance... etc... doens't it end up a wash if you drive them each about 10k?
Yes, get a little car in the 40's MPG
tires half the cost if stock, even cheaper if you're buying mudders for the truck.
oil change 1/2 the cost, less if you buy a diesel truck
insurance cheaper
Doesn't have to be a new car either, 2k will get you a cheap car and you'll break even in about 6 months considering tires/fuel/maint.
My thoughts exactly. Buy the car cheap and it works out. My car gets just over 2x the mpg of my truck. Insurance on my car is dirt cheap, as are most maintenance items. The savings in tires alone nearly covers my insurance for the car. The car saves me hundreds a month in gas.
And since I paid so little for the car, I'm not out much when I finally drive it into the ground. A couple grand will get me another one.
Bought a commuter last year. 1991 honda civic 5 speed. Paid $1,200 for it. Gets 32mpg. Insurance is $40 a month. Maintainance on that little thing has been nearly nothing. Plus if/when something is needed the parts are everywhere for cheap.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on February 19, 2014, 09:52:32 PM
Post by: whitey on February 19, 2014, 10:42:39 PM
My 7.3 L supercab gets around 15 across the board. Up hill, down hill, pulling my toy hauler. Love it
My Toyota Tacoma gets around 20, but cant haul a bunch.
My Saturn, The airport car/work car gets about 30 mpg.
The tires on my big truck cost as much as I paid for the car. I can careless if it gets a door ding (They have plastic body panels. :yike:) The tires cost for a set what 1 tire cost me on the Super duty and driving it keeps the miles off of my go to rigs.
The insurance is cheap because of multiple vechicles. The limited wear and tear on the trucks makes it well worth owning it.
I say buy a nice truck and a beater with a heater and call it good.
That being said the fuel my beater saves me makes gas mileage in the other trucks a Mute Point.
Post by: baker5150 on February 20, 2014, 07:55:16 AM
Towing my 32' travel trailer, fully loaded with water and gear I get 16 to 17 if I play nice.
I was averaging 23 mpg with 35" all terrains, but lost an mpg when I went to Toyo MT's. I somewhat regret putting the MT's on it, but the traction in the snow and ice is MUCH better, and the road noise isn't many worse IMHO.
I had a 96 civic with a stick I commuted with for 4 years. got 30 plus MPG out of it. Loved the mileage.
I think it's worth every penny having a commuter car.
Just keeping the miles off my truck made it worth it to me.
Post by: Whitpirate on February 20, 2014, 08:37:39 AM
If you want millage get a unrestricted smoker , my 6.0 gasser gets a best of 17 hwy and 10-12 in town , in the woods its even worse since I'm dragging RT along in my jet stream !
And usually packing my slab of beef in the passenger seat white-knuckling.... I leave the screaming like a girl until after hunting season.
Post by: whacker1 on February 20, 2014, 08:47:43 AM
I run two sets of tires. Mud tires in the winter 33 inch and I get about 15-16 highway (adjusted for tire size), 10 in town spokane stop and go driving. I run an all terrain Toyo open country in the summer in the stock size (31.5) and get 12 in town and 18 on the highway. 3.55 gears.
I have done some small modifications. open to single 3 inch exhaust, put electric cooling vans on it in place of the fan clutch assembly, and I used the 15 cold air intake modification that can be found online. I was going to put a programmer on it, but haven't pulled the trigger.
I drive for work and don't want to store a commuter car, nor do i want to insure it, license it, or pay for insurance as that eats much of the fuel savings. However it does save significantly on the wear and tear on the pickup.
If you are not looking to spend a lot of money, I would buy another used F150 that is slightly newer and do some very modest upgrades to improve mileage and buy a set of rims from craigslist with some highway tires or all terrain tires and run those when you don't go off road.
If you are willing to spend a little more money try and find a 2009-2010 with the 5.4 liter motor, but you will gain the 6 speed transmission. That seems to pick up about 1 mile per gallon in town and 2-3 on the highway depending on tires and gear set. It makes it easier to justify the 3.55 gears with the wider range of transmission gears and really does improve gas mileage. they are harder to find, because ford didn't sell a lot of pickups between 2009-2010 as compared to the prior body style.
The 2011 and newer either have the Ecoboost or 5.0 to choose from with the same 6 speed transmission and they all do better than the 5.4 on mileage, but the price goes up as well.
Post by: PolarBear on February 20, 2014, 09:08:01 AM
Post by: whacker1 on February 20, 2014, 03:12:10 PM
97 F-350 Crewcab, 7.3 Powerstroke. I get 21 mpg all day with that thing. The worst milage I ever got was 18 pulling 7 tons of hay over 2 passes.
Yup, boost in mileage, but also in the cost of fuel. oil change and service are a little more expensive. at $.75 more per gallon it would probably be close to a wash over 17 highway and 13 in town with a slightly newer and fresher f150 or 1/2 chevy.
Post by: HntnFsh on February 21, 2014, 06:13:03 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on February 21, 2014, 06:24:36 AM
average of 19.3mpg over 16,000 miles (keep track with phone app)
worst tank was 17.6
best tank 22.2
2011 Ranger ex-cab 4x4 4.0 V6 I had before this
av 19.0
worst tank 14.8
best tank 24.3
Post by: coachcw on February 21, 2014, 06:38:28 AM
Post by: TheHunt on February 21, 2014, 06:58:44 AM
BTW, I would love to pick up a Prius and drive that as my commuter and drive that when I am bank fishing. 48+ MPG that would be sweet and the looks you would get at Blue Creek would be fantastic.
Post by: MIKEXRAY on February 21, 2014, 07:12:19 AM
Post by: Rainstorm Hunter on February 21, 2014, 08:15:36 AM
Post by: Blackjaw on February 21, 2014, 08:26:50 AM
Post by: MacAttack on February 21, 2014, 09:25:12 AM
2013 Tacoma d-cab 4x4 4.0 V6
average of 19.4mpg over 16,000 miles (keep track with phone app)
worst tank was 17.2
best tank 22.4
2011 Ranger ex-cab 4x4 4.0 V6 I had before this
av 19.0
worst tank 14.8
best tank 24.3
What's the app called?
Post by: Taco280AI on February 21, 2014, 09:43:51 AM
Post by: 6x6in6 on February 21, 2014, 10:23:42 AM
Just search "fuel log".
Post by: Buzz2401 on February 21, 2014, 06:43:17 PM
Post by: mountainman on February 21, 2014, 08:19:40 PM
Post by: jpharcher on February 21, 2014, 08:36:02 PM
Post by: Special T on February 22, 2014, 08:17:53 AM
Post by: Curly on February 22, 2014, 09:43:49 AM
Some of you are killing me with your fuel mileage. Some are pretty awesome. Some are pretty hard to believe!
:yeah:
I wonder if some guys are not taking into account if they have oversize tires and their actual miles are more than what the odometer shows? :dunno:
Post by: Special T on February 22, 2014, 10:47:43 AM
Post by: Westside88 on February 22, 2014, 12:17:07 PM
Post by: Whitehunter on February 22, 2014, 01:16:22 PM
City I average 11 and hwy 15 on summer tires AT
And 14 on my studded duratrax in winter. To me it all depends on your driving habits, speed and gear ratio in your pumkins!
I also have an ugly 97 Saturn wagon I picked up few years back that gets 37 hwy. Not that many cars can claim that title now and days. Paid $1100 and all I had to do is change the oil last 3 years or so.
Insurance costs me $33 a month and tabs $70. Cheap investment plus a $ saver!
Post by: STED9r on February 22, 2014, 05:32:23 PM
3:73 gear and 285/75 tires. Few hundred extra pounds with addition of bumpers/winches, inverters,tools and extra crap.
14-15 short runs in town while longer runs in town with it all warmed up good raises it 2 mpg more. 20-25 hwy but depends on traffic and wind and did see 28 on a trip to az.
Towing a 29 foot travel trailer and loaded between trk and trlr an extra 2k pounds nets 14-15 freeway on the flats, to difficult to figure towing mpg pulling the hills.
This is all hand thrown calcs and not off the lie-o-meter display that's as accurate as a blind bird.
Post by: buglebuster on February 22, 2014, 06:09:38 PM
2003 F350 crew cab with 6.0 diesel.:yike: my 04 6.0 same gears and tires got 13 in town 17 on the freeway
3:73 gear and 285/75 tires. Few hundred extra pounds with addition of bumpers/winches, inverters,tools and extra crap.
14-15 short runs in town while longer runs in town with it all warmed up good raises it 2 mpg more. 20-25 hwy but depends on traffic and wind and did see 28 on a trip to az.
Towing a 29 foot travel trailer and loaded between trk and trlr an extra 2k pounds nets 14-15 freeway on the flats, to difficult to figure towing mpg pulling the hills.
This is all hand thrown calcs and not off the lie-o-meter display that's as accurate as a blind bird.
Post by: RClare1223 on February 22, 2014, 07:15:38 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
Im guessing your trucks are autos? Everyone ive talked to with an auto cant seem to get any better than 22. But all the stick guys get 25 plus. And im also guessing that if you have 120hp injectors you like to feel the power and cant keep your foot out of it. I know if i run mine hard my mileage drops under 20. But if im nice to it it does great. I took it from graham to eniat this year and averaged 29 over and back. You dont burn much fuel if you barley have to touch the throttle to keep it at 70.also my speedo is calibrated to my tire size. And my mileage is checked with my gps and my odometer. It doesnt matter if i flunked math class i used a calculator!
Post by: 6x6in6 on February 22, 2014, 07:36:51 PM
The one in the middle by year is the only manual and has training wheels on the rear. :chuckle:I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
Im guessing your trucks are autos? Everyone ive talked to with an auto cant seem to get any better than 22. But all the stick guys get 25 plus. And im also guessing that if you have 120hp injectors you like to feel the power and cant keep your foot out of it. I know if i run mine hard my mileage drops under 20. But if im nice to it it does great. I took it from graham to eniat this year and averaged 29 over and back. You dont burn much fuel if you barley have to touch the throttle to keep it at 70.also my speedo is calibrated to my tire size. And my mileage is checked with my gps and my odometer. It doesnt matter if i flunked math class i used a calculator!
The others are both running 35-12.50 18's and they suck the mileage way down.
My chosen 3 years are all very well documented to be the worst mpg's in the Dodge 2nd gen and 3rd gen trucks, regardless of transmission. And yes, auto's just exasperate it.
I was just messing with you on the flunked math part. :chuckle:
Post by: JLS on February 22, 2014, 07:46:21 PM
Here is an example of where diesel trucks shine. I took my one to. 03 dodge cummins stick 5"ehaust from the skagit valley to cle elm and back. I averaged 18.5mpg with about 4k lbson the back of the truck on the way over and empy back. It really shines if you can keep it at 1800 rpm. I have had 20mpg driving from the valley to portland at 60mph the whole way. On this last trip I couldnt keep my foot off the trottle and did 70 a bunch. It has been my experience that HOW you drive has a huge effect on milage.
I've noticed the same thing with my Dodges. If I keep my 04 at 55-60 (not very often unless I'm in Oregon) I will routinely get over 20 easily. If I'm doing 70-75 it will drop to 17-18.
Winter blend diesel usually drops my mileage by about 10%.
Post by: Wacenturion on February 22, 2014, 08:27:25 PM
Post by: runamuk on February 22, 2014, 09:27:10 PM
compare to my current ride 95 mazda 4x4 pickup with a 4cyl and manual transmission its a gutless wonder and cant merge on the freeway with a mild eburg headwind and tops I get maybe 20mpg
I had a 73 chevy 2wd with a 307 and 350 turbo auto heavy half ton it averaged I think 15mpg
79 silverado 2wd 350 and not sure which tranny auto 3/4 ton also averaged around 15mpg
plymouth valiant 73 slant 6 auto tranny my first car automatic also got around 16mpg
had lots of other cars only one that got stellar mileage was the 80's geo metro 40-45mpg and the engine didnt need a hoist/picker we just unbolted and lifted out :chuckle: that was fun and hilarious. my ex never did maintenance and we got 300k out of the geo before needing an engine...ran all my other rigs as well to 250-300k before they blew up (again my ex did very little maintenance) or needed a new something big :dunno:
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 22, 2014, 09:38:33 PM
2003 F350 crew cab with 6.0 diesel.:yike: my 04 6.0 same gears and tires got 13 in town 17 on the freeway
3:73 gear and 285/75 tires. Few hundred extra pounds with addition of bumpers/winches, inverters,tools and extra crap.
14-15 short runs in town while longer runs in town with it all warmed up good raises it 2 mpg more. 20-25 hwy but depends on traffic and wind and did see 28 on a trip to az.
Towing a 29 foot travel trailer and loaded between trk and trlr an extra 2k pounds nets 14-15 freeway on the flats, to difficult to figure towing mpg pulling the hills.
This is all hand thrown calcs and not off the lie-o-meter display that's as accurate as a blind bird.
You forgot to add the extra 5 mpg's cause you're taking on the internet. 18/22 :tup:
Post by: FC on February 23, 2014, 12:23:52 PM
Some of you are killing me with your fuel mieage. Some are pretty awesome. Some are pretty hard to believe!
I think a few only calculate mileage when driving down big hills. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: et1702 on February 23, 2014, 12:44:53 PM
I got a 01 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. I put a chip and an hot pump in it ran a 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. It has a 6spd manual in it and i average 27 mpg around town and 29 hwy. it is sitting at about 450 hp and 1000 ft lbs of torque too.
Hand calculated?
No, he flunked in math class.
Never have and still don't own a diesel that cracks 20 mpg. Got one thats close at 19 ish in the '05 Dodge. The '07 gets 16 on a good tank. The '02 gets 13 but it isn't exactly built for mpg. 120hp injectors and an Edge Comp box hot unlocked likes fuel. :chuckle:
Im guessing your trucks are autos? Everyone ive talked to with an auto cant seem to get any better than 22. But all the stick guys get 25 plus. And im also guessing that if you have 120hp injectors you like to feel the power and cant keep your foot out of it. I know if i run mine hard my mileage drops under 20. But if im nice to it it does great. I took it from graham to eniat this year and averaged 29 over and back. You dont burn much fuel if you barley have to touch the throttle to keep it at 70.also my speedo is calibrated to my tire size. And my mileage is checked with my gps and my odometer. It doesnt matter if i flunked math class i used a calculator!
I have the same truck; 01 6spd 4x4 Dodge 5.9L. I also have 90hp injectors, 4-inch exhaust, chip, cold air box and bigger turbo. Had to put a bigger turbo in to keep egt's down while towing 29' 5th wheel up steep grades. Slightly larger tires too; 285/75-16's. 3:55 gears, wish I had 3:73's. As mentioned previously, combo of city and hwy daily driving I get 18 to 21 unloaded. Towed my 5th wheel all the way to New Mex and back in 2012 and averaged almost 15mpg. Plus, she has over 275K miles now and might leak a quart between oil changes (i.e., doesn't burn oil).
ET
Post by: Dhoey07 on February 23, 2014, 01:05:04 PM
Some of you are killing me with your fuel mieage. Some are pretty awesome. Some are pretty hard to believe!
I think a few only calculate mileage when driving down big hills. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
:yeah:
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on February 23, 2014, 02:03:49 PM
Post by: bullcanyon on February 23, 2014, 02:25:20 PM
Post by: Mudman on February 23, 2014, 05:47:27 PM
Post by: Special T on March 04, 2014, 09:37:40 AM
I recently read in a magazine for commercial fleet owners that DRIVING HABITS Make up a HUGE % of mileage inefficiency. Accelerate slow and smooth and decelerate the same way...
I could have likely hit mid 19's if i had kept my foot out of it on the way home, AND i may need to change out my air/fuel filters
03 Dodge cummins 2wd stick dually 5 in exhaust stock filer with a 2micron back up for fuel , I plan on increasing my OD by 5-10% and i'm looking a getting a Titan Fuel tank. 80 Gal Tank that Goes in the factory location...
Post by: MarkyMark on March 07, 2014, 11:04:06 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on March 08, 2014, 08:04:20 AM
Anyone use a throttle body spacer to improve mileage? Just wondering if it truly works.. I have one on my Jeep that came with my cold air intake And it did nothing for mileage.
Post by: kevinlisa06 on March 15, 2014, 09:31:29 AM
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Post by: demontang on March 15, 2014, 07:57:06 PM
My 97 expedition with a 5.4 got 13 highway and 9 towing the trailer. Best tank I had was 16
Post by: raydog on March 15, 2014, 10:40:12 PM
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 19, 2014, 09:43:49 PM
Get around 20 mpg
Got rid of my big truck & never looked back!
Post by: j_h_nimrod on March 19, 2014, 09:54:36 PM
Post by: WA hunter14 on March 19, 2014, 10:05:11 PM
2001 F150 Screw. 5.4 Triton. Lucky to get 13 mpg at highway speeds. I moved from 285-75r16 to 235-85r16 just to test mileage change and found no difference. Pretty disappointed in mileage but better than a Tundra or Titan.
are you sure? my uncle has a tundra and says he gets 17.
Post by: Alchase on March 20, 2014, 12:35:42 PM
My 2001 Durango 4.7, gets 14-15 with a tail wind going downhill in neutral.
My 2002 Ram 4.7 quad, got 12-13 with a tail wind going downhill in neutral.
My 2007 Dakota 3.7 v-6 quad, gets 15, average no matter how I drive, LOL
Ya I thought I would save some gas money commuting, not so much :rolleyes:
Post by: Curly on March 20, 2014, 01:09:43 PM
My 2002 Ram 4.7 quad, got 12-13 with a tail wind going downhill in neutral.
My wife's 2WD 2002 Ram Quad cab 4.7L regularly got 18 mpg. Driving to NM a couple different times, we would even get almost 20 mpg. 8)
Post by: Dhoey07 on March 20, 2014, 04:46:17 PM
I hear people all the time say their Dodge Ram or Durango or Dakota with a 4.7 gets over 18 MPG.
My 2001 Durango 4.7, gets 14-15 with a tail wind going downhill in neutral.
My 2002 Ram 4.7 quad, got 12-13 with a tail wind going downhill in neutral.
My 2007 Dakota 3.7 v-6 quad, gets 15, average no matter how I drive, LOL
Ya I thought I would save some gas money commuting, not so much :rolleyes:
For what it's worth my 98 3.9 5 sp Dakota got 17.5 combined
Post by: Alchase on March 21, 2014, 12:06:01 PM
Post by: thinkingman on March 29, 2014, 08:51:11 AM
My current 2006 Tacoma doublecab 4X4 with a 6sp manual gets 17mpg city or highway and I short-shift and max air pressure in the tires.
The engineers for the 6sp manual hopefully lost their jobs....2400rpm at 70mph is ridiculous.
Post by: j_h_nimrod on March 29, 2014, 01:08:40 PM
I had a Durango 4.7 that couldn't break 14mpg and I didn't drive it that hard.
My current 2006 Tacoma doublecab 4X4 with a 6sp manual gets 17mpg city or highway and I short-shift and max air pressure in the tires.
The engineers for the 6sp manual hopefully lost their jobs....2400rpm at 70mph is ridiculous.
That 2400 @70mph is more of a function of your running gears vs. the tranny. I wish I had bigger gears in my truck for all the off highway I run. Truck was stock with 3.55 and I would like 4.10 but can't justify the $$$ to do it. I think overall I would get a little better mileage even going to the bigger gears because the truck would not work so hard in my predominant speed range. Highway mileage already sucks so that wouldn't matter.