How to get better Diesel Fuel Economy
Better fuel economy is more important than ever,especially with the diesel engine available in most full size pickups.While these engines are more efficient than their gas counter parts ,even greater fuel economy numbers ca be found with various mods and a simple change in driving habits.To prove my point I own a 2001 dodge 1 ton dually with a 5 speed manual transmission.Until recently i pulled camper trailers from the factory to their delivery points all over the united States and Canada.when purchased used with 25,000 miles on it it got 16mpg at 70mph unloaded and an average of 8mpg at 65mph with 14,000lbs on the back.
Obviously these numbers are quite poor when you consider that i was paying 3 to 5.00 per gallon in diesel over the last 3 years I needed more fuel economy and power.I started by changing the air intake box to a after market full flowing oil type air cleaner.I immediately picked up 1mpg loaded and 1.5mpg unloaded.next I installed a hypertech programmer,admittedly i bought it for the power increase but was pleasantly rewarded with 1mpg in mileage gains acroos the board.lastly i eliminated the exhaust in favor of a 4" straight pipe system,legal on commercial trucks which mine is and found more power.So far I had found an increase to 11mpg loaded average and 18.5mpg unloaded at high rates of speed.I was sure i could find more by slowing down and using management techniques so I tried them and was awarded with even more fuel economy.
My alltime high has been 21mpg unloaded at 60 mph using managment of my ineretia and other techniques.the following are the most workable ideas.
1)When in stop and go traffic or jams ,don't get in a hurry just coast and keep it rolling.You will save fuel and wear and tear by not jack rabbiting from start to stop each time the line moves,if you are confused as to what i mean watch the big rigs the next time your in a traffic jam they will show the way
2)Especially when loaded try to gain extra speed before climbing that hill,the extra speed = momentum that you wont have to create via power from your engine and you'll down shift less getting to the top as well.
3)Coast down hills whenever possible.your going to get to the bottom anyway so what if it takes a little longer.
4) This is really the most important one,without this all the other techniques are for nothing.Maintain your vehicle to the highest standards possible,inflate your tires to maximum,use tires with a mild on highway tread pattern,change your oil religiously,use synthetics when possible.Clean or change all filters frequently.A clean air filter can give as much as 2mpg over a dirty one.keep your injectors clean by using a premium fuel additive.Delete any external items that present a wind drag to the vehicle profile especially fx kits etc.
I hope these ideas help give you a better more economical driving experience,and remember play it safe play it cool,drive for five and don't take chances.The life you save may be your own.
