lakedawgs
Beech Grove, IN
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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Hello,
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 5.9 gas engine with 4.10 gears. I am pulling a 25' TT, about 4500# loaded. My daily driver gets 30mpg. I'm not thinking I can get too close to 30mpg but want to know what things I can do to improve mileage. I know the biggest thing is to drive 55-60, thats easy, but what about things like a flow through tailgate, cold air intake any other ideas? What really works and what does not?
This truck will be used only to pull the TT (weekend camping 6-8 times a year for now), and odd jobs, it will see little mileage otherwise.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Lakedawgs
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab LB 4X4
2000 Skyline Nomad 248lt TT
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dakotapicker
Huron SD
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Joined: 03/13/2004
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I had a 1500 with a 360 and it was a good engine. It had 3:54 instead of the 4:10 you have. Your rig will pull more and easier than mine would have. Have you changed the air filter and the spark plugs? I would start there. Changing the fluid in the transmission would be good for your pickup, won't help much for better economy but a good thing to do. The filter change is easy to do and the plug change isn't real tough if you get up in the engine compartment and set on the wheel wells. That is how I did mine.I think mine were RN12Y but yours will be different I think. Keeping the RPM's down will help with fuel, and taking off slow and not try to get to top speed ASAP.
Have fun and be safe.
2002 Dodge diesel 4x4 5 spd, 26 ft Dutchmen TT.
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trailer folks
iowa
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Joined: 04/19/2007
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A topper might help a little
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Dennis Smith
Colorado Springs
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Joined: 09/07/2007
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slooooooow down, tune up the rig and proper air in the tires. You can spends tons of money with gimmicks, air flow, etc, etc. will they help, yep but not enough to recoup your money. My 2 cents worth and $3.97 for gas (cheap stuff) in Santa Maria Ca. this morning
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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On "Mythbusters," the guys did some tests and basically proved that keeping a tailgate down (or, I would assume, taking it off) won't improve mileage, as trucks are designed for best airflow with tailgate up. Not sure if or how that applies to toppers.
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toolman1
Cerritos, CA.
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Joined: 07/10/2004
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Don't forget proper tire inflation, and alignment helps a bit also. I found that an engine vacuum gauge can tell you volumes, regarding just how hard the engine is working. The higher the vacuum, the easier the engine is working, and that equals xtra mileage.
See ya out there!!
Hooliville member #128
Gary & Lynne.
'04 Dolphin 5320 WH-22
370W. Solar.
22' Mighty Mover Trailer,
60W. Solar.
Sand Sprite 4. 2.3L EFI sand buggy
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Golden Lab "Annie" for both of us 
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Keith M
Cle Elum
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Joined: 07/28/2002
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You are already on the right track have a high mpg car. My truck wont leave the driveway until next fall when I hook up the trailer again. It gets 13.5 mpg and 8mpg towning. A low profile TT I think is the best way to improve mileage. I tow a fiver which is like towing a parachute. This past winter I saw a guy with one of the new Dodge class B rigs with a Mercedes diesel. He reported getting 22mpg. I was impressed.
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AirSupport
Phoenix, Arizona
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Joined: 03/17/2008
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Keith M wrote:This past winter I saw a guy with one of the new Dodge class B rigs with a Mercedes diesel. He reported getting 22mpg. I was impressed.
The Dodge Class B with the Benzo, getting 22mpg???? I don't believe him. Perhaps down hill with a tail wind, empty tanks, 1/4 tank of diesel fuel, a/c turned off and no passengers or gear, then I'd believe him.
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lakedawgs
Beech Grove, IN
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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This truck has a brand new set of factory sized tires and a tuneup and radiator flush. Proper tire inflation, tuned engine and driving under 60 are easy. I figure at 13mpg if I get an increase in mileage to 14mpg, at $3.50 per gallon of gas it will take about 5000 miles to recoup every $100 of modification cost. I have a daily drive that gets great gas mileage so putting 5000-7000 miles on this truck a year will be a stretch.
I will just continue to do the basics and be happy.
Whats the scoop on cold air intakes? Some stuff I read says you can get a mile or so per gallon increase, other stuff says they are hokey. What do you guys think?
THANKS,
Lakedawgs
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cconstancemarie
Las Vegas NV
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Joined: 02/17/2008
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How are you getting 33 mpg. I drive a 2005 6 cylindar 4x4 Envoy and only get about 14 mpg without the 2800 lb trailer with the trailer without water I only get about 10mpg and then with water 10mpg.
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