I just bought my first (& not last) diesel. I am lov'en it! My question is what can I do to improve the MPG? I have been searching and have seen alot about aftermarket chips ( EZ Edge) and the like. Will this help and perhaps more importantly will this void the warranty? I'm thinking yes but would this be easily removed at time of service and untraceable? I am currently getting about 13 - 13.5 highway. Of course there is but 460 miles on the truck at this time and would expect this to improve slightly over the break in period. It's just I have seen claims of 20 + MPG. 20 MPG would be the only thing I could imagine that could possibly make this truck any better!


2004.5 Dodge 2500 CTD 325 HP / 600 FPT. (Awesome!)


Any input would be appreciated.


Again "Lov'en It!!"

DieselDodge2,


Welcome!


The Cummins seems to be speed/rpm sensitive for fuel mileage. Under 2,200rpm, not towing, it can do that magical 20mpg. Even more for the 2-wheel-drive trucks. Burst above 70mph for any length of time and the mileage drops below 18. Some owners of the 600's get better mileage than others. That seems to be an issue still "up in the air".


Will you get caught with a chip? I have no personal experience but read the answer is, "yes". Some dealers don't care. Others are awful and void the warranty. Sneak a talk with your dealer and 'feel them out' first.

Hey DieselDodge2,


I purchased my first diesel (other than a Kubota tractor) a couple of months ago. I turned 16,000 miles today and have checked my mileage several times. At first, I was getting 13 - 16 mpg. After I hit the 10,000 point, I was able to get 19 - 21 if I was on highway between 55 and 60mph with no load. On the interstate going about 75, it drops to about 17.5.


My mileage out west this past week varied quite a bit. One tank I ran about 90mph and the mileage was 14.5. The next tank I ran 78 on the mark the entire time (again with no load) and I got 11.8. This was due to a very strong headwind and an air filter full of dust from a sand storm. Seems to me like these trucks are highly dependant on RPM range and load.


Maybe this will give you some idea. I've read about the edge and banks products set to a "middle" setting increase the mileage a bit, but if the dealer knows about it, it could void any part of the powertrain warranty.


Hope this is helpful!

as long as you dont get a chip that pierces the pump wire you shouldnt get caught just unplug it and take it out when you go to the dealer, and my buddy has a 99 with the edge ez, and he said if you keep your foot out of it and drive nice he can get another 5mpg.


as for me warrenty is almost up so im getting the edge comp hehe

The most important question to ask anybody claiming 20 mpg plus is How fast are you driving??? I've found that most of these guys on here are out for a sunday drive all the time. Yeah if you're content driving 55-60 mph to get that magical 20 plus than go for it. But I do most my driving on the interstate and the speed limit is 75 so that means 80 plus when I go anywhere. I'd rather pass than be passed, race from stop light to stop light, and waste all those stupid lowered rice burners that think they're fast. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif!!!!!!!!!!

My truck averages 21 mpg on the highway, and 16 in town, but drops to 14 when driving up the mountain roads to my house.. yes.. I have a light foot.. I stay in the slow lane, and drive 68 or so..


Scott

I wish I had the willpower to endure that speed and get the magic 21. :o)

I get 19-20 highway but drops to 14 or so beating around town, Wish around town was better.

I wish I had the willpower to endure that speed and get the magic 21. :o)











I know it man.. Its hard.. but I love seeing the good numbers on the overhead.


Scott

I'm getting 21 mpg. Change the transfer case to Synthetic ATF such as Amsoil universal trans fluid. There will be a very noticable difference in drag. I've done it with several rams and each person really noticed the difference when they let off the throttle. Your Ram will get better mileage after teh first 10,000 miles (breakin)


I changed my truck entirely over to synthetic and I wouldn't have it any other way. Even the power steering.

My first tank was 14.1,,, now at 300 miles and hitting the 16 mpg mark...

Make no mistake fella's, these new ECM's are real smart. I personally won't give a guy trouble if he brings in a moded truck for warranty unless he is out at the truck pulls with it every weekend and then in our shop every monday morning. We can only bend so much. I tell my customers, do what you want, your paying for the thing, I'll warranty it within reason, but if Dodge/Cummins calls back an ECM and finds out your running a big honkin chip, their gonna charge me back for the repair. If I get charged back, your gonna get charged back. It's only fair in my eye's. Your the one breaking the rules, so I'll let you play until it costs me, then it's gonna cost youhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

My 1990 2wd 5 spd got 25 highway with no mods. My 2002 4x4 6spd gets 21 hwy if I'm nice to it. This drops slightly in the mountains. I recently picked up my service manuals and was amazed at how much the engine is computerized since I started working on diesels in 76. The service manual was $140 and is two volumes, and thats just the ECM! Both of my engines showed a noticible improvement in mileage after the initial 10,000. My best mileage seems to happen at 2,000 - 2,100 rpm. I also installed an Amsoil two stage hi flow air filter which made a noticable difference in power and response. I can even hear the turbo wind up now.

I just bought my first (& not last) diesel. I am lov'en it! My question is what can I do to improve the MPG? I have been searching and have seen alot about aftermarket chips ( EZ Edge) and the like. Will this help and perhaps more importantly will this void the warranty? I'm thinking yes but would this be easily removed at time of service and untraceable? I am currently getting about 13 - 13.5 highway. Of course there is but 460 miles on the truck at this time and would expect this to improve slightly over the break in period. It's just I have seen claims of 20 + MPG. 20 MPG would be the only thing I could imagine that could possibly make this truck any better!


2004.5 Dodge 2500 CTD 325 HP / 600 FPT. (Awesome!)


Any input would be appreciated.


Again "Lov'en It!!"





I have a 2004.5 LLY / Allison Duramax and I am loving it also. However, I am enjoying and experiencing the same mileage as you. I can obtain 19.8 cruising empty or a load of oak wood in my eight foot bed around 65 mph.


Now towing is a different story. I have a 19'.2" Key West center console fishing boat with a 150hp Evinrude engine. On a 280 mile trip towing my boat I got about 14. mpg.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif


I hear all the guys talking about break in on both forum Dodge and Duramax. I have not frequented the Ford forum that much. However, I don't think it would be that much different. I think there is not that much difference on the three trucks and they are the only three that I would buy. I bought my Chevy, because, of my employee discount and I am partial to GM although, I am don't feel that the ford or dodge is inferior in any way. It just what suits your fancy.


Regards


Melvin D. Hatcher Jr.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


(Da' Hammer)http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

My truck can get 20 hwy unless I go crazy. last 300 mile trip back from little rock to dallas and two days back and forth to work I got right at 20, figured by calculator. I tried to stay at 80 as this was the last leg of a 980 mile one day trip, however slower traffic made me slow down sometimes. I must have a good one.


P.S. I don't usually drive this fast, but I wanted to get home.


2000 2500 5sp 275rv ez Amsoiled