| From | Message |
grodgers
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
09:33:18
|
 Subject: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Just got an '04 Club Cab Sport Plus with the 4.7L - runs great but gas mileage REALLY sucks :-) (go figure...heh)
Since this is the first open-bed pickup I've owned, wondering what works best to improve gas mileage - or do NONE of them work?:
a) Bed extender with gate open
b) Full Tonneau cover
c) Cargo Net with gate removed.
|
.boB
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
09:43:17
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
A tannou cover with the tail gate closed will be best. But don't expect miracles. You'll probably gain 1 mpg, maybe 2.
|
ScojoDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
09:43:26
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
b. has been scientifically proven to be the best, affordable method of improving gas mileage and reducing aerodynamic drag in an open bed truck.
|
Justi
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
11:38:43
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
If it's brand new be patient. i didn't reach my best consistant gas mileage until around 10-11k miles. New I was getting around 15.8-16.5 on the highway, which had me concerned. Now I'm getting between high 17's and mid 19's. While that still isn't great it's acceptable and as good as or better than what the sticker on the window advised. Sure we'd all like better than that but it's hard to complain about something that meets or exceeds what they told us to expect.
|
tlc361
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
15:04:39
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 2001 QuadCab 4x4 with the 4.7L and a tonneau cover.
So far mileage is good (not great but I'm satisfied).
I find the best thing to increase gas mileage is also the hardest to do with a V8, use a soft foot on the gas petal.
I love the way this truck will get up and go on a whim, but you pay for that with the lower mileage.
|
Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/03/2004
20:53:11
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
You can have miles per gallon or you can have smiles per gallon, but you can't have both.
|
kman
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/03/2004
22:06:54
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
My dad has an 02 4.7L v8 single cab dakota and he is lucky to get an average of 12mpg. But I think the guy who had it before him did some upgrades performance wise to the engine like upgraded the cam or something.
|
GTO/Kota
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/04/2004
07:08:34
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
It's a truck with a V8...gonna suck gas. Great gas mileage for Dakotas is 16 and 17 mpg. My truck is getting 15 mpg right now. Just get use to forking out the dough at the gas station and enjoy the truck. By the way, with my tonneau cover off, I drop down to 14 mpg.
|
AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
9/04/2004
19:48:04
|  How to improve MPG - Amsoil Synthetic Oil and Lube
IP: Logged
Message:
Fuel economy can be very difficult for the consumer to accurately gauge. However --- It has been proven by AMSOIL, through use of industry accepted fuel economy tests, field demonstrations and as witnessed by most of our customers, that switching to synthetic oils and lubricants can (and does) improve fuel economy (mpg).
If you fill up at a warmer part of the day one week compared to the previous week you can sometimes see a huge fluctuation in MPG just based on that. Same holds true for colder weather, whereby it will seem like you got the same or less MPG than when compared to warmer weather.
Also, the pump may have stopped pumping later one week compared to the last, making it "seem" like you used more (or the same) gallons of fuel.
Different driving conditions per tank full also makes a difference.
Also, I've observed a MPG increase when switching grades (5w-30 compared to 10w-40).
Remember, hoping to obtain better MPG is not the only reason to switch to synthetic lubricants.
Keep the faith.
Thank you,
You can Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking below.
__________________________________________________
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
|
AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
3/04/2005
04:30:41
| Amsoil Dealer Synthetic Warehouse Wholesale Price
IP: Logged
Message:
---- Oil at $55 a barrel and Gas over $2.00 ----
REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL WITH AMSOIL
AMSOIL has 30+ years of oil analysis data showing their oils provide extended interval drain service capabilities. Big oil companies can't argue with that data or explain it away. They would prefer that you "buy into the myth" of 3k mile oil changes because it adds profits to their bottom line.
AMSOIL offers extended drain intervals because we start with superior base oils and and the additive package is properly balanced, blended, and capable of performing for extended drains.
Now the entire industry is moving in that direction. It has been published that automotive manufacturers will be recommending extended drain intervals of up to 15,000 miles in the near future (they already are in Europe) ... because that's what consumers want.
Amsoil's Extended Oil Drain Interval: It is the right thing to do for the consumer, for the environment, and a way to reduce american dependence on foreign oil.
Longer Drain Intervals = less oil used.
__________________________________________________
REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL WITH AMSOIL
Industry tests have shown improved fuel economy of 2 - 5% in vehicles using synthetic lubricants. Many AMSOIL customer testimonials tell of even greater savings. If all cars in America used AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, gear lubes and drive train fluids, we would save enough fuel to eliminate our need for thousands of barrels of oil.
As mentioned earlier, there is another way to reduce oil usage. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are designed for extended drain intervals and reduce the amount of oil used by as much as 80%.
Fewer oil changes means less oil used.
__________________________________________________
You can Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking below.
Become an Amsoil Preferred Customer (much like joining a Sam's Club) and buy at Synthetic Wholesale Warehouse Prices (the same price I pay as an Amsoil Dealer).
REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL WITH AMSOIL
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/04/2005
06:13:10
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
The tonneau cover will help alot, but you'll see most of your gains are higher speed - ie highway driving.
Some other tips to conserve gas:
1 - no hard acceleration
2 - drive speed limits
3 - proper tire pressure
4 - quality gas (find which works best in your vehicle)
5 - proper maintenance - tune up, air filter, fuel filter, oxygen sensors, etc
6 - drive with windows closed
7 - synthetics!
Basically you want good aerodynamics so you can cut down on wind resistance and you also want to improve the efficiency of the engine.
All of the above will help you save gas, but those are not very fun now are they? As hammerdak says, you can get miles or smiles but you can't have both!
In my '95 CC 3.9 4x4 I'm getting ~ 17 mpg combined city/highway in atlanta rush hour traffic. I get up to 25 MPG depending on speed on highway with my tonneau cover. Without that cover, I got at most 21
since switching to synthetic oil, i've been getting ~1 mpg more. Since i upgraded the air filter, I've been getting about the same mpg but I've been driving it harder so it's a nice trade off I think :D
- Dan M
|
01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/04/2005
10:32:09
|  RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
I've got a 2001 RC 4.7 5-speed 3:92. A Snugtop cab-hi shell on the bed. The truck is lowered 3" front and 2" rear, and I carry about 250 pounds of work equipment in the bed. The drivetrain mods are a homebrew alloy air intake with K&N drop-in, HO cams, Bosch Platinum 4418 plugs, Flowmaster 70 with 2 1/2" duals catback. Mobil1 5w30 engine, and Amsoil Syn. in LSD. The Dak currently has 107K miles, and the combined city/hwy mpg is 18.5. Because of the 3:92 and 255/55/17 tires, the highway mpg @70mph runs 18mpg, but the city mpg usually is 19. By watching the tach and keeping the rpms low in 4th and 5th gear, and shifting at 2500 in first, 19 is easy to obtain. I have noticed that very cold weather and long idle spells seem to affect the 4.7 mpg somewhat. I also run a 50/50 mix of 87/93 octane, and 36 PSI tire pressure. Train yourself to anticipate slowdowns and stops in traffic and coast. Besides being easier on your brakes, your nerves and mpg will be rewarded. Like the guy kept saying on "The Water Boy": "You can DO it!!".
|
Jake D
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/04/2005
14:35:02
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Not long ago, I did a test with my 04 CC 4.7 auto 4x4.
Trip from Seattle to San Francisco and back on I-5, about 830 miles.
Going down - speed limit or above = 58 gallons of gas (just under 14mpg).
Coming back - 55 all the way (boring) = 40 gallons of gas(just over 20mpg). Overdrive off in the mountains.
A difference of about a tank of gas.
Not very scientific, but definitely a difference.
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/04/2005
18:48:54
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Some speeding tickets have a little chart on the back that list some miles vs speed and shows you what savings you'll get for diving the speed limit. At least that is the way they were in indiana when I got one back in '99.
- Dan M
|
Screw It
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/07/2005
14:11:30
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 2000 QC with a 4.7 and I have HAD IT! My grand average is 15 miles per gallon and this MF has 3.55 gears, and is 2 wheel drive. This is in no way exceptable. I could have a full size 4x4 and get the same mileage! My Tacoma is being shipped up here as we speak, as I just signed to trade my dak in. I am not driving a compact truck like my grandpa to barely make 17 mpg. I love Dodge trucks, but they have GOT to do something about their fuel economy or I'm going back.
|
ricardcapecod
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2005
01:14:36
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Finally, i was able to get less than 15 MPG average, like many of you guys. All i needed was one of the worst snow storms of the last few decades here on cape cod. I had to let the engine idle for 10 to 15 minutes every morning and also,had to change drasticly my driving caracteristics, increasing the engine`s RPM from 800 to 1800 normally, to 1500 to 3500. For that i had to be on 2nd gear at 2500 rpm instead of 800 rpm on 5th gear.
If you`re looking for economy only,to educate your right foot is the major secret. Than, you can add after market parts that will give more power and better economy, but that will take years and years to pay for themselves. So, if doing performance up grades, do it for the power.
My average gas consumption is 18 to 19 every day, and 20 to 22 when i want stretch and test my technics. This way, city and high way consumptions, are about the same. Remember that on stretching mode, i will occasionally rev the engine more than 1300 RPM and never beyond 2000 RPM around town. On the high way the engine revs at 2500 plus RPM.
My truck is a patriot blue 2000 CC 4.7, 5sp manual(indispensable), 2 WD, 3,92 lsd, with K&N FIPK2, 68 mm Fast man TB, HO cams and 2002 model HO intake manifold (great beyond 4500 RPM), Gibson headers and single side 3in cat back(best for tork). Also, 180* Tstat, no fan clutch, stage 2 JET chip(sum to be replaced by the Leash or BG flashing), Piaa bulbs and windshield wippers, clear corners,lowered 2in front, 1 in back, plus every factory options except the ABS bracks.(They interfere with may brain built in ABS). Also, i got a big rack for my roofing business. Not bad is it?
Don`t give up. Keep trying and god luck.
|
ecdak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/08/2005
22:27:16
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
with my 02 qc 4.7 auto 2x4 slt i can easily get 13 to 14 mpg combined hwy and city driving. Now have 3" cat and airraid intake and now have gained at least 1 to 2 mpg. Used to get 240 miles tops w/o mods. Now get over 300 miles per 22 gallons. Not bad. Still not sticker milage, but fairly significant improvement.
|
CumminsMan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/12/2005
22:53:44
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Amsoil netted me a 2 m.p.g increase in fuel economy on my
Ram Cummins Diesel and almost 4 m.p.g on my wifes Durango.
(Amsoil bumper to bumper on both)
WOW !!
|
dwight
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2005
02:50:39
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
You know, it really doesn't matter how much the mpg is, you still have to put fuel in the tank. Enjoy the ride, forget the cost.
|
Ms. Scooter
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2005
06:50:39
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
I increased my mpg a couple weeks ago, to 26 mpg, by rear-ending the car in front of me. I had to drive a car while Scooter went to the shop. Just got Scooter back the other day, and joked w/ the shop owner that I probably still made $, even after the deductible, because of the savings in fuel $!
|
duh
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/13/2005
19:26:33
| RE: How to improve MPG
IP: Logged
Message:
Did you buy a 4 cyl toyota or a V8 pickup, what do you expect?? Yeah dodges are bad on mileage but damn do they put out the power. Just my 2 cents. Oh yeah and you guys getting 19+ mpg, nice job!!
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
