hi guys
my name is Alex.
i have a 03 Dodge RAM 2500 5.9 6.
one month ago when i was towing, i was getting 11.3 mpg
now when i am towing, i am getting 9mpg, sometimes 8 mpg. i checked the tire pressure. its good.
does anybody know why the mpg went down within a month from 11 to 9?
thanks for any info.

 

you might wanna try to put put some additive in your fuel

 

Is it stock? That's about normal when towing. Was it the same load on the same road?

 

i tried putting some additive.
its all stock.
its a different load every day and different roads every day.

 

there are many factors when it comes to mileage.. how smooth the road.. how fast you drive, the air temps, winter/summer fuel, weight of the load, aerodynamics of the load..... one trailer might be easier to tow than another, even tho they weigh the same

a good mileage tune, CAI, and exhaust will help, and keep your speeds to 60-65, keep your RPMs below 2000 then accelerating, keep the truck stock height or lower, stock sized tires(not mudders, but a highway terrain)

 

I had a similar problem with my 05 Ram. I was getting about 23 MPG at 65MPH empty, then was suddenly getting about 17-19 MPG at 65MPH empty. There were no other symptoms at all until my brother accidentally moved my truck with the E-brake on at a gas station. After the fill up, all kinds of warning lights came on and the truck started shaking. The problem turned out to be that the front left wheel bearing was completely shot.

I will also add that I live in Japan but my truck lives in Montana and I only get home to drive it 1 month a year. During that month home, I average about 2500 miles of driving, which usually includes a drive along I-90 from Montana to Seattle and back.

 

he is right! but one big factor that affects mileage is the way you drive it! if you drive it like you stole it you will definitely result in a bad mileage. also breaking too hard will affect your mileage. leaving your window open while driving at high speed is also bad. the best way to have a better mileage and lots of savings is to not drive at all!