Community Forums

scott11 · 08-12-2005, 06:37 AM

I have a '00 dodge 2500 4x4 5 spd that I tow a 21' terry fifth wheel. I am looking for info on what kind of mileage boosts anyone has gotten with chips or other performance enhancers. With the fuel over $2.50/gal I need something to help. I not as worried with the power as a 21' fifth wheel doesn't really slow me down. Thanks for all your help

scott11 · 08-12-2005, 06:37 AM

I have a '00 dodge 2500 4x4 5 spd that I tow a 21' terry fifth wheel. I am looking for info on what kind of mileage boosts anyone has gotten with chips or other performance enhancers. With the fuel over $2.50/gal I need something to help. I not as worried with the power as a 21' fifth wheel doesn't really slow me down. Thanks for all your help

knute · 08-12-2005, 08:18 AM

Scott,

I've been looking at the same thing.

So far, the numbers don't crunch out very favorably.

I drive a '04 GMC 2500HD, get around 16 mpg. Best add-on I've found will only bump mpg by about 4% or up to 16.64 mpg. This add-on costs almost $1600. Assuming gas at $2.44/gal, my normal cost per mile is $0.1525/mile, improved cost per mile $0.1468/mile. I would have to drive well over 250,000 miles to make the break even point.

I think my truck (or any other truck) will be dead by then and fuel won't be $2.44/gal.

I'm planning on keeping the tires at max pressure, steady speeds, light as possible and tail winds.

I'm open for suggestions also.

RustyJC · 08-12-2005, 09:02 AM

If you can keep you foot out of the newfound power, a fuel-and-timing box like the Edge EZ can improve fuel consumption by 1 to 1.5 MPG or so by advancing timing. Stock timing on the 2nd generation 24 valve Cummins is retarded from optimum for smoke and emissions reduction - in effect, the EZ just returns the timing to its optimum settings. That's good insofar as mileage is concerned.

Now, the downside. The EZ also adds more fuel for more power IF you call for it with your right foot. Most users find the increased power addictive and trade off the improved fuel mileage for the incremental power. If you have the discipline to manage your right foot, however, fuel economy gains are possible.

Rusty

RustyJC · 08-12-2005, 10:31 AM

Oh, an incremental benefit to the EZ. It has a built-in boost fooler and should come bundled with a boost elbow for installation on your turbocharger - IF your truck has a Holset HX35W-12 turbo. If it does, it will have a rubber hose between the turbo discharge fitting and the wastegate actuator. If this is hard-lined, your turbo is an HY35W-9 and will require either a j-hook/turnbuckle on the wastegate linkage or a .22 cartridge (used, preferably) in the hardline to increase boost. The benefit is that, if your truck responds like mine, maximum pre-turbo EGT will drop by about 200 degF.

Having said the above, I would be remiss not to point out that you really should add gauges (boost, EGT, tranny temp and fuel pressure) to keep track of critical parameters if you start down the BOMBing path. Even stock, I'd highly recommend a fuel pressure gauge as a failed lift pump (aka fuel transfer pump) can lead to a failure of the $1300 (or much more, if you buy it from Dodge) Bosch VP44 fuel injection pump.

Rusty

CyberVet65 · 08-12-2005, 01:14 PM

Chips and mileage are an oxymoron. Kinda like "awful good"!

I have had a Bank's Stinger set on my truck since new. I used to tow a 32 foot 5th wheel. Now I tote a Lance 1130 around.
But I got decent return for my buck. I got a system. That means exhaust, intake, transmission and fuel timing were all changed. I have a dually with 4.10 gears.
Empty I get around 17 doing 55mph. Towing @ 55mph I got 15 mpg. The speed limit in Utah is 75 mph. I can and have towed at that speed and the mpg was about 10!
Chips and mileage? I'm a big kid and still like to "blow off" them leetle Honda's with the stinger exhaust!
Chet

John66 · 08-16-2005, 02:31 PM

My mileage improved 25% by slowing from 75 to 55 MPH...

scott11 · 08-17-2005, 09:15 AM

Thanks for your help. I always hear about the claims people make regarding mileage. I once got 22 mpg with mine, but it was in wyoming, empty, 65 mph and tail wind. My normal mileage is about 17 empty if I take it easy and hold it under 70 mph. Are there any other ideas for better mileage. I keep the tires pumped up to between 60 & 70 psi, don't put my foot in it (much), and keep speed down. Am I missing anything. There is a guy here in Montana that claims he puts an additive in his oil, transmission, and diffs and gets 26 with an old chevy 350. I am not foolish enough to believe that, but it would sure be nice.