Horsepower vs. mileage

ryeder · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2010, 08:06 PM

While sitting in my favorite room, comptemplating world problems, I picked up a rag that had some classified ads for some RV haulers. As a non-expert and non-mechanic, this may sound like a stupid question, but.... these sellers state that these trucks can get 15 to 17 mpg and my little 6.0 gets about 10.8....WTF? Is there something wrong with this picture or is my little 6.0 just a diesel hog?

Is there any hope to increase the mpg and increase HP or am I in the right room when it comes to these claims?

powerhoghp · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2010, 08:19 PM

If you get 10.8 unloaded, you have an issue. Now most rvs can get those #s because people usually do about 60 at the most in them and they usually have a cummins powerplant, which gets the job done.

Samsonsworld · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 06:12 AM

10.8 under what conditions? City/Hwy/towing/average? I'd be thrilled if I got 10.8 pulling the travel trailer.

ryeder · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 01:18 PM

empty......no load....ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***armyguy209*** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerhoghp

If you get 10.8 unloaded, you have an issue. Now most rvs can get those #s because people usually do about 60 at the most in them and they usually have a cummins powerplant, which gets the job done.

What would cause this kind of mileage? I would assume clogged fuel filters or injectors crapping out but what are you thinking?

MUDSTROKIN' · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 07:53 AM

Boost leaks, bad fuel, clogged fuel filters, bad ficm, all can cause low MPG. Is this hand calculated? and have you had a reflash anytime recently?

JohnO · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 08:17 AM

How are you driving it?

If I drive without caring about mileage, I get about 12-13. If I pay attention to mileage: keep it under 10psi boost, anticipate stops or slowdowns by backing off early, keep it at 65 or under on the road (mine really starts drinking when I get over 70), I see 15-19, and have seen 20 at a steady 55 on a flat road. At 65-70, I get 1-2mpg boost from drafting a box trailer semi.

And that's crew cab with dually rear and the high gearing.