Hello all. I have a 2001 Durango with the 4.7 and I have been tracking the gas mileage for about 8 months. It has been consistantly around 14-15 up until recently. The last 2 fill-ups have gone down to 12 and now just 11mpg. Is that because of this "winter gas" I keep hearing about or is there something else going on. It has about 45K miles on it. Am I just stuck with the crappy gas mileage......

 

I got 11.5 in my first tank of gas. 02 mostly city driving

 

Looks like you have joined the 5.9 Liter club. Welcome!!!!!

 

Silly question, but when is the last time you tuned it up? If you haven't in awhile, it could be the problem.

 

I was ecstatic when I found out I was getting 13 mpg, but then again I'm wierd like that and don't mind paying the price for a V-8.

 

I get 15 on the highway and 13 in the city. I have an 03 SLT+ 4+4 with 40K. I need to change the plugs and transmission/transaxle fluids. The fluids are supposed to make a pretty good difference when fresh, even better with synthetic. You might want to get the injectors cleaned as well.

 

[8D]As someone have mention you may need a tune-up. If that not the problem, check your air filter. Most people forget to keep a close check on their tires pressure. Low tire can also rob your fuel mileage.

 

I purchased my 01 Durango used (look like new) June 6, 05, 82,528 miles on ODO(highway traveler), excellent condition. I now have 90k miles today. After my up-grades ...16 - 17 mpg city and 22 - 23 mpg on the highway. I have been very pleased with the performance and the smooth ride. My durango - 4 x 2 driveline, equip with 3.55 gear ratio and 2+ oversize tires(255 x 70 -16). 90% highway driven.

 

I can see you get that kind of mileage being a 2WD and tall gearing! I bet your RPM is hovering way below 2k at 70 mph.


This is my maintenance schedule for my 00 R/T.

Replaced plugs, wires, cap, etc every 15-20k
Cleaned injectors every 20k
Cleaned Throttle body every 30k
OEM replacement K&N filter - cleaned every 20k
Coolant replaced every 15-20k
Tranny fluid replaced every 15k
Synthetic oil change every 6k

My D is approaching 65k soon so Axle and transfer fluids will be changed out at 65k

Doing this scheduled maintenance,

My 00 R/T at best gets 11-12 in summer and 12-13 in winter city driving. (No A/C usage in winter may be reason why). 13-15 highway driving year round. These figures are based on a finely maintenanced Durango! My D is basically factory with factory specs.

5.9
Full time 4x4 - (This is proabably why my mileage sux)
3.92 gears - (drops gas mileage too.)
Factory 275/60/17 tires.

I always perform a visual check of everything every few months and change anything that needed attention right away. The engine compartment is spotless and oil free! Looks like a new engine was installed everyday!

 

Yes, at 70 mph I running about 1850 to 1900 rpm.