I looked around, figured someone asked this question before, but I didn't see it. My 2005 Dakota used to get about 15 or 16 MPG in town and 20 or 21 MPG on trips to East Texas. About 200 mile round trip was half a tank. After about 75k miles, it's seemed to get worse a little at a time. I use Synthetic oil, and try to change it every 5000 miles or sooner.
I didn't check properly last trip, as in noting mileage and refilling when I got home to compare gallons used to trip distance. I just knew I filled up before we left, and had about a quarter or less tank of gas when we got home. I also check tire inflation before we leave and did last trip as well.
Anyone else have this happen? I love the truck. She still runs great. Comfortable, like a SUV, but I still have a bed I can load a lawn mower, or other "stuff" in.

 

Welcome to DF!

I'll move this into the 3rd gen subsection for you, when is the last time you changed the plugs?

 

yea change the plugs i was getting about 14.5 on a set of denso iridiums i ran for almost 30000 miles and changed to the auto lite copper and now i'm getting 16.5

 

EGR valve.... my mpg. went way up after replacing it

 

Yeah, I noticed a bit of a drop in MPG's on my 2005 after I put on some bigger tires (expected) put a couple weeks ago I had to replace my EGR valve (pain in the ***) and I noticed at least a 1-2 MPG increase since. Speaking of spark plugs though, how much of a difference does a good set make? What would you guys recommend? Wires too?

 

Plugs would be a good idea about now. My shade tree days went away with the disc in my back. I fortunately have a bro in law that is a mechanic. He's certified in nearly everything you can be certified in, including diesel. He's a Ford Merc guy, but he can work on anything.
He put a EGR valve on last year, because the "check engine" light was on. That fixed that.
My son in law had the truck for about five months and put almost 9k miles on it. This is the son in law that brought back my chain saw with no chain on it!
Thanks for the ideas guys.