I just checked my mpg (actual calculations) after returning home and preparing to go out again.

2006 QC SLT 4X4 3.92 4.7L tow package and lots of options (fiberglass tonneau, chrome step rails, bed liner, optional interior with side airbags) and I was towing a campeing trailer which weighed 3,000 lbs. The area speed limits vary from 45 mph to 55 mph and lots of hills and mountains to negotiate in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I customer ordered this DAK and took delivery Dec. 31, 2005 (7 months old) but I only use it to tow. Last week during my trip it I rolled over on the odometer 3,000 miles - not broken in yet. Total weight of truck and camper loaded is a little over 9,000 lbs (actual weight on truck scales)

The bottom line to this is I got 14.89 mpg calculated from fill up to fill up. The worst I got was in May with a little over 1,500 miles on it but still got 13.25 mpg on the same camping trip. Now if it will improve next week, I'll be even happier. I use 87 octane now but was using 91 octane back then. "The Devil's Ride" (Inferno Red Pearl Coat paint job) just seems to love the 87 Octane even when going from an elevation of 600 feet to 3500 feet on my camping trips. Maybe I'll treat her to some special 91 juice later this fall and see if there is any change.

Keep 'em 'tween the bumpers & all 4 down.
Jimmy

 

I think that the heavier the truck gets, the better mpg the V-8 will get(as compared to the six). In the QC 4x4, the V-8 will get better mileage.

 

I have friends that are doing everything they can to save fuel in full size PUs but can't manage any better between 13.5 to 16.5 mph. Hemi’s, Fords, GMs doesn't mater. My Dakota is lucky to get between 14.5 to 17.5 and that’s taking it way to easy. The technology just isn't there to do better. We all chose the V8 and even worse like me choose an HO needing plus grade gas. I miss my 2.4L Caravan at 22 mph at 80 MPH. I'll know better next time if I’m not taped out by than.

[IMG]local://upfiles/40810/9DDEAC8A64724F36B96099B7A5810E67.jpg[/IMG]

 

I had an 03 SXT 3.9L V6 and traded it in for an 04 SLT 4.7L V8 had the same mods, Airaid CAI and Flowmaster 40 standard muffler....without question the weight is a big differance in mileage and power with the V6 I was alway into the gas peddle to stay up with traffic or just getting down the road so it seemed I was aways between 13-15 MPG no matter what I did or how I drove....with the V8 I have gotten a max of 20.8 on the hwy and on average the mods added 3 MPG when you drive normal or light on the peddle the only down side is if you race it.....the MPG drops to 8.1 MPG for me....but what is nice you get the great MPG if you drive normal but get a nice power responce when you want or need it.....I have yet to tow anything but would assume the MPG would level back out a bit lower depending on the weight load being towed.


Yes I know my truck is a Gen2 but the 4.7L in the late build 04 is the very same engine the 05/06 has in it.

 

I get a straight 13 on my v6 but it's got a few problems with the od not coming on all the time so she's revving around 2000-2500 rpm always when over 40. Now my cable busted on the column to my speedometer so I'm pretty screwed. I don't know where to begin to hook it back in. Any suggestions? Photo would help. I'm new at this. Lol

 

This is a 12 year old thread. You really should start a new one for your issues.