Hello to all. I am a newbie to DF, just purchased my dad's 2002 1500 with the 4.7. First off, I am noticing the gas mileage is horribe according to the overhead (which I have run several complete tanks through). Can't seem to get much over 11 on average. it does have a huge topper on it (I'll try and get some pics of this jewel), don't know how much that would affect mileage. I'm pretty sure everything is stock as far as powertrain, the truck has 109000 on it. I am running 275's on it for tires. It does have some nice exhaust, maybe if I take my foot out of it I'd do better..... But what fun it that?? Any suggestions for upgrades would be appreciated as I am going to be pulling a 26 foot camper this summer, Thanks

 

You will not escape bad fuel mileage with a small displacement engine pulling a 5300lb truck.

 

change alot of things for that mileage and it being an older 4.7 id do alot ...change all fluids regularly maybe buy a new radiator and t-stat and flush all coolants out and replace with brand new...possibly get an electric fan too...im stating these just so you dont have a problem overheating that thing....gas mileage ha ya right....maybe a tuner will help but if you cant keep your foot out than that wont help either......i just got my tuner and well see how easy hard that is to do...im also looking into a e-fan too.....and i have 65k on my 4.7....good luck with we are here for you when troubles occur and post some pics....welcome....

 

mine has about 73,000 miles, i get about 13 mpg with the same size tires,i try to drive like a grandma sometimes, but it doesnt matter

 

Well, big al when was the last time you gave her a good tune up. I just changed my plugs and got the best gas mileage I've ever got out of the beast. Change your oil and also a long forgotten or not mentioned way is to make sure your 275's are properly aired up. Try those things and see what you get. Also, do the calculations on paper. Sometimes those overheads can be off a couple mpg especially if you've changed tire size from factory.

 

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I'll start with the little things and move as needed.