I drive on a hwy every day for 13 miles and im averaging 9.7 MPG. I am driving it like a grandma! I feel like I am about 5 MPG lower than normal.

I have an 02 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L Automatic 4x4 Quad Cab. 89k miles

Am I getting what I should? If not please list everything I can do to increase ANY MPG I can. I am going to be driving a 3000 round trip around the US in May so I really want to save every penny I can.

So far I am replacing spark plugs. I checked tire pressures and they are good and also got a clean air filter and a fresh oil change. What else guys? Cold air intake really help? What about a chip on ebay that says it will increase the MPG? Should I spend the $$ on a direct cat/muffler flow? If so what brand is good? Does a throttly body lifter really work?

What else?

Yes I am looking for the simple 1 or 2 MPG upgrades. Trying to break 15 on the highway. Save myself some dough for the trip and the next year or two.

Thanks for any tips/suggestions!

 

there arent any mods out there that will substantially improve your mileage. the ones that do give you slight improvements cost quite a bit, and if you are trying to save money in gas, how is spending $300-$400 on gear helping that cause? especially for the minimal gains they achieve.

but, if you are willing to shell out 300-400 bucks, a tuner would be your best bet. they will increase your power, and give you better shifting. as for mileage gains though, you MIGHT see 1mpg increase from it.

 

Do you have any weight in the bed, extra weight can take some mpgs away,

Are your tires properly inflated, balanced and not worn out? Has your truck been aligned lately? Out of alignment, and low tire pressure can kill mpgs.

Throttle body clean?

Where do you live? Winter weather (cold temps and warming up your truck 10 minutes before you drive) can kill mileage as well as winter fuels with added ethanol can hurt mpgs?

Run synthetic fluids can do a little to help, maybe 1-2 mpg better if you do engine oil, tranny fluid and diff fluid.

 

Ya my tires are good and did a tuneup. Must be the cold weather I am in Kansas and we have bad winds. So it could be lowering it from that. I will see how the summer comes along. If I can squeeze 15 mpg on the highway im fine.

 

I've noticed a drop as well with DFW switched over to winter blend. Come on spring time!