As some of you know i'm testing the TST settings for mpg comparisons... I'm going to use this thread to log my results and link it at the top when done for reference. feel free to let me know if I'm missing anything in your opinion...

the drive: approx 85 mi 1 way, 2700' elevation gain, speeds are at the limit or 2~3 mph below (this allows me to be more consistant)

LO = light on
2/x/x = power
x/2/x = torque
x/x/e = economy or standard programming
x/x/x/2 = rail pressure on standard programming only... bypassed on econo programs.
x/x/x/th = tow/haul mode selected.

TST setting 1/8 1/41/23/4 LO refill #gal mpg statusnotes
2/2/e 191.5 248.7 385.0 520.0 615.0 627.434.16818.27complete no tonneau cover
2/2/e185.0 247.5 390.0 525.0 - 536.730.618 17.53 complete w/cover, hit stop & go traffic 4x.
2/3/e185.0 250.0 410?? 540.0 - 583.032.22618.09 complete minimal traffic, forgot the additives
2/3/e185.0 235.0 ????? ????? - 474.628.301 16.77? complete had issues with the right foot... mix
2/2/s/2 ????? ????? 393.0 527.0 585.0 636.3 36.34917.505 complete 95% hiway, last 100 mi breathing fumes
2/1/s/0 178.0233.0 377.0521.0589.0 589.034.399 17.122 complete turned on tow/haul at 1/2 tank
2/2/e/th 195.0 258.0 386.0 540.0 626.0 631.4 34.65918.217 completetrip up to6500' hiking...
2/2/e/th 196.0 ????? 397.0 ????? - 530.6 30.636 17.319 complete stomped on it @ end.
2/2/e/th 183.0 230.0 381.0 502.0 - 502.029.22417.117 complete Stock air filter
3/1/e/th 180.0 242.0 364.0 - - 367.6 22.380 16.425 complete AFE back on
2/2/e/thswitched to amsoil no results (storm)
1/2/s/th 190.0 250.0 400.0 535.0 612.0 613.1 34.513 17.764 complete
1/2/s/th 193.0 249.0 397.0 533.0 - 575.5 32.131 17.911 complete 20 oz of PSD (white)
0/0/s/th 200.0 261.0 414.0 545.0 - 571.4 31.914 17.904 complete stock settings, no psd.
0/0/s/th 185.0 253.0 400.0 522.0 - 569.8 32.451 17.558 complete stock intake manifold
1/0/s/th 181.0 240.0 390.0 - - 437.2 24.990 17.488 complete stockintake...
2/2/e/th 185.0 242.0 385.0 510.0 - 568.3 32.955 17.244 complete 20 mi/snow
5/5/s/th RP2 175.0 225.0 375.0 510.0580.0 582.4 ???17.100 complete 20 oz psd
3/2/s/th RP2 202.0 247.0 - 522.7 - 522.7 29.641 17.634 complete ATS intake/28 oz psd
3/2/s/th RP2 210.0 265.0 420.0 560.0 644.? 700.0 37.2?? 18.8??

 

It sounds like you have started a valuable experiment.

I would suggest keeping a note with each tank of fuel
about general tempeature and wind direction
which can affect Ram MPG a lot.
This website
http://www.wunderground.com/
will give you temperature and wind for your zip code
or even better, the local airport code (like ATL for atlanta, RDU for Raleigh)

All the diesel engine makers have pulled back fuel spray timing so much
to meet NOx pollution (and a little for noise )
that there is undoubtably a MPG penalty since 1997 or so.
This is like a 'pollution tax' and it is worth while knowing how much tax the diesel owning USA citizen is being forced to pay.

 

not much I can do about the winds but lately it's been pretty calm around here. I will make a note of it though on the fuel receipt.

one other thing that's going to affect the test is the winter blend fuel... havent seen it yet but I know it's comming soon...

 

oh yeah, another thing, the current tank is running the same settings to factor out the tonneau cover which got put back on last weekend. now I'll know if it helps or not.

 

Since the tonneau went on recently
have you noticed that when an 18 wheel truck passes you at high speed
the Ram does not 'rock' as much from the wind blast
now that the tonneau is on?

You can also feel this when the Ram is stopped at a light trying to turn
and other vehicles pass going straight.

 

semi's dont rock my tank... I have never felt anything from day 1. what I do notice however is the ride is much better with it on I've gone the last 2 months with it off since it's been gone for warranty work and with the new commute, it is much better over the crappy sections of hiway I ahve to travel.

 

Hey Hank... another thought came to mind this morning, I have a 2000 4.7 QC 4x4 Dak that I have as a project truck. I'm planning on doing the same commute in it to compare mileages, I also have a CAI sitting in the garage that I can also compare. That would put data in hand on whether the CAI's are worth it from a mpg stand point. I also have a few other mods that I know will definately get me better mileage and I'm going to slap them on one at a time to get data on them as well. Should be interesting...

 

How about tire pressure?

 

50 psi on all 4 corners.

 

looking forward to the results of the study Steve. Good work.