What are some basic things to know and do in order to improve overall fuel economy on a 2006 CTD? I tow a boat a few times a week and drive about 50/50 between highway and city. Right now the truck has about 750 miles on it. I have been getting about 14-15 miles per gallon around town, I would obviously like to see this get a lot better. I see guys talking about 20mpg, what should I do to increase my MPG? Should I expect it to get better as the truck gets more miles put on it, if so, how much of an increase are we talking?

 

To help increas mpg use Drews mix if 16oz PS and 8oz of MMO to each tank of fuel. What gears do you have, Auto or 6 speed? I have gotten 18.1 in my Auto with 3.73's with only 400 miles on it at the time. With about 600 ibs in the bed for break in I get about 16.79 to 17.0 with 1500 miles on it but your MMV.

 

It's automatic, does that mean 3.73?

 

Your engine is brand new, as you get more miles on it and get it broken in your fuel milage will slowly increse.

 

these guys are right. the engine you have is just like a fine wine, it only gets better with age

also since you are towing something it will help out.

the rear axel also has alot to do with fuel mileage, the axel ratios available in the AAM 9.25 front axel and 11.5 rears are 3.73's and 4.10's, if at 2000 rpm you are going about 62 or so then you have the 4.10's, if you are going near 70 or better at 2K then you have 3.73's.

 

Your engine needs to be broken in and it realy depends on how you drive. I have 5k on mine. Mileage is a little better than new. I can get 21mpg around town only if I drive with an easy foot! If I drive fast like my son I will get 15mpg. I have 3:73 and a manual 6spd, 2wd. It feels like I need another gear when I am on the highway. 2400rpm at 70. Highway is 19mpg at 70 on relatively flat land empty, no trailer. I get 16mpg towing a small trailer through the hills. I had an 05 dodge V6 1500 Ram. I bought it for mileage. Towing the same small trailer I was lucky to get 11mpg through the same hills. Around town I got 16. I was very disatisfied with the mileage so I bought another cummins. I had one before and loved it. It was a highoutput 2003 4x4 with Auto. I went to NY and back and got round trip 21mpg at 70. Back to Diesel and loving it!!! I put on a Freeflow exhaust. I am planning intake Filter and chip. For the gearing I might go to 35" tires to see if it makes a differance on MPG. Enjoy your new truck!!!