>50 mpg w/ 3/4-ton pickup

[Diesel_Dave]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Maybe we should get together this spring or summer and do a little road trip.

Sure--it would help to have a cameraman too

[slowmover]

And a balledeer ". . the day Diesel Dave and Big Dave rolled them oilburners across the flats."

[Diesel_Dave]

UPDATE:

I broke 60 mpg (on the overhead) for the first time on the way to work this morning with a 62.4 mpg average. This in spite of a 5 mph headwind.

I've made lots of little mods over the winter and it's nice to finally be able to see the numbers come up. It's been a long, cold winter, but it's finally warmed up!

Now onto the next step: 50 mpg tank (1750 miles).

[101Volts]

Wow. At this rate perhaps 80 MPG is achievable? Do you have one of those aero truck bed covers?

[Diesel_Dave]

No aero cap yet. I've done some planning but no building...yet.

[slowmover]

Have I missed it, or have you gotten new tires? Any other changes in this realm (non-FE specific, such as shock absorbers, bushings, rear fenderwell liners, etc) planned?

Unreal numbers.

I'm having to spend on the new travel trailer, and my CTD is in need of new springs all around plus other work that keeps me from exploring more aero or gearing-specific changes. I'm happy enough with 19-mpg around town (as total miles per month is under control), but am hoping that repairs/maintenance/upgrades (have ordered a larger front anti-sway bar for the the front to complement the completely new rear bar) will help on fewer driver inputs to maintain straight-ahead "momentum" for highway miles, not just in towing stability. The high winds here (30-40 mph constant this time of year on some days) make one keenly aware of changes in direction not driver-inputted. Nothing like running 55 against a 40-mph 3/4-headwind.

We do need a RIDE WITH DAVE video someday. Soundtrack of mechanicals only, please!! Diesel turbo whine is lagniappe.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

.

[Diesel_Dave]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Have I missed it, or have you gotten new tires? Any other changes in this realm (non-FE specific, such as shock absorbers, bushings, rear fenderwell liners, etc) planned?

I haven't changed my tires, although I'm going to be due for it before too long. Mods since last summer have been:
1) Change to synthetic transmission fluid
2) Front belly pan
3) Some additional engine compartment insulation
4) Blocked the driver's side fog lamp hole
5) Installed my kill switch
6) Corrected the odometer
7) Disconnected intake grid heater
8) Continuous improvements of driving techniques

Disconnecting the grid heater was a recent thing in the last few weeks. I knew that the grid heater consumed quite a bit of power (~200 amps), but initially I was under the impression that the grid heater only ran right at start up (when the wait-to-start light is on). However, I learned that sometimes the grid heater continues to run for a period of time after the engine has started. I think the logic depends on coolant temp and/or intake temps. Given that I warm up so slowly and my CAI & EGR removal have my intake temps lower than stock, I suspect it was running quite a bit when it really didn't need to be. I was pleasantly suprised to see a noticable bump in FE from disconnecting it.

As far as planned mods, I have a couple things brewing. I made my first prototype for aero wheel covers. i hope to have some completed soon. I think I also came up with a good way to attach side skirts. I'd also like the extend back by belly pan. I also have a 2000W Kats circulating heater. It's "installed" right now, but I need to get a couple fittings so that it's routed better. I may also extend the front air dam down a bit. I may try that heater core bypass as well. And someday I'm going to get around to that aerocap.

[Cobb]

I guess a 200 amp load could do that.

I had hoped you bagged and lowered it.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by Diesel_Dave

I was pleasantly suprised to see a noticable bump in FE from disconnecting it.

Don't just dissconnect it, remove it.
At least for summer time operations.
The intake heaters in power strokes and duramaxes presents a huge air flow obstruction. They are the tightly wound coil type heaters.
The grid type cummins intake heaters I am use to seeing are a much better design but still obstruct some air flow.
I have seen grid heater delete kits for cummins, they are out there.

[Diesel_Dave]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

Don't just dissconnect it, remove it.
At least for summer time operations.
The intake heaters in power strokes and duramaxes presents a huge air flow obstruction. They are the tightly wound coil type heaters.
The grid type cummins intake heaters I am use to seeing are a much better design but still obstruct some air flow.
I have seen grid heater delete kits for cummins, they are out there.

Yeah, I probably will eventually. It was just way easier to disconnect it for now.