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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Duramax Fuel Mileage

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Comments

  • brempelbrempel Member Posts: 1
    I think you need to drive it some as I had a 2003 that got 21 mpg and now drive a 2004 that gets 20-21 (thats US gallon too). They have great power and this mileage is my combined city and highway as it improves on long trip by 4mpg. Lots of idling and or city driving will obviously not do great for mileage but these trucks do well on fuel in my experience.
  • termite269termite269 Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2006 Sierra 2500HD Duramax w/6 speed Allison Tranny and took two trips from MI to TN since May and was getting around 19MPG. Had the fuel filter and EGR valve replaced, then took another trip to TN and now am getting around 17MPG. Went to the dealer, they found nothing wrong. Suggested it could be the cooling of the air temperatutre making the mileage change????
    Also, is the new ulta low sulfur fuel going to make my injectors go bad? If so is there some additive I can put in?
    I am a first time Diesel owner and I read the label on the truck and it said to use Low Sulfur Diesel and the fuel pump that is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel says "Approved for all diesel vehicles". Am I using the right stuff?
    Thanks for any help.
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    I have been waiting to take a long trip with no load to make this post so here tis. This week I had to drive to the other end of NC... a trip of 320 miles each way. On Monday the weather was in the 60's and I ran about 60-65mph and the numbers from the computer said consistently on flat land that I was getting 20.2mpg with 5000 miles on the truck. Yesterday it was much colder... 32 -- 39F and I was in a bigger hurry... 70-75 mph... mileage dropped to 18.8 mpg..

    I guess it doesn't PAY to be in a hurry or drive in cold weather or both.

    Does anyone know if the colder weather has much impact on diesel fuel mileage?

    Does anyone know what parameters the computer is measuring...? I suspect that the numbers are representative of the average of the last 100 miles or something.
  • mek0123mek0123 Member Posts: 33
    In reply (Coontie57), from my coworkers that have diesel pickups, (Ram 2500/3500 models), if you keep your mph at 65-68, that is the sweet spot for fuel economy. When you get above 70mph, a 10%+ efficiency drop in economy is the norm. I've noticed the same about my 2001 Grand Caravan ES. 58mph is the sweet spot for economy. 24.5-24.7. Run at posted speeds of 65-70 and I get a 20% drop in economy too recording a 19.9-20.1 mpg average. Just an fyi!
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    I had a Ford 250 diesel before and got comparable mileage at 70 mpg... but the vehicle was well broken in then...

    Any thoughts on the cold weather affecting mileage.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    My Ram diesels (had 96, now 05) drop about 15% in winter. That's more from using winterized diesel here in NJ than the cold air itself.
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    Thanks for the information. I thought so but just wanted to be sure.
  • nbowenbowe Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2004 duramax and threw an edge juice attitude in it with a high flow muffler.Running 75 down the high way in Montana, I got 17.1 mpg.My computer showed 21.9.Any ideas why the computer is so far off ????Should I put a higher rear end in it? What does any body know about intakes?Just curious
  • riceguyriceguy Member Posts: 1
    do you know what the baldwin fuel filter # is for the 06 durmax. my parts house doesn't know it yet.
    from Riceguy
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    Right after the first of the year I took this trip again down I 40 heading East out of Asheville. its about 350 miles each way and again without too much in the truck and not pulling anything. I got 20.2 mpg on the way from the mountains to Greenville, NC.. I checked it in the areas where its fairly flat. the temps near 70 F. Speed 65 - 70mph

    On the way back the temps were 72 last Sunday and not cold a bit.. again I got nearly the same mileage 18.6 this time but had a stiff wind that I was driving into. Cold weather was not a factor this time it simply has to be the slow uphill trip from Greenville, NC elevation of 50ft or so to Marion where the mtns start which is 1000 ft or so... its 2400 ft where I live.

    That 300 mile stretch doesn't appear to be uphill but I guess that's doing it. 65-70 miles per hr. I have 7100 miles on the truck now and have changed the oil once but not the fuel or air filters. We are leaving today for FL pulling the camper at 11500 lbs.
  • 1fit2run1fit2run Member Posts: 1
    I don't know for sure but I suspect that the Juice chip causes the rail pressure to increase which allows more fuel to push through the injector per time. the mileage computer is likely programed to calculate amount of fuel used based on the time the injector has been opened. With the increased pressure more fuel is going through the injector than what the computer "realizes"
  • tyreboyzdmaxintyreboyzdmaxin Member Posts: 1
    i have 05 lly and a 06 lbz,the lly is a one ton dully stock i got 15.8 mpg,but with dual 4"exhaust and ppe programmer i'm now getting average of 22 mpg on the highway,and on the lbz,it is a 2500hd crewcab shortbed stock i got 18 mpg but putting single 5"exhaust and ppe programmer i now get 22 on average,the stock exhaust leaves alot of back pressure there for taking more power to run the truck
  • likearocklikearock Member Posts: 13
    Sounds like there might be an issue with your truck.
    I have the same identical truck as you and mine has been averaging 20 mpg from 55 mph to 60mph about 19mpg at
    65 mph and about 17.5 mpg to 18 mpg @ 70 mph.
    I also tow a 35 foot 5th wheel that weighs 11,000 lbs and I get 11 mpg to 12 while pulling flat surface at 65 mph.
    I checked the mileage the old fashioned way to verrify the computer but the computer was actually pretty close. The only thing I have done to the truck is replaced the stock donaldson air filter with a K& N AND I run Amsoil 15w40 heavy duty synthetic oil
    I hope this helps.

    Mike
  • hunter80hunter80 Member Posts: 3
    I JUST BOUGHT AN '07 SILVERADO CLASSIC 2500 HD CC WITH THE DURAMAX THIS PAST MONDAY, THE DEALERSHIP FILLED THE TANK FOR ME BUT ON THE DIC DISPLAY IT SAYS I AM GETTING ABOUT 12.5 AND I HAVE USED A QUATER TANK SO FAR. A BUDDY OF MINE HAS A WORK TRUCK REG. CAB WITH 2WD AND HE IS GETTING CRAZY FUEL MILEAGE. THIS IS MY FIRST DIESEL SO I AM NEW TO EVERYTHING BUT I THOUGHT THE TRUCK SHOULD GET A LOT BETTER FUEL MILEAGE THAN THAT. ANY SUGGESTIONS ?
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    I suggest you reset your computer info (fuel used and MPG) Fill it up again as you do this and see what it does. I always get better than that and I got my 06 in July.. 20.2mpg at 65mph... 14-15mpg around town.. I have 8500 mi on it now..
  • hunter80hunter80 Member Posts: 3
    I HAVE NOT TRIED RESETTING THE FUEL USED AND MPG BECAUSE I HAVE NOT HAD TO FILL UP AGAIN, BUT WITH THE 2500HD 4X4 CC WHAT IS THE IDEAL FUEL MILEAGE WITH 3.73 GEAR RATIO CITY AND HWY NOT PULLING ANYTHING. ALSO DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE K&N AIR FILTER HELP AT ALL, WHEN I HAD A 1500 I HAD THE FIPK KIT AND IT HELPED SOME, JUST WONDERING WITH THE DURAMAX.
  • likearocklikearock Member Posts: 13
    I have a 2006 Silverado 2500 Crewcab with the duramax and 373 gear ratio and 6 speed alison transmission.
    my actual gear ratio has changed a little due to the fact I took the 245 tires off and went to a taller 285.
    My truck has 25,000 miles on it and just installed a K&N air filter, I can't see alot of difference in mileage yet but it does not blow black as much under a load pulling my 11,000 lb 5th wheel. After taking into consideration the speedodometer is off 6 mph at 70mph and I actually travel 1 and 2/10th's for every mile showing on the odometer, I get around 15.5 to 16 in town and 19+ if I keep it below 70mph.
    I also get about 12 mpg pulling a 11,000lb high profile 5th wheel on flat grade.
    Point of consideration, When I installed the K&N air filter my check engine light came on within 10 miles of travel.
    K&N recommended I disconnect the negative battery cables from both batterys and leave disconnected for 3 and 1/2 hours. After I did this I reconnected the batterys and the check engine light was still on, but after I shut the truck off and restarted it for the second time the light cleared and has not come back on,
    Hope this info helps you.
    Mike
  • dieselvoodoodieselvoodoo Member Posts: 2
    I purchased a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 HD 4x4 in October 2006. I have now got about 12,000 miles on the truck. I have been getting about 17-18 mpg normal driving (highway not towing). I purchased this truck (first Chev) due to the reported great fuel mileage of 20-24 mpg. What can I do to improve my fuel mileage. I am already driving slow at or below 65mph. Can anyone out here help ?
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    You are getting about what I get on my 06 chevy with 8500 miles on it... 18.8-20.2 mpg on the hwy with no load and 65mph.. I hope it gets better with more miles. I don't expect the engine to be broken IN until 25000 or so... Its too early now to tell.
  • dieselvoodoodieselvoodoo Member Posts: 2
    I am only getting about 17-18 mpg at 65mph. I have not topped the 18 mpg barrier.

    Thoughts ?
  • 2lazyh2lazyh Member Posts: 2
    If any one could help me, that would be great? Im thinking about buying a Duramax Diesel, but dont know if it is worth it. I travel alot ( approx. 200 miles a day ). What is the average MPG's on 2003, 2004, or should I look @ a different year? I was told the '03 and '04 in the 6.6 liter were the best, is this correct?
  • hoots10hoots10 Member Posts: 1
    I found your RE very interesting as I have your identical truck, just in a GMC. You sound like you know quite a bit about your truck, and as a first time diesel owner, I have some questions. I also went with 285's and raised the front end by turning up the torsion bars. The truck really looks like a truck now, but my problem is the front end is loose and rides rough. I think I need some longer/bigger shocks on the front end. Any comments? Also any recommendations on oils (synthetic vs. conventional), oil filters, length of oil changes would be appreciated. I currently us Mobile Delvac, AC Delco filter, and change every 5K. Can I run the oil longer? I'm also interested in putting an exhaust kit on. Does it void warranties and what benefits am I going to get? One last issue and I'm done. I was getting 18-19mpg at 65-70mph, but as I've gotten over 10K miles on the truck, my fuel economy has dropped 2-3 mpg...Is it time for me to put a new fuel filter on? I currently have 14K on the truck. I've been nothing but completely satisfied with the power, fuel economy, overall performance. And to think I almost bought a dodge. I'll never go back to a gasser or anything but GM. Forever DIESEL!
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    I have a 06 DD and bought the Superchips Flashpaq Tuner #2805. It does give you more "get up and go" but does nothing for the improved gas mileage especially while towing.
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    Anybody have any advice on how to get better mileage on the 06 DD 2500 while towing??? Or is 12-14 the best it gets. My brother in law has a Ram cummins and gets 16-17 towing the same weight as me. Any suggestions????????
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    Anybody have any advice on how to get better mileage on the 06 DD 2500 while towing??? Or is 12-14 the best it gets. My brother in law has a Ram cummins and gets 16-17 towing the same weight as me. Any suggestions??????
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    I have a 06 DD 2500 and get the average 17-19 city/highway combo driving. I once got the reported 21 mileage that you hear people talk about,BUT, I was driving the whole tank at 60 mph. "That is not how I drive." Towing I get approx. 12-14 towing a 7500 Travel Trailer, depends on the terain and head wind.

    I now have 18000 miles on my baby and pray that at least the towing mileage increases, if not, should of bought a Ram Cummins like my brother in law who is getting 16-17 towing the same weight as me. Go figure!!!!!!!!!
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    The big mirrors on the 3500 don't allow them to electronically be brought in. You must push them in manually. I had the electric ones on my 05 2500, they were wonderful, but they were samller.
  • exrenchexrench Member Posts: 2
    I just bought my first ever diesel truck 2007 3500 duramax 360hp, 650tq. I got 18.2 my first tank...by my third tank I got 14.7. I only have 1100miles on it now. I thought maybe a baffle in my muffler broke loose inside because of the hiss noise coming out the tail pipe at idle. I am not at all familier with diesels and dont know what to expect. I travel 25 miles to work at 40mph. I bought it to tow a 14,800lb 5th wheel. I was told the hissing is normal, and to wait a while before deciding about the mpg..
  • hunter80hunter80 Member Posts: 3
    Just wondering if anyone has either one of these and if so which is better and does it really help on MPG. Just trying to get the most I can on MPG.

    Thanks
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    I had an edge on my ford diesel 7.3 and I could not see it helped the fuel mileage... lots more power thought.
  • likearocklikearock Member Posts: 13
    I have a friend that runs a tire store and they turn up the torsion bars on these trucks pretty frequently, and I asked him what was the most he would recommend. He said not to go more than 1.5 inch higher or you will sacrafice the ride, he said you needed to get the $300.00 kit if you wish to go higher. As far as the oil is concerned, I run Amsoil heavy duty/ marine diesel synthetic , I became an amsoil dealer just so I could buy the oil and other products for myself and family. I also run Wix or Baldwin oil filters, The oil is a 25,000 mile change interval but I only run mine 14,000 and change the filter at 7,000, As far as the exhaust kit, I think that will probably affect your warranty,I think the air filter is probably a bigger culprit on robbing fuel mileage,my mileage also suffered a little before I installed a new air filter. the truck came with a good Donaldson Air Filter I replaced it with a K&N air filter on mine, I can't really claim that it added much to mileage other than it increased it back to where it was previously when the truck was new.I do Change my fuel filter about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, As you know, diesel tends to have a lot more trash,
    Hope this info helps you out.
  • likearocklikearock Member Posts: 13
    I get about the same mileage towing as you do with my DMAX
    I pull a 11,500 lb High profile 5th wheel, Mine is more constant around 12 mpg depending on terrain and wind,
    I would like to have a dodge like your brother in law does, we had 2 Dodges a 2004 and 2007, both with turbo cummins, Pulling the same load they got 10 to 12 mpg. They were both good trucks but never got anything close to that pulling.
    I wish for higher mileage towing as well, but I think thats about what we are going to get.
  • likearocklikearock Member Posts: 13
    Try Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg Idaho,
    Really super deals and he will deliver for a very minimal cost.
    He sells Chevys, along with Dodge.
    Saved several thousands of $$$$$$ even with delivery to lower Alabama.

    Hope this helps
  • sullyaksullyak Member Posts: 30
    I am going to purchase my first diesel truck this month. I have read a great deal about Ford, Chrysler and Chevy's diesels. I have narrowed it down to the 2007 chevy with the Duramax or the new 2007 6.7 liter Cummins(supposedly out this March). My question is regarding fuel mileage. It appears from this post and others that the cummins has the reputation of providing significantly better mileage. Would you agree with this? It is especially important for me because in addition to towing, I will be putting several thousand miles/yr of unloaded highway driving. Any opinions on unloaded highway fuel mileage between the Duramax and Cummins would be greatly appreciated as well as general opinions regarding durability and features preferences between these two.

    Thank you.
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    A friend of mine bought a 2006 Dodge in Feb 06, That diesel PU has a 6 speed manual shift transmission. Based on his POOR fuel mileage I bought a Chevy in July 2006. I am not sure he has ever beaten 14 or 16 mpg unloaded. I have gotten a pinch over 20 a few times and about 11 pulling 12000 lbs... Now a Dodge might do better with an automatic transmission but it might not..

    On my friends first trip with just a few thousands on it he got 11 mpg empty.. From Ohio to central FL..

    The auto in the Chevy is really nice... I like that 6 speed auto. It slows you down on hills really nice.. You would be impressed.. After having a 1999 250 Ford Diesel I was !!

    One thing I noticed is the visiblity from inside the vehicle to the outside. It seems to me that the Ford was better. When you go back to look again see if you can see it. I might be my height vs others but it seemed real to me.

    I am not sure about the Ford though since the engine is new again..Their 6L engine they came out with in 03 sure had lots of problems early on..
  • cinnesscinness Member Posts: 1
    What leveling kit did you use? I've been running Bridgestone 285/75/16 and want to go with some 315/75/16 BFG's. I went with the Bully Dog Pup hoping for better fuel mileage. The power was awesome but no noticable fuel improvement. I'm only using the tire calibrator feature of it now and running stock.
    I started out 17 MPG highway empty, but the biggest improvements noted was switching to Mobile One Turbo Diesel 5w-40 oil, using a good grade of diesel, Exxon, and believe it or not, setting tires at 50 psi made a noticible differnce. I'm now averaging 20.2 @ 42,000 miles. The Mobile One resulted in an immediate 1 MPG increase. K&N filter no improvement.
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    Can't really speak for the Cummins but for the DD you should get about 18-20 on the highway non-towing. About 12-14 towing depending on the terrain and wind. The power is awesome and it makes climbing hills a breeze, not going over 1800 rpms while towing. I put the superchip flashpaq tuner in mine this past weekend and i got approximately 2-3 mpg more on the highway which is wonderful. Towing does absolutely nothing for mpg but gives you more power, "like you need more"!!!! DD better product long term, but with my brother-in-law getting 16-17 towing and 18-20 not, sometimes I wish I would of got the Cummins; but got to look at the big picture!!!!! DD by far a better product!!!!! Good luck with your choice.
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    I have the 06 DD 2500 HD 4x4 21,000 miles on it, I put the K&N air filter and the superchip flashpaq tuner. With these two I now get about 20-22 mpg empty. (absolutely no difference towing.) My speeds are between 65-68. 70-75 I get about 19-21 mpg, 75+ 17-19 mpg, all depends on the terrain and wind. If you get the superchip be careful when you press down on the accelerator, it really does get up and move!!!!!!! Raced a mustang convertible the other day stop light to stop light.........smoked him. This is probably why I can't get higher than 22 mpg. Wonderful product, but what I wanted was something to give me better mileage while towing. Hope this helps.
  • codykcodyk Member Posts: 5
    I currently have a 97 ram 2500 4wd 5.9 magnum xtended cab auto with o/d that gets a whopping 12 unloaded and at best 9mpg pulling a 16 foot steel stock trailer with two to three horses.Guesstimate 6500-7000 pds. and I am probably way overguessing on wt.I'm trying to find ways to improve mpg such as possibly adding lockout front hubs or if the expense of a diesel is the way I should go I have been looking thru posts on mpg and see the old gundeck variants {random mpgs from 12-25 with same brandse.g. dodge,chevy}I need a4wd so that is a given and as everyone else want the best mpg. I understand that I will want a high geared rearend and o/d tranny. I will be pulling the above mentioned wt. and running empty.I live in oklahoma and will not be pulling in mtns. etc. mostly flat to rolling hills, however one doesn't always know where the road leads. I have also read about the ulsd failures due to the lsd acting as a solvent. If there is anything else I missed please let me know and also please give advice. any and all is appreciated.I have a friend that has a duramax after his 2500 2wd cummins was totalled ,that recommends the cummins. He got 21-22 empty and16-18 pulling a 22 ft steel gooseneck with 2-3 horses. thanks in advance
    Cody
  • sbritchsbritch Member Posts: 1
    Last August I bought an 06 3500 dually duramax. Love the truck and power, disappointed with mileage. I installed a 4" exhaust and air filter. I am getting 13.5 to 14 mpg. any suggestions. I tried using Power Services fuel additive, and everytime I do the check engine light comes on.
    Also, anybody know if the exhaust change voids any warranties?
    Thanks
  • crash_bang2004crash_bang2004 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 06 duramax and I am not getting good mileage with it. When I purchased it with 5500 on it I was getting 17 but now with 10000 I only get 13-14mpg(Empty). Does change much with a 24ft gooseneck behind. I have been not be able to figure our why the mileage decreased so much since I have owned it. I have changed filters,oil and air(K&N)and there was no difference. Please help with suggestions. Thanks. P.S. I am new to the site, how do I post a comment without having to reply to someone?
  • edlegueedlegue Member Posts: 6
    Hi all,I am considering a GMC Duramax diesel and was wondering whether there is a significant difference in the mileage between the 4wd and thw 2wd? I will be towing a 5th wheel on occasion but generally I won't need a 4wd. I am kind of thinking that if the mileage difference is not significant, then I might as well get the 4wd. Dad use to tell me "It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" This is my first diesel so I am a little nervous to spend the $. Thanks
  • coontie57coontie57 Member Posts: 128
    My first diesel PU to pull my 26 ft Jayco was a Ford 250... in 2 x 4 drive. I never really had a problem without but I had to be careful. The only time I got stuck was in my yard when I tried to pull the boat up and out of my storage space in the spring when the earth is soft and squisshy... I had one wheel ON the asphalt but the limited slip didn't help and I had to get the OLD chevy out to pull me out of the mud. In July 06 I bought a new Chevy Duramax with 4 X 4 and don't regret it. You won't either the first time you come into a campground that just had a flooding rain and you are anxious about the soil. I have been there several times ... I now have a 29 ft Holiday Rambler and the Chevy pulls it just fine. Two of my friends have also purchased this vehicle and they are all in 4 x 4.. You just never know what you are going to get into in a far off campground.
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    I have a 06 DMax 4x4 and my friend has a 06 Dmax 2x4 and there is really no difference in the mileage, so obey your dad and have rather than not.
  • dddtdddt Member Posts: 13
    Bro you have a problem with your truck. I have a 06 Dmax 4x4 and I have gotten between 17-22 mpg since the day of conception. Difference being with the 22 mpg I had the Flashpaq Superchip tuner in it. But I have never gotten less than 17 empty. Towing well different story......between 11-14. Have your vehicle checked unless your doing a lot of short distance driving and turning your truck on and off a lot. That will definetly have an effect on your mileage. Hope this helps.
  • evan1944evan1944 Member Posts: 1
    buy the ford
  • wcannada1wcannada1 Member Posts: 2
    What kind of MPG are people getting in the new 2007 Duramax?
  • exrenchexrench Member Posts: 2
    I got the 07 Duramax 3500 single, got 18.2 city, first tank. Then I heard this loud metallic pop noise one time and have been getting about 15.8 max city, 17 hwy, I suspect some kind of baffle somewhere broke lose in the muffler and may be causing partial blockage, but the gauges tell all is good like temp, oil press, etc. I also have a vibration on moderate heavy acceleration from a dead stop, maybe the t/converter, goes away right above 1200rpm. Have not had the chance to have the dealer look into yet...I have not added a single aftermarket item. only 6500miles.
  • pete59pete59 Member Posts: 6
  • pete59pete59 Member Posts: 6
    I am looking at purchasing a Chevy 2500HD Duramax with Allison tranny. Going to stay with 2 wheel drive because 80% of the time I will commute 110 miles/day without pulling camper and boat. I am interested in the fuel economy with this setup. Anybody know what to expect?
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