bad mpg's any advice?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by frank_the_tank, Mar 4, 2015.

  1. frank_the_tank

    frank_the_tank Light Load Member

    129
    80
    Mar 18, 2010
    pittsburgh, pa
    0
    do all petes get terrible mpg's? im running a 388 with a cummins. this thing is a pig. 4.5 mpg is the best i can get, ive tried running 60mph all the way up to 72. it drags a dump trailer around which probably isn't helping matters with all the wind it catches but 4 to 4.5, really? my only other experience is pulling flats in a kw T700 with a gutless paccar. i could almost always get 7+without even trying. do any of you "older" hands have any advice on how i can improve my mpg's. it would really make the boss happy!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    17,737
    124,500
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    Got any more specs on the truck?
    Year
    Mileage
    Transmission
    Gear ratio
    HP
    Ex fleet truck?
     
  4. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,962
    29,144
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    If you're running the hills around Pittsburgh all day long, heavily loaded half the time, that may be most of your problem and there's not much you can do that you probably aren't already doing.
     
    frank_the_tank Thanks this.
  5. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

    1,773
    1,102
    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
    0
    as long as you are doing all that is asked of you there is no need to worry about fuel mileage. it is what it is at times.idle if you need to,don't be job scared if you are doing your job.

    i pull an end dump and it has a flip tarp. fuel mileage is a moot point but then i am not exactly driving a slope nosed,castrated,aerodynamic type set up.I am idling as i type.
     
    frank_the_tank Thanks this.
  6. kw550cat

    kw550cat Medium Load Member

    663
    596
    May 22, 2012
    brooklyn, new york
    0
    Stop worrying about mpg and get the job done. You should be focused on revenue at the end of the week and not fuel saved because running for fuel could've cost you a load or two. If your boss is directly telling you to get better mpg then try. If he isn't then whats the point. Besides, if he wanted mpg he would've bought something else.
     
  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,962
    29,144
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Winter blend fuel (northern) is not the best to use for maximizing fuel efficiency, not to mention colder outside air temps can be a drag on fuel economy to an extent, as well. (so some say).

    Tires can have a noticeable affect on MPG too. Not all tires are the same and some of the tires that aggregate haulers use are not purchased with the idea of MPG in mind, but rather getting the job done without incident. If you're running a mostly concurrent set, when it comes time to replace them, look into what you have, along with what else may be suitable. Generally the cheaper the cost, the less you can expect in terms of MPG and you have to do some calculations to determine the best route, long term.
     
    frank_the_tank Thanks this.
  8. frank_the_tank

    frank_the_tank Light Load Member

    129
    80
    Mar 18, 2010
    pittsburgh, pa
    0
    the boss says it is what it is but would obviously like it to be better and so would i for profit sharing purposes. it is just a 2 truck operation.
    i will add, the truck is brand new, only has 10k on it so far. its an 18 spd. non castrated. not sure what gear ratio or ponies under the hood. its not a slouch by any means.
     
  9. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

    14,765
    22,560
    Jul 15, 2006
    El Chuco, Tejas
    0
    I borrowed one of our loaner trucks with an ISX 500 and 13 speed and that thing could barely break 5 mpg. And that's in an aerodynamic Volvo 780.
     
  10. teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

    689
    546
    Jan 25, 2012
    Ft. Worth Tx.
    0
    and this is in a 2014 Volvo, d13 with i-shift limited to 70 mph hauling frac sand. my loads show up on time and my boss doesn't say a word. in-fact, i'm surprised it does so well. my point is if your boss ain't complaining don't worry @ it.

    [​IMG]

    /
     
    wanttotruck Thanks this.
  11. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,962
    29,144
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Being brand new, I'd say you can expect things to improve "a little" over time without changing anything. having a bigger engine might "hurt" your MPG potential a little, but in a scenario where power is required all day long, big power or little power, going to do about the same so learn to keep a lighter foot cresting hills and increase speed in a "smart manner", stay under 65, is about all you can do. I doubt you have any "tuning issues". Be glad you have the extra power, but learn how to "not use it all" when you really don't need to.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.