Better Mileage: <2K RPM or add ons?

[packer32]

Has anybody had any experience improving mileage and power with add ons? Is keeping acceleration down to 1500 rpms the best suggestion? When I bought my 2007 ExpyXLT I expected better mileage. (Silly me!) I had previously owned two Ford Vans on 1T frames with 4.5L engines. Their mileages were 12mph city, 14 mph highway, and 9mph pulling my trailer. I bought the Expy because it uses the same engine on a half-ton frame. (It's a 1/2 ton lighter! I had to get better mileage!) Because it’s a truck, there were no mileage estimates for it. Yeah, I was taking a chance, but people I know who are supposed to know what they’re talking about said, “Make the switch. You’ll be happier!” Well, I got a mixed bag: 10 mph city, 20 mph highway (!), and 9 mph pulling my trailer. I met a guy at a campsite with the same vehicle. He said that he had installed a K&N air filter and a Magna Flow exhaust. He said they improved his mileage and his power, but he had no numbers. (I don’t think the guy knew how to use his on-dash computer read out!) So, besides designing and building a helium-filled frame for the Expy and the trailer to reduce friction, what else can be done?

 

[ELVATO]

Yea, RPM and how you drive are pretty much the biggest determinants to added fuel economy (other than the size and aerodynamics of the vehicle). Take off slow, and brake slow. You want to try to coast as long as possible when coming up to a light. You do this by starting to apply your brakes early on, slowly decreasing your speed. Hopefully, the light will have turned green by the time you arrive at it.

Also, check things like tire pressure, as well as not leaving unneeded items in the truck. I usually ride with 40 PSI in the tires (5 above the stated PSI 35 in the door pillar sticker.) Not sure if those 5 PSI really help but I do it anyways. You obviously want to stay under the MAX PSI of the tires. Also, don't overinflate them since will cause uneven wear in the tires (the center will wear faster than the sides).

 

[smo0othride]

1800 rpm is the most fuel effcient rpm for the expedition, but like elevato said, make sure you are barely pressing the gas pedal and slowly work up to speed. Accelerating from a stop is when the expedition uses a ton of gas.

 

[cbiii]

trade it for any GM with a 5.3.

 

[smo0othride]

trade it for any GM with a 5.3.

I've raced a few 5.3's and the expedition wins every time.