Diesel Tuners
I received an email and video from Trailer Life about Bully Dog GT tuners for diesel engines. It all sounds good but I have been warned that the warranty would be voided if I use a tuner. Now I wond...
Forum Discussion
I can't answer this question as it pertains to the new models. My truck is 14 years old, has 186K miles, and I have been running a chip on it from DP Tuner. It is amazing how much of an effect it has on the power, and the mileage is better. Despite not having all the new upgrades and features the new trucks have, it runs great.
As to the question of whether it will pay for itself with improved mileage. The answer is this: Yes, no, or maybe. I have had my chip on for 8 years/ 100K miles now. It probably paid for itself in the first few years, but with the chip you are guaranteed to drive it differently, so it is nearly impossible to say. The first few years I drove it in the economy setting and I got far better mileage. I now always drive it in Economy setting and ignore other settings, including 'Tow' and 'Race,' even when towing I tow in Economy and get 13.5 mpg (hand calculated) towing a 11500 lb. fifth wheel. Not towing I get 17 mpg in town and on a recent long unloaded trip not towing, 23 mpg with the cruise set at 75MPH.
As for the yes, no, maybe... Yes you can pay for it eventually. No, you will eventually drive it differently and faster, thus using more fuel. Maybe, if you don't use the advantages of the additional power, you can reduce the operating cost, save money and eventually pay for it. They will produce more addictive power, and the manufacturers are well aware of it. Just look at the games they play with it. Remember the 390/397/400 hp competition between GM and Ford a few years ago? They are only concerned about cost per unit reductions leading to more profit.
As to the question of whether it will pay for itself with improved mileage. The answer is this: Yes, no, or maybe. I have had my chip on for 8 years/ 100K miles now. It probably paid for itself in the first few years, but with the chip you are guaranteed to drive it differently, so it is nearly impossible to say. The first few years I drove it in the economy setting and I got far better mileage. I now always drive it in Economy setting and ignore other settings, including 'Tow' and 'Race,' even when towing I tow in Economy and get 13.5 mpg (hand calculated) towing a 11500 lb. fifth wheel. Not towing I get 17 mpg in town and on a recent long unloaded trip not towing, 23 mpg with the cruise set at 75MPH.
As for the yes, no, maybe... Yes you can pay for it eventually. No, you will eventually drive it differently and faster, thus using more fuel. Maybe, if you don't use the advantages of the additional power, you can reduce the operating cost, save money and eventually pay for it. They will produce more addictive power, and the manufacturers are well aware of it. Just look at the games they play with it. Remember the 390/397/400 hp competition between GM and Ford a few years ago? They are only concerned about cost per unit reductions leading to more profit.
