Just bought a 2003 Cummins 3500 DRW Quad cab. It's a bit of a project. Among other things, the bed is pretty beat. I will never tow near this trucks capacity (15,700 lb) So I'm thinking I could probably sell the wheels, fronts wheel adapters, etc and find a decent single wheel long bed. Would I see an MPG gain when running empty? The goal is to go for max MPG using this truck as a daily driver and occasional tow vehicle. Any fatal flaw in my plan?

The mileage gained may never return the cost of the conversion. Is it really worth it? If you want a single rear wheel, and have the skills to convert it, go for it, but don't expect any real savings.

Maybe I'm missing something. From what I've read, I can just remove the front wheel adapters and replace all the wheels with singles. I already have to deal with a trashed bed so that cost is not part of the equation. The dually axle is slightly longer but not so long that anything has to be done to it.

Weight is a small factor in your case. Driving slower always yields more mpg.

A few hundred pounds will make zero difference to that engine. Make sure the front lower plastic air dam below the front bumper is in place. A tonneau cover will help a little. Everything is a cost/benefit. There are some engine tune software that assist with fuel economy. It would still take some time to pencil out. Diesel Power magazine has done some write-ups on this subject.

I don't think your plan would result in any appreciable difference. You're really not saving much and, as mentioned, that engine isn't going to notice any difference.

MPG gain converting dually 3500 to SRW? | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

brirene
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
I don't think your plan would result in any appreciable difference. You're really not saving much and, as mentioned, that engine isn't going to notice any difference.
wcjeep
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
A few hundred pounds will make zero difference to that engine. Make sure the front lower plastic air dam below the front bumper is in place. A tonneau cover will help a little. Everything is a cost/benefit. There are some engine tune software that assist with fuel economy. It would still take some time to pencil out.

Diesel Power magazine has done some write-ups on this subject.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2014
Weight is a small factor in your case. Driving slower always yields more mpg.
hertfordnc
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
Maybe I'm missing something. From what I've read, I can just remove the front wheel adapters and replace all the wheels with singles. I already have to deal with a trashed bed so that cost is not part of the equation.

The dually axle is slightly longer but not so long that anything has to be done to it.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
The mileage gained may never return the cost of the conversion. Is it really worth it?

If you want a single rear wheel, and have the skills to convert it, go for it, but don't expect any real savings.

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MPG gain converting dually 3500 to SRW?

15 Replies

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