Upgrading Fuel econ on a 02' 2500HD 4x4

I'm looking for any help on improving the fuel econ ony my fathers 02 2500HD. Kind of a Christmas present for him. He does a lot of traveling in it and I figured it would help.

you might have already done this, but i added a tonneau and get about 5 miles more per gallon. ive got the same truck but an 01.

no i just figured it between fillups.

I have a 2003 2500HD 4x4 with the 6.0 and the best I have seen on mine is 13mph but my average is between 9mph and 11mph.

I was getting about 12.5 now it's around 17.5 with the cover.

Ya- i made a direct air intake. You remove air filter box and the rubber boot between the box and the air sensor. Then you attach an open air filter. presto! better fuel econ and a little more roar in your engine.

Tattoo, I drive a lot of dirt roads, stupid question but how soon does that direct air intake get dirty.... I quess what I am asking is it a constant job just careing for it. I really need to improve my fuel economy, and yes it is an extended cab long bed 4x4 2500HD marine blue with the Bose stereo ........... OH MY I'M GETTING EXCITED AND FLUSHED...... I love my truck even if it is a gas gussler.

Honestly I don't know. I really haven't been on many dirt roads since i put it in. It's a K&N Filter that is made to be used like this. All the K&N's can be easily cleaned. Sorry I can't tell you more.

This is probably the best one made (search for sierra fipk):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7914553703&category=38634

But there are cheaper versions as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7915600447&category=38634

i have a 03 1500hd crew cab with the 6.0 litre and it gets about 14. i spoke with a GM mechanic and he stated that a shell or a bed cover or a air gate would be the only non warranty voiding conversions that can be made to improve milage. you would be surprised to know how much wind that tailgate catches. I drove with mine off for a few weeks while i had to use it to commute (commuter car problems) that improved my milage to 15. Took it off rather than leaving it down cause the thing is already so darned long it doesnt like regular parking spaces. lol

Does it matter what type of cover you put on the bed? Like should I stay away from the soft bed covers and stick with fiberglass?

I don't know if it matters-- I used a soft cover and I saw definate improvements but if there is a difference hard or soft-- couldn't tell you. From what I've heard the covers just cut down the resistance so the smoother the surface it could do more-- sorry i can't be more definate

Well if you go with a soft cover you can take it off any time any place. Hard cover not that easy to take off and you need a place to keep it when it is off. I do not carry stuff in the bed all the time but when I have to put some thing big in I can just take the soft one off throw it in the cab and I’m good to go.