The MPG Challenge: Jeep vs Slimarado - Who Won for Charity?

Shortly after buying a used pickup truck for travel, I was challenged by some viewers about my goal of improved performance in a V8 truck while towing versus my old V6 jeep. I ended up making a bet that I could get better than 15.1 mpg while towing my trailer, with the proceeds going to charity. After 4 months the bet is over. Who won?
The challenge started in this video: • Pimp My Slimarado: Get...
The MPG calculator is here: www.omnicalcul...
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[@richardthomas1743]

WOW!! I love the outcome of this bet! Thank you to the original challenger and thank you to Slim and thank you to all that are inspired to do the same. There is a local food shelf in my area that I donate to. I have to admit that it is not in the amount that Slim donated. But if we all add a little bit to the donations it all adds up. Again Thank you Slim for being such a positive inspiration. I really appreciate you!!

[@casmeedmohammed4236]

Thoroughly enjoyed this,very good, happy you also made a food charity donation, what an example to others, thanks much, God bless

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

Hey sweetie!

[@PAKoffee10]

To paraphrase a famous cartoon strip, "You're a good man, Slim Potatohead". No sore winners or losers, but a friendly challenge with the ones needing a helping hand really winning. Thanks for being a good man and fun KZbinr.

[@pinkposie5550]

I just went and seen a high school musical "you're a good man Charlie brown"

[@Zazu2You]

The new coils, plugs and wires made all the difference. 😎

[@doncarlton4858]

I'm sure it helped! Who knows, they may have been original to the truck!

[@EnchantedAstronomy]

A win-win for all. A huge THANK YOU from those of us in New Mexico for your donation to the food bank in Las Cruces. Your'e awesome!

[@hgj2019]

Slim, you are a truly good man. You actually won TWICE! Once by improving your MPG, and once by opening your heart with a generous donation. 😀

[@charlesgilbert6230]

Had my doubts owning a pickup myself. Donation has been made. "You donation of $103.30 to Feeding Southwest Virginia has been processed. Thank you for your generous gift! " Congrats on the win.

[@SlimPotatohead]

That's the spirit! So nice of you to help those in need. Thanks!

[@derick-smith]

I'm so glad that the trolls haven't run you off of KZbin because content like yours is exactly the kind of peaceful and positive energy this world needs. Amazing work on the Slimerado! I'm certainly not a mechanic but I think the restriction in exhaust flow would be a culprit for the poor mileage. That thing was bent pretty good.

[@drphibesrises]

I had a Nissan Titan with a 5.7l V8. Brand new it got 15.0mpg average. I put a cold air intake and a different exhaust a couple of months later and I started getting 18.2mpg average. Letting the engine breath better helps with the MPG.

[@scottmallory3507]

Congratulations on reaching your goal Slim. When you changed your plugs and wires I was certain you'd see some improvement but you proved it. Safe travels and thanks for spreading the message of good will. And yes, I will be making a donation to my local food bank as well.

[@veevee111]

Yes, congratulations on winning your bet. Thanks to the gentleman who challenged you. Slim, you are a "good egg".

[@ScottHenion]

On my '99 GMC Yukon, I replaced the muffler with a Flowmaster 70-series. A performance muffler but not loud. I got over 1 MPG more on average and engine seems a bit more responsive. So, if that muffler rots out, go with an upgrade. Was not much more expensive than those crappy replacement mufflers. My next upgrade will be an electric fan. Those plugs looked like the gap was worn. Tracking mileage is a pain and sobering on a truck. Great way to make it fun!

[@robertstrohm2412]

I hope you rest in the assurance that you are a good human being sir. Thank you for all you do and thank you for sharing with us. 🦋

[@plove523]

Nothing like a good tune up to make a vehicle run better.

[@bextar6365]

Sometimes changing brands of gas can make a difference .

[@marilynrenaud1892]

God Bless you Slim, and your "special viewer", for your generous donations to the food bank! This was fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this challenge. I gotta tell you, I was rooting for you from the beginning. Woo hoo...you did it!! The truck got better gas mileage than the Jeep. Now to find a better garage. Happy trails!👍😁 I will tell you from experience...food donations are extremely appreciated by those in need. There was a time many years ago when my kids and I were in need, and I don't know what I would've done without temporary help from the food bank. Your donation is appreciated beyond words and the help someone receives because of you is priceless.♥️ I will also be making a donation.

[@flyinggyros9745]

Hey Slim. Good on you for donating also.

[@virginiatolles1664]

Bravo! Congratulations to you, your challenger, and the Slimarado!

[@charylliss3741]

The Slimmerado❣️👍🤩

[@Oilerrocker]

In this day and age thank you for restoring my faith in humanity. Well done Slim and kudos to the guy who followed through on his promise.

[@mikepatton9537]

Congratulations on winning the bet and getting better gas mileage. Also, you're a good man, Slim for donating to the food bank yourself! Very inspiring.

[@keen1957]

Love the new hat with the cactus in the background. Gas milage....run your tires{ air psi } on the high side. Clean your throttle body {look it up on KZbin for procedure}. Have the transmission flushed. And if your feeling spendy, a free flowing air filter K&N makes a good one. These suggestions will all make a slight difference, but all added up. you could reach your goal.

[@billbradley2480]

As a retired truck driver I know the best way to get the good mpg is slow down. When fuel prices raised to over $5/g my employer started paying us bonuses for best mpg. I was usually in the top 3 drivers getting the most money. My 24 ft RV gets 9.5 mpg on a good day. My Subaru gets 30mpg city/Hiway combined.

[@12pawsinn]

If im in the motorhome, the semi or my f150 5.4 i cruise at 106 kph 65mph. I'm never in a rush, and I'm older 44, lol

[@scothunter3221]

Absolutely true. The difference in gas mileage on my old ram pick up between 80 mph and 70 mph was absolutely astonishing. Well worth slowing down for 60 was even better.

[@Chrisb8s]

this is the truth!

[@cindy1568]

I can get 16mpg driving 55-57 mph in my 2008 E150 Cargo Van that I live in so hauling some weight.

[@marcpikas2859]

@@cindy1568Do you have to avoid freeways driving at that slow speed it seems? Not that it’s bad but Slim was driving 70 in Houston and he felt he was going slow…

[@dakat1726]

Everbody is a winner- Innspiration man, Slim, your truck, and of course, your viewers. I now need to donate myself and change my sparkplugs!

[@joannepepe8512]

Good for you, Slim

[@annavallentin4662]

Fantastic! So glad you won (not for winning's sake) and SO GLAD your challenger behaved honourably by following through on his donation. And total respect and appreciation to you for making your own donation anyway. You are truly a GOOD GUY !!!

[@weswalker1208]

What a good story. With the challenge I'm sure you saved I'm sure you save some pretty good money keeping your foot out of it because of the bet. What a great story on so many levels

[@user-jt2fr5ye3v]

Hi from OZ slim. What a great vlog the challenge has been Definitely no losers here just two great guys having good camaraderie with each other and then a heap of other people donating because of it. Thanks everyone 👍 great fun

[@johnhaug1747]

Hola Slim I replaced all 16 platinum spark plugs on my 2008 Dodge Durango 5.7L HEMI a while ago, and mileage did improve slightly. Went from 12.5 mph to maybe 13.5. However I learned a driving trick to save mileage..... I slowly accelerate carefully trying not to exceed 2000RPM, then I set the cruise control at 60 mph, and use the accelerate button to increase speed . without exceeding 2000 RPM, now mileage is now 15.5 mph

[@Zoompipes]

Slim I drove semis for 30 years ae I was an owner operator the only advice I can give is steady speed and slow down your truck will have a sweet spot where it run easy I would guess try around 60 to 65 I don't worry about folks passing me in my suv I just enjoy the ride God bless enjoy your adventures sir

[@anitasimmons3599]

Great advice. I went down this rabbit hole and have actually tested it out on multiple vehicles... 50 mph, was best for the Jeep and 55 mph netted the best fuel economy on our older 1995 class b, Dodge 3500 Ram Van. 24.4 mph at an average speed of 55 mph. 😊

[@marcpikas2859]

@@anitasimmons3599It seems as though Slim would not have felt safe at 55 going through Houston… they say go with the flow but personaly I’d rather use lesser roads to go slower and enjoy the drive with less stress.

[@lilrusty6720]

Great video as usual,Slim. And to the challenger, your integrity is admirable. Kudos to you.

[@keith9875]

Your kind deed will not be overlooked, you’re a good man Slim.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

That was magnanimous of you to donate to a foodbank, especially when you won. 👍👍👍👍

[@judyabernathy80]

Slim, you never cease in putting out a great video. And, the extra food for the needy was just super good. But, I’m not surprised, as I sense how good a man you are. Kind, considerate, caring, and you’re a smart, stand up guy!! I was just thinking of your daughter and how proud she must be to have you as a Dad! 😊

[@victorperreault217]

I follow youtube vidéos of the Ukraine war and sometimes cry . I am glad that I found and follow this fun and positive Chanel, thank you Slim !

[@lynnryckman7300]

I've owned the same truck for a long time, 25 years it just happens to be a Silverado . I've ranged between10.5 to 12.5 pulling a 29 foot trailer. Speed is the big killer of mpg ,10.5 is the full tilt posted legal speed and 12.5 mpg at about 62 mph. For me the less wear and tear on my vehicle and less cost per mile and getting somewhere a few minutes later, I drive a little bit slower in the right lane. Happy travels to you.

[@bmoore3199]

Thanks for making a difference Slim ! More admiration for you than ever. 👍👍

[@richardross3172]

Kudos to the guy who lost the bet! All of Slims viewers know that you are a winner!!!🎉

[@ritachikita1468]

Good on the both of you for the donations. Very special.💕

[@davidalden5697]

Your a good guy Slim the world needs A lot more Slim's attitude and caring.!!! Been a subscriber for a long time and just really enjoy your videos and your out look on life THANK YOU !!

[@lindabenstead6672]

You made the world a better place! Thanks Slim! ❤

[@redsorgum]

I love this gas milage update....✌️

[@robinbrown473]

Slim, I love all your videos especially especially the ones about your cabin in the woods, After watching this one I remembered an old friend here in Scotland told me, if you want good miles per gallon drive like you have an egg under your right foot.

[@jeremyhodges6957]

Congratulations! You rock Slim. Everyone is a winner in that situation. Keep up the good work and thanks for letting us join along.

[@Bum_Hip]

I appreciate that this was all in good fun, and for a worthwhile cause, but wouldn’t an average of fill ups be a better way to know real world MPG? I mean, if one is going downhill, and or has a tailwind, MPG’s will be skewed. Even if the truck (with a larger sample size) does not maintain better efficiency than the Jeep, Slim has proven it is at least more efficient than many (certainly me) thought it would. Good series Slim, good idea to even attempt the challenge. 👍

[@danielbevier5813]

Slim, you are one heck of a good guy!!! Love your adventures; been watching for a few years now. I read the comments before I am writing this, but here are a few more helpful suggestions; make sure the air pressure in your tires is on the high side, use the lowest weight synthetic oil recommended by GM, and finally, try running straight gasoline (no ethanol). Using straight gasoline will probably get you close to 1 MPG bettter. The air pressure and the synthetic oil should get you close to another 1 MPG. I drive a lot and have picked up on these improvements over my 57 years of driving!!! Keep up the great work! I'll keep watching!

[@Dutchy-1168]

Changing those plugs really helped ! Good job Slim ! Hate to tell you how many miles per gallon I get with my ‘13 Prius ( and occasionally I sleep in it ) 😃😃

[@robertgullickson8758]

Your food donation was a very nice gesture. You’re a good man Slim.

[@axemanfishing2703]

Congrats Slim, I knew by having owned a Silverado with the 5.3 that you would win. I KNEW it because Ive owned the Jeep Cherokee, the jeep commanche, a chevy Trailblazer and Chevy blazer, Silverado and now, a v6 F150 that can tow 7700 lbs that I get almost 18 mpg with here in the city. I had said from the beginning that my silverado was doing around 16 mpg in the city alone with the 5.3 and I remember saying you had a knocking in your engine and something wasnt right. I mistakenly thought you had the variable 8 cylinder to 4 cylinder system like mine had. The knocking I had heard went away after you replaced the plugs and wires and all that was left was the forever lasting noisy top end noise heard in ALL 5.3's that tends to go away after they warm up. Towing a 1400 lbs trailer, I wont be abit surprised if you hit the 17 MPG mark on the highway, but keep it at 60 MPH and you should attain that goodness.

[@jerrygibson2689]

Slim, I have enjoyed watching your channel and appreciate what your doing for the less fortunate.

[@annhysell6064]

Great goal for all. Improving gas mileage & the longevity of our vehicles so we are not contributing to pollution. Supporting food banks for the health & longevity of our population. Hope your weather has ben better! Be well, Slim.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

Good job brother!!! And those saying no, the next version of that pickup, direct injected and slightly more aerodynamic, will get even better! This is based on experience of owning a port fuel injected 5.3 and my wife’s direct injected 5.3 as well as, mostly, my brother’s direct injected 5.3. I really enjoyed this and my wife ant I were pulling for you! Take care!

[@oldfisherman5112]

Thank you, Slim and the other donor for the food bank contributions.

[@ElenarMT]

You're a great man Slim! What a thoroughly enjoyable video. I love your precision and your energy. And chops to you both for keeping to your promise of the bet. You give me hope for humanity

[@tippybird]

Happy to see you donated food! That was very kind of you. 🙂🙂👍

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Good morning, Slim! What a great video. Bravo to you for donating even after winning the bet. And bravo to the loser for keeping the bet. My wife and I donate at our local church every week and it does give us a good feeling when we do so as it did you. Can't wait to see what else you're going to try to get even better gas mileage. Thanks!

[@bickitaRN]

Slim! You were in Benson! That’s not too far from us! We have watched all your videos! Glad you are back in AZ, those in Az are my favorite videos. Wishing you safe travels. Keep the videos coming please.

[@scotto6314]

Beautiful thing ya did Slim donating 🙏🏻 got me a bit misty 😢. Thanks buddy super safe travels

[@pbsalfen]

Goodonya! A win/win all around! Win or Lose, homelessness/hunger is not a competition! THANK YOU for contributing to those in need, no matter the country you're in!! I've been on both sides of that issue during my lifetime. And do what I can, when I can, now. (100% you need to find a new repair station at home! )

[@billdee6398]

Thanks Slim ! Your calculations & results brought out the Best in your viewers generosity! I’ll join the Food Bank Donation Slimarado Brigade 🙏

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Great video Slim, keep them coming friend and see you in K.C. 😊

[@petevillemaire6711]

Well, no one ever said you weren't a good guy Slim. Good on the anonymous donor for coming through on the bet, and a BIG WELL DONE SLIM for matching his donation.

[@baconwhiskey821]

Salute to the challenger, you epitomize the spirit of this channel.

[@Gayle.M]

Another thing about an older vehicle, it doesn’t hurt as much when it gets scratched than when a brand new one does.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

It does for me. I know every scratch on mine.

[@eddymahon1503]

Congratulations Slim and thank you. What a really good guy and thank you sir for your donation to the food bank😊

[@MnAnnetteNS]

That was a win win! Love your Slimerado comment. I knew when this started it was going to be because of the plugs & coil tune up

[@priscillasimon6169]

Congratulations and you had so much fun doing this challenge.

[@karenlowes7802]

What a fun and thoughtful idea. Bless you and the other fine gentleman ❤

[@rcastro1811]

Good Job Slim! Love watching your adventures

[@susanpremo8068]

That was a very happy video! Good for you and the other donor! ❤

[@suzyfoster623]

Good morning and thank you for making the donation to the food bank ..You truly are a winner ! ❤🙏

[@davidlocke3622]

Bless you slim for your kindness to others..

[@jago76]

Congrats to both Slim and the gentleman he made the bet with. Good job!

[@rodolfopinheiro]

You still need to add the snowboard to the roof to deflect air from the trailer 😂. Great video, I think everyone won on this challenge

[@reidcrosby6241]

Air damns can make all the difference.

[@bettybrigance6784]

Thanks Slim...the best to come your way is my wish for you..I love your channel... Stay safe and be happy

[@ShawnPatterson402]

great stuff. Mind you one tank might be an exception, but the fortunate folks that you guys are both helping are not an exception, so excellent job by both you and your co-bettor. Those new plugs should definitely be a help. Keeping speed down when towing is the biggest help. Aerodynamics (or lack thereof) is the biggest mileage killer it seems. Continued safe, and efficient travels.....

[@bertkelly7650]

Well, you did a tune up on it. I've found there is good gas and bad gas that can affect milage. Wind direction affects it also, plus your speed. I also give to my local food bank in the form of money. Did the grocery thing at first but they said they would prefer money instead.

[@Wenowknow]

Funny how my trip home is just exactly the opposite of your trip. Coming back from your location, I'm now in the forests of Florida. Now deciding to meander north! All these places are 1sts for me. Taking all back roads less traveled. How pleasant staying off the interstates.😊

[@7442Ruth]

so cool that you were in Deming. My family has lived there for a long time! Safe travels Slim!!

[@mrpopo573]

Tune up should help a lot. Been very happy with our 5.3 Silverado for a long time, happy camping Slim!

[@gonesideways6621]

Slim just remember you will not be remembered for what you did for yourself but what you did for others giving is good for the Heart.

[@wtbm123]

If it has not already been done . I would clean the MAF sensor . If dirty it will hurt fuel millage . A can of cleaner and easy to do yourself . Me and hundreds of youtubers have made videos on it . If it is already clean it will not do much but if dirty it will make a difference , also a dirty throttle plate can cause issues .

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Great morning slim thank you again

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good morning Jason!

[@mendyedson1825]

Good job! You improved your mileage which is good for the environment, won the bet which was good for hungry people and donated yourself which was great. Safe travels

[@jerrycoia8991]

Thank you so much for always making my day better! I watch every one of your videos. The world needs more people like you I it.

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

Amen. Win Win on so many levels. Your content definitely was the cherry on top for my day. Thanks for sharing

[@Oldnoitall]

Go full, synthetic fluids throughout slim. Thanks for the videos.

[@charlesbarry7479]

Good work Slim. As to the fuel usage, it is a Chevy V-8 and was never designed for economy. Keep up the videos, I enjoy watching.

[@josh3326]

I enjoyed this video. Great ending. You won the bet, yet donated in great kindness.

[@graphicmontage6258]

I love your videos, they're always very interesting and informative. And fun! Keep up the great work.

[@Delilaah57]

You are such a good man, Slim. I love watching and listening to you! Thank you.

[@vitanksi]

Those old plugs were iridium and based on that wear they came with the truck out of the factory! And a misfire will change the timing and will reduce gas mileage. This was a very wholesome video. 👍👍

[@bafergs]

Well done Slim. Always love your cheerfulness even when your adventures become too adventurous. Looking forward to your next instalment and where you find such interesting camping experiences.

[@xiongvue2051]

Hi Slim, always a good day when you upload

[@ronaldstarrett1957]

Great video. Glad the gas mileage is improved. Very glad for your generosity and encouragement to all of us. Praying it spreads.

[@campfiresanddirtytires2307]

This was a magnificent video it teaches people a few things I believe that also shows that people still have that that people still care about other people and I appreciate your donation I've never had to use any of those facilities but maybe one day I might have to you never know but you guys have done a wonderful thing thank you and keep up the great videos hello from Hillsdale Michigan and safe travels

[@davebenson1504]

Ahhh... been to Benson Arizona.... a name sake but no connection 😅 To make it happen... top up on the top of a mountain pass and cruise down hill and fill up at the bottom...😂😂😂 The new plugs would certainly make a difference.... ☺ I think the better measure would be... what is the average miles per gallon over a long distance and not just a one off... Congratulations Slim and your "Win Win" betting partner too 🙂 you are soooo correct.. always work for improvements 🙂

[@davetelling]

Some things about fuel economy I've learned over the years, most of which I know that you already know! 1. Slower is generally better. The exception is if you are going very slowly and your transmission is in a lower gear, rather than the higher gears. 2. Altitude DOES make a difference - the air is thinner, and less air resistance. I live at 4700 ft altitude, and consistently get better fuel economy here than at sea level. 3. Tire pressure! I run my passenger car tires at 36 PSI, our RV tires at 80 PSI. 4. Your question about gas formulations is spot on. "Winter gas" typically has more ethanol added, which reduces fuel economy. One suggestion (and I saw someone in the comments earlier) would be to add what is called a "cold air kit". This essentially makes it easier for the engine to pull air in, so parasitic pumping losses are lower, and fuel economy improves. On a side note, I have heard good things about the 4.8l and 5.3l GM engines as far as their fuel efficiency, so I think you have a good platform for your traveling.

[@toddjohnston4788]

A friendly bet and helping those in need...win-win!!

[@cliffcollett2596]

Glad you made the challenge! Well done. What you REALLY need is diesel power. I recently achieved 18.7 mpg towing my 26 foot 2.5 tonne caravan with my VW Amarok.

[@laurastewart2418]

Reaching out to all our youtubers to say God's blessing on you and thanks for making smiles among the trials❤

[@DLeadVox]

💛💛💛 I loved this video! I love traveling with you and cabin building with you. Your videos are always fun, educational and relaxing. God bless you Slim and keep you safe out on the road! DD☮️

[@DLeadVox]

PS. I have to bring my car in for a misfire issue on Wednesday. I'm not talented like you and can not take the problems myself anymore. I hope it doesn't cost a pile of money. Maybe when it's fixed, I'll get better gas milage too!

[@davidhazelwood9018]

Slim, great trip and congratulations on your win. I think you have the best viewers and your videos make us feel good. Because if you I will also make a donation to our local food bank in Keene, New Hampshire.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I appreciate that!

[@tinaorr2723]

That was lovely, Slim!