Considerations about gas mileage

[WorkinLonghorn]

I get around 12 MPG with a 350(mild RV cam,lowered compression,otherwise stock) and 4spd. Sometimes I put in $120 in a week. I was thinking these old trucks are really gas hogs. Then I did some looking around and noticed that a new Dodge Ram got 11 with the 5.7 and 12 with the 4.7 when driven around by Consumer Reports.The others got 13 or 14,none higher.And these are "1/2 ton" trucks. Mine is a 3/4 and a heavy one at that,being a longhorn on a 1 ton frame. It weighs 5200 lbs on the scales. I went on another board where the guys with the GM 3/4 tons ( 6.0 Ltr ) were getting around 12 MPG ! Sure they have tons more power available to them, but for all the fancy multi-thousand dollar computer systems,not to mention initial prices of 30-40 grand after all is included,I am looking at my old work truck in a new light.
It's built like a tank as you all know,and it is so simple and easy to repair,I really don't think I am going to miss the "heated leather seats",at least not around L.A. anyway.-Brian