2500 HD shift points=mileage?

Hey- just stumbled upon this site tonight, did my quickie registration, seems like a great site with great people. So here's my first question: I bought an '03 2500 HD, 6.0 about 6 months ago. I previously had a silverado 1500. Love the truck, but my first rude awakening is of course the mileage. No exact numbers, but somewhere around 11 or 12 I suppose on the highway, and driving around town daily pretty much 10. What I notice most, and wonder about, is the fact that it seems no matter how gently I drive, it seems to want to wind to around 3000 if not 3500 rpm before shifting. I guess I'm wondering if this is normal, and what other owners are noticing too, it has to kill the mileage as far as town driving. I can understand if this is a design parameter for a "heavy truck", but it seems to me it would be best saved for tow/haul mode. What do you say, people- is my truck "normal" as far as the 2500 HD's? Or is it a problem? If it is normal, is there a fix out there that would make it so a person could improve economy on normal, daily driving? (I do understand that we don't buy this type of truck for its extraordinary mileage, but I do see where there could be a savings in possibly reprogramming a few items)

Welcome to AF. I've been driving a 2500 Avalanche on and off for a year, towing and generl usage. Same mileage. Your shift points do seem late, might want to scan it on a trans function scanner for solenoid info, shift commands and such. General engine performance and tune can also cause somewhat late shifts.

You don't have tow haul engaged do you? This will move your shift points to about where you stated yours is.