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Dodge Ram Real World MPG Numbers

282 messages,  Last post on Sep 27, 2009 at 10:21 PM

You are in the Dodge Ram Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Fuel System, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck

This is the place to discuss (or even brag about) the mileage performance of your Ram pickup!

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#273 of 282 Re: 2007 1500 MegaCab 5.7 Hemi Non-MDS [fueledup] by stanoski May 05, 2009 (2:15 pm)
Replying to: fueledup (May 05, 2009 1:16 pm) I might have missed part of the conversation but from what I understand, ALL HEMI 5.7 engines made for the 2007 truck year were MDS. I believe the MDS 5.7 HEMI started with the 2006 truck year.   Ski in TX Replies to this message: kcram (May 06, 2009 5:58 pm) inuvik (May 08, 2009 12:22 am)
#274 of 282 2001 dodge 1500 quad cab 2x4 base model 5.2l mpg by mboemmels May 06, 2009 (7:50 am)
I get 16 unloaded on fwy trips keeping within 65-75mph 14 around town mixed driving and 13fwy loaded with 4k lbs and 10-11mpg same load around town w/some fwy mixed driving for my firewood delivery business. this is common mileage (terrible). every smog tech will tell you the dodge trucks especially 5.2 is fuel rich across the board and falls in the middle to high polution range even when fully tuned up. there is a resistor that some guys put on the air flow sensor to trick it into thinking it's even richer so it leans it out a bit and then that improves mileage by 3-5mpg and still keeping it rich enough to maintain reliability. I think the air sensor is a piece of junk so an aftermarket on or this resistor would probably be a big help mpg wise. why doesn't someone take one of these trucks and make an entire package that will give you the most hp with the best economy for a grand or less! I'm talking, chip, air system, lubrication, thermostat, plugs, wires, and muffler or exhaust recommendation with a switch in cab for different driving situations. I select tow and bam! richens the fuel and changes timing and shift points to get more power and driveabilty then drop the trailer and hit fwy setting to lean it out and advance timing for speed and mileage. they only sold about 300000 of these vehicles from 97 to 02 I belive so you could make some decent cash on that!
#275 of 282 Re: 2007 1500 MegaCab 5.7 Hemi Non-MDS [stanoski] by kcram HOST May 06, 2009 (5:58 pm)
Replying to: stanoski (May 05, 2009 2:15 pm) The 1500 MegaCab is really a 2500 with a "1" on the door instead of a "2". The HD trucks did not use MDS, thus the 1500 Mega did not either.   kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host Replies to this message: inuvik (May 08, 2009 12:22 am)
#276 of 282 Re: 2007 1500 MegaCab 5.7 Hemi Non-MDS [kcram] by inuvik May 08, 2009 (12:22 am)
Replying to: kcram (May 06, 2009 5:58 pm) You are absolutely correct. The MegaCab 1500 5.7 Hemi was the only model not to have the MDS as a option. I don't see too many of these beasts running around.
#277 of 282 Re: MDS Light on when working?? [stanoski] by majefski May 30, 2009 (9:15 am)
Replying to: stanoski (Apr 15, 2009 5:19 am) I can't confirn that the 2009 has a light showing when MDS is activated, but I can tell you that I added aftermarket exhaust to my 06 MDS and am now able to tell when MDS is activated. I made several runs from Houston to Dallas averaging over 20 MPG (one time, I averaged 23.9MPG). On a recent run to Waco from Houston (200 mile round trip) I averaged 21MPG on the way up and averaged 17.3 on the way back towing an auto-hauler trailer with a 300zx on the back with an extra set of wheels and spare parts in the bed (combined weight of around 6,000 - 7,000lbs). Normally I run about 16-18 in town though. The exhaust definitely made a difference though as I could tailor my driving habits to maximize the MDS feature. Sometimes I could drive 70+ and keep it in 4cyl mode, and sometime I could only drive 65. It all depended on wind resistance. But knowing when it was activated was the key. I would never have known without the exhaust. Also, I'd like to add something else. Aftermarket companies like to say that their products give more power and better fuel economy (and in some cases they do...), but I'd like to share my experiences. I've added a K&N filter, aftermarket exhaust, a Diablosport Predator programmer, and Royal Purple oil to my 06 Ram. Of all the changes I've made, the switch to Royal Purple oil made the greatest difference and was the cheapest. I gained between 3-4 MPG with the new oil. I know Royal Purple oil isn't cheap, but at least here in Texas, when you use RP, you get the first oil change and pay full price (around $90). They set your next oil change at 5,000 miles. When you come in 5,000 miles later for your next oil change, they change the filter only, reset the oil for another 5,000 miles, and charge you ONLY for any oil they have to replace due to engine usage. I haven't had to pay any additional during the second oil change yet in over 30,000 miles. So if you do the math, it all equals out to less than $30 per standard cheap oil change... plus, it adds to your MPG. I have a buddy with a new Challenger SRT8 that told me the same thing. He added RP oil and added around 4 MPG. I'm sure there are other high-quality oils that may give you even better MPG, but RP's oil change program made it the best value for me. Replies to this message: stanoski (May 31, 2009 4:33 am) majefski (May 31, 2009 6:55 am)
#278 of 282 Re: MDS Light on when working?? [majefski] by stanoski May 31, 2009 (4:33 am)
Replying to: majefski (May 30, 2009 9:15 am) Thanks Majefski, this is helpful. I average about 14 mph lately (hway and city combined) and I drive like and old lady which is sad to do when you have a HEMI under the hood. I sure would like to get over 17 MPG on average. I changed to synthetic oil (not royal purple) and have put in a K&N air filter is all. Didn't notice any changes in MPG or maybe? 1 at most on average. I'm running syn Kendahl right now but was with Mobil 1 before that. Not sure if Royal Purple is the ticket or not to increase MPG a few more??? Maybe thats the next step. Don't really want to mess the computer or exhaust at this time but if I did, what you would you suggest??   Ive noticed when I run the AC alot, mileage decreases by 1 MPG or so and when I run just regular gas (as opposed to mid-range) the mileage also decreases by about 1 MPG or so. No other issues with my RAM. Runs good and has been reliable.   Ski in TX Replies to this message: majefski (May 31, 2009 6:55 am)
#279 of 282 Re: MDS Light on when working?? [stanoski] by majefski May 31, 2009 (6:55 am)
Replying to: stanoski (May 31, 2009 4:33 am) If you're really that concerned with mileage, I'm not sure you'll ever really break even on the computer or the exhaust. I put on the exhaust primarily for the sound of it, and the programmer for the HP boost. If you go with exhaust, please heed this warning. I first had my exhaust dumped behind the cab, and figured out real fast that it was a mistake. I loved it on my F150, and it was great in 8 cyl mode...but when the MDS kicked on in the Dodge, it felt like the cab was vibrating apart, and sounded like a big rig with his exhaust brake on. I went with a Flowmaster 40 and had them run the pipes all the way out the back. Now an hear when MDS turns on and it's not obnoxious. I also noticed that on my 06 Ram, it specifically says not to run anything less than 89 in it. I have been running 93 in it since day one. if you run a low-grade octane, the engine computer has to compensate in such a way that you lose HP, efficiency, and could end up with engine deposits over time with the cooler burning fuel. I realize that higher grade fuel costs more, but it has the ability to give higher MPG also. Remember, the higher octane you run, the less your engine has to work to hold you at speed (because your engine is now producing more power). This translates into lighter pedal pressure, which means your MDS stays on longer. Is it cheaper? Who knows... I pay more for gas, and I get more MPG... All I know is that I like my numbers. Also, 93 octane was easier to get during the hurricane than 87 was. It was hard to tell if the programmer did anything for mileage, because I added the programmer and a new very aggressive set of A/T tires on almost at the same time. So, I'm sure the tires hurt my MPG, and the programmer probably helped a little. I'm running about the same mileage I was before the programmer and tire change. I should also point out that my Ram is 2WD. I will say for the programmer though... WOW!!! The throttle response was great. I'm still a little unsure of the shifting though. It felt a little strange to me at first, then a new program was introduced which made shifting a bit more pleasant. At full throttle, I can get 2nd gear chirps with those new heavier meaty tires. I would've melted my stock tires.
#280 of 282 Re: 2009 Ram SLT 4x4 1500 with a HEMI [mek0123] by alansteven Jun 27, 2009 (11:15 pm)
Replying to: mek0123 (Apr 29, 2009 10:09 pm) hi.. i own a Ram 1500 4.7 Quad cab ,black,( 2002) I live in Kent U.K...it`s impressive results from the new Ram...although the difference in engine size ,I get a regular economy figure of 18-20mpg,with 3-5 passengers. I think U.K.gallons are measured slightly larger than U.S. gallons but as the Ram is a direct import I think it still is configured to U.S. gallons making it even more impressive. I also have a fibre cover that also adds to economy.What with build quality and being very reliable,with easy importable spares, I can order spares on the phone and they normally arrive in two working days,and forums like this ,owning an American car in the U.K. is a better deal than a "British car" (do we still have any?).I owned a import Ford Explorer for 10 yrs before,and it did not let me down once in 175000.00.miles..
#281 of 282 2009 RAM Quad 4x4 Gas Mileage by morganv Sep 26, 2009 (10:40 am)
wE finally traded in our 2003 RAM in january for a 2009 same thing except this ones a 4x4 laramie. we just turned 14,000 after 9 months and already we can see this trucks doing better than the 03. around town i'm averaging 16-17 with some weeks getting in the high 17s. weve taken it on several road trips and averaged 22.4 on the last trip of 635 miles. thats driving between 65-75 mph by the way. on one trip pulling a single horse trailer i got 19.2 on country roads. the 2003 best was just over 20 on the highway. this 2009 is one sweet truck. it rides better than any of our ford or lincoln cars and handles better too. if we didn't need a one ton truck on the farm wed buy another 1500!!! Replies to this message: alansteven (Sep 27, 2009 10:21 pm)
#282 of 282 Re: 2009 RAM Quad 4x4 Gas Mileage [morganv] by alansteven Sep 27, 2009 (10:21 pm)
Replying to: morganv (Sep 26, 2009 10:40 am) I run a 1500spt..2002..4.7..as a rule I normally get around 14mpg around town and about 18-20mpg on a run.that does sound very impressive ..with gas in the U.K. at approx $10.00 a gallon it would be a good idea to upgrade..luckily my annual mileage is only 9,000mls..the reliability and build quality of U.S. motors make buying them a good option over rice burners(am I allowed to say that.?)....

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