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Dodge Ram Real World MPG Numbers

284 messages,  Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 6:28 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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#212 of 284
Re: 99 Ram 3500 CTD 4WD with 3.55 gears and OD trans [kipk] by lss2
Dec 16, 2007 (4:15 pm)
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Replying to: kipk (Dec 16, 2007 12:34 am)

Kip,
 
It is a Ram 1500, 2 wd, 4 doors with the SLT trim and the 4.7. I’m not towing or hauling anything. It’s just me riding to the shop and then around town doing errands and I weigh 150lbs.
 
Before the Ram I had a 96 F-150 6 cylinder and I would get around 15 - 17 city. On my way home from the dealer I was getting 18 – 19 on the highway running 65 – 70 in the Ram.
 
I’m driving like my Grandpa and can’t break the 9.0 level.
  
Thanks,
lss
#213 of 284
Re: 99 Ram 3500 CTD 4WD with 3.55 gears and OD trans [lss2] by kipk
Dec 17, 2007 (7:08 am)
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Replying to: lss2 (Dec 16, 2007 4:15 pm)

The 03 Ram 4 door will be a bit heavier than the Ford, and the 4.7 will tend to burn a bit more gas than the 6 cyl Ford did. However, to be getting only HALF the mileage under similar "CITY" conditions spells something wrong with the Ram or the way it is driven. Strange that your highway mileage seems to bee pretty much on target.
 
Try a super light throttle on those moving away from stops and try coasting to the stops while using as little brake as possible.
 
If that doesn't help, maybe the dealer can find a reason.
 
Kip
#214 of 284
Re: mileage dropped from 14 to 9mpg (05 hemi) [badd63] by papertape
Dec 17, 2007 (4:55 pm)
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Replying to: badd63 (Sep 26, 2007 8:51 pm)

Broke something. There are some that will do it deliberately just to generate repeat business. However, most often it is inadvertent. Easy to break a coil wire or crack a vacuum line when just moving it to access something behind it.
Or even a fuel line. I have fuel economy problems that were as simple as a fuel leak. If you can smell gas, you have a leak. I could write a story about how hard they can be to find.
Or forget to connect - or properly reconnect - some sensor wiring. If is is connected to the wrong place, tracing it out against the factory manual may be required. Or maybe knock something loose accidently. I know - have done it to myself more than once. A USAF electronics tech I worked with many years ago used to say, "Just look where the last GI screwed up." Or something like that.
He fixed a lot a problems.
Rule #1 for trouble shooting - Make a GOOD inspection. This includes GENTLY tugging on connections in addition to visual. Key word is gently. Too much enthusiasm and you will generate way more problems that you fix.
 
I understand that many new computer control modules need to be re programed in the field. If the wrong firmware was loaded, it could possible the computer thinks you have a 6 cylinder. If no firmware was field loaded, it is likely running factory test software. Find out what version(s) of firmware should be loaded, than have a shop (different shop, of course) read the software load version for you. Compare the two yourself.
If you just ask, "Do I have firmware load XYZ?" a lot of people will say, "Yup" because they have no clue how to read it out or just don't want to bother..
 
Also, some of the toughest problems I have encountered have multiple causes for the same symptom(s). Don't stop your inspection just because you find something. Check everything - twice!
 
Rule#2 check power. If the first computer was diagnosed as bad, it may have been operating incorrectly because it had bad power. I have fixed a lot of electrical problems over 50+ years by merely cleaning the battery connection. A shop can not charge enough to afford to stay in business cleaning connections, so they sell you a battery or computer. I would replace the battery cables with the best quality ones I could find before I spent anymore on aftermarket fuel economy upgrades.
 
Hope this helps.
#215 of 284
Cummins V6.... by truckie4life
Dec 19, 2007 (6:38 pm)
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I was looking at buying a 4WD Ram 2500 with the Cummins V6. What is everyone getting for mpg?
#216 of 284
1998 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 5.9L Auto by 98ddgram1500
Dec 20, 2007 (12:00 pm)
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1998 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 5.9L Auto
Stock gearing.
I get 10.9 City using 87 octane. No mods to the engine with 265/75/16 tires.
I never drive on the highway since my work commute is 10 miles from my house. We got some snow the other day and driving with 4x4 100% of the distance to where I was going only affected the overall MPG by .2MPG. But that might be due to driving slower and with caution. I love the truck aside from its DodgeISMs. Bad steering and bad transmission (knock on wood my tranny is still working fine). I am going to get a DSS steering kit to fix the trackbar issue. See this site: http://www.solidsteel.biz/tbk.htm
 
#219 of 284
Re: 97 dodge ram 1500 fuel milage [rangersgoalie] by madjack00
Dec 26, 2007 (6:01 am)
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Replying to: rangersgoalie (Jan 02, 2005 4:23 pm)

I am in denver and have an 03 5.9 2dr short bed automatic 2whl dr. I use 85 octane and get a consistent 14mpg city. I found my 5.9 runs best on bosch platinum 4 plugs. I have gone to a K&N filter and use mobile 1 full synthetic oil. I feel it does well considering the altitude.
#220 of 284
Re: 97 dodge ram 1500 fuel milage [madjack00] by 98ddgram1500
Dec 26, 2007 (7:06 am)
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Replying to: madjack00 (Dec 26, 2007 6:01 am)

Wow, thats fantastic. You have the stock sized tires? Asking because maybe your speedo is off and might be the reason for getting such good city MPG. the K&N doesn't do anything unless you are WOT, also heard that the oil based filters are bad for the O2 sensor over a period of time.
I get 10.9MPG (city) with my 98 RAM 1500 5.9 automatic 4x4 Quad Cab (245/75/16) with a bed cover. No other mods to the engine.
 
I will have to try those plugs on its soon to happen tune up.
#221 of 284
Re: 97 dodge ram 1500 fuel milage [98ddgram1500] by 98ddgram1500
Dec 26, 2007 (10:49 am)
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Replying to: 98ddgram1500 (Dec 26, 2007 7:06 am)

I use hard numbers as you call it.
Correction to my last message. I get 10.5MPG with the tonneau and 10.9MPG without it.
The "Saves Gas" is a sales pitch with tonneau covers, and its false. Its been proven by mythbusters TWICE that they DO NOT help your MPG, they actually make it worse. The best way to go was the mesh airgate thing, but its too tacky to use, then second best was with the tailgate UP.
the Tonneaus and the tailgate down or off were the worst ways, so put those gates back up. I use the Tonneau because of the New England snow/rain, but roll it up otherwise.

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