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Pickups Dodge Ram 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
This is the place to discuss (or even brag about) the mileage performance of your Ram pickup!
My friend from work just got an '09 Ram Quad Cab. He bought it on a Friday and the following Wednesday, he was heading to Tennessee. He didn't really pay attention to economy during the trip there, but he did pay attention when he filled up in Louisville, KY during his return trip to Michigan. When he arrived back in Detroit, he had the cruise on 95% of the time at 75mph and according to his fuel economy computer, he averaged 21.4mpg. Coincidentally, when he filled up in Louisville, he dte (distance to empty) read 534 miles upon departure. He can't wait to hit the road again and limit his speed to 65mph. He may get 23mpg or close to it. How's that for MDS? He has nothing over the bed of the truck either, and he's got 20" aluminum wheels and the trailer tow package. He also stated that he had his front windows cracked for ventilation, blower set on low and the rear power sliding window was open. Nothing in the bed of the truck and no passengers. I thought it was impressive! My 2001 Grand Caravan ES with a 3.3L engine at 75mph won't get that kind of economy. That 5 speed automatic in the Ram helps too. 70mph he said he's turning 1600 mph which is excellent. (3.55 axle ratio).
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I bought this 2007 MegaCab 1500 new and have driven it very conservatively since owning it. I run full synthetic 5w-30 in it and premium fuel. I keep the tires inflated to 70PSI. Well, let's just say that I won't be winning any Eco awards. My average city mileage has been between 8-10MPG and my highway mileage has been between 14-16MPG. I will say that this is a extremely heavy pickup though. Empty, the truck weighs just over 6500lbs with no one in it. It runs great, lots of power, but wow it's one thirsty beast.
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Replying to: inuvik (May 04, 2009 9:58 pm)
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Replying to: fueledup (May 05, 2009 1:16 pm) Ski in TX
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| 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! | |
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Replying to: stanoski (May 05, 2009 2:15 pm) kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
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Replying to: kcram (May 06, 2009 5:58 pm) |
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Replying to: stanoski (Apr 15, 2009 5:19 am) 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.
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Replying to: majefski (May 30, 2009 9:15 am) 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
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Replying to: stanoski (May 31, 2009 4:33 am) 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. |
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