2017 3500 DRW Behaviours, what can I expect?

[HookMeUp]

Currently own the truck in my signature, it's been a great tow vehicle but can't stand the fuel mileage both empty and towing our 5th wheel. Currently looking at a 2017 3500 DRW bighorn with the aisin transmission and 4.11 gears and auto level suspension. Is this going to be worse on fuel, stay the same, or be worse? Currently getting 8mpg towing, 9mpg around town, and 14 highway. Current owners out there what are your impressions?

 

[gsbrockman]

The 2013 & newer DEF trucks are much more fuel efficient, more so towing, than the 2007.5 through 2012 trucks.

 

[ckkoch09]

My 2014 3500 drw 4:10 set up doesn't do very well on fuel at all. I get around 14 hwy and stays in the 12-13 range most of the time due to traffic and things. I have cruised down flat freeways at 60 mph and got 15.7 but have never got over that. I average 8 towing my living quarters horse trailer. I was told when I bought mine to expect 15 hwy so they were pretty close. I really don't mind the mileage because the power is incredible and I bought the truck to work.

 

[Cummins12V98]

If your combined is 28-29K I HIGHLY advise the AISIN with 3.42's.

Running aroundI get 13 or so and freeway 15 at 70, 16 at 60. Towing 9 all conditions average West coast at 60mph.

My combined is 33-35K so the 4.10's are the way to go for me. 29K or under I would go 3.42's, I did so with my 11 HO at that weight.

Be sure to get the factory rear air!!!

 

[HookMeUp]

After reading posts and comments on this thread, decided the 4.10's would be overkill. So I bought a 2018 3500 Laramie DRW with Aisin and 3.42 gears. and got a better deal than on the 2017. Get to pick it on Tuesday. I need to get a set of side steps, wife has a hard time getting in. Anyone know the factory part number for the extended length steps?

 

[Cummins12V98]

After reading posts and comments on this thread, decided the 4.10's would be overkill. So I bought a 2018 3500 Laramie DRW with Aisin and 3.42 gears. and got a better deal than on the 2017. Get to pick it on Tuesday. I need to get a set of side steps, wife has a hard time getting in. Anyone know the factory part number for the extended length steps?

You should negotiate the deal with the steps!

Good call on the 3.42's!!! Report you mileage after a few tanks.

When I bought my 11 and stated on here I was towing 28K combined people went NUTS! It proved to work welling all but one area. The 68RFE has taller starting gears than the AISIN so I always took it easy off the line then hammered it once it was rolling. So the AISIN is the secret to towing heavy with 3.42's and getting better solo mileage.

 

[CLynch]

I have basically the same truck. Less than 4000mi and getting around 15mpg empty. Not bad considering I was getting 16mpg on the '06 5.9l SRW. I expect it will go up with mileage.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have basically the same truck. Less than 4000mi and getting around 15mpg empty. Not bad considering I was getting 16mpg on the '06 5.9l SRW. I expect it will go up with mileage.

Fill in your public signature. Gear ratio and ???

 

[Dieselnerd]

I get a pretty consistent 15 mpg at 65 mph with my Lance camper on the truck. Towing my 15K trailer it varies a lot depending on the wind, hills etc. Towing my trailer from MN to AZ my actual calculated mileage for the whole trip this year was 9.2 mpg. I rarely tow over 65 mph.

Empty, using it as my transportation when I'm in AZ for the winter, I still only get 15-16 mpg.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Not calling anyone a liar but these MPG numbers with a 13 and newer AISIN 4.10 Dually combo are just WAY over the top!

How about filling the tank to the TOP over several tanks and different wind/temp conditions and report back.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Check out the Amp retractable steps. Plug and play installation now.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Not calling anyone a liar but these MPG numbers with a 13 and newer AISIN 4.10 Dually combo are just WAY over the top!

How about filling the tank to the TOP over several tanks and different wind/temp conditions and report back.

So the actual amount of fuel I used to drive to AZ is way over the top for mileage? I don't have a lead foot and I don't lie.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Dieselnerd are you talking Camper or Canopy? Canopy I believe 15.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Dieselnerd are you talking Camper or Canopy? Canopy I believe 15.

Camper in my signature.

Almost all flatlands in MN. This is my summer RV used for fishing and camping around home. Believe what you want...doesn't matter to me.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Camper in my signature.

Almost all flatlands in MN. This is my summer RV used for fishing and camping around home. Believe what you want...doesn't matter to me.

Like I said NOT calling you a liar so you must have gotten a GOOD one!

With your 15K MAX 5er in tow getting 9.2 is what I would expect if towing at 65.

 

[6V92TA]

which subject is any less objective than motor oil threads? I generally think Fuel Economy as being one of those. think there are any variable to consider in this one? LOL

 

[SnoKing]

which subject is any less objective than motor oil threads? I generally think Fuel Economy as being one of those. think there are any variable to consider in this one? LOL

After a 6V92TA Detroit diesel just about everything gets better mileage.

 

[6V92TA]

After a 6V92TA Detroit diesel just about everything gets better mileage.

True Dat. fuel sucking pigs that they were. I wonder how many others on this forum even know what they looked like?

 

[SnoKing]

True Dat. fuel sucking pigs that they were. I wonder how many others on this forum even know what they looked like?

When I was about 16 we put a 6-71 in our Sea Scout ex Coast Guard 38' picket. From 76 to 79 I drove a Titan 90 Chevy with 350 8-71.

 

[6V92TA]

When I was about 16 we put a 6-71 in our Sea Scout ex Coast Guard 38' picket. From 76 to 79 I drove a Titan 90 Chevy with 350 8-71.

I don't know what I spent more time repairing, 6v92's or L10's. back in the day when I ran a dyno it was 90% 6V92's and 10% 8V71. chose my screen name figuring no one on what amounts to a Cummins forum had used 6V92' as a name. friend of mine has an old Navy 33 foot utility boat, came with a 4-53, but I helped him repower it with a 6V53T. it will run now.. think it will do 33 knots ( along with the hull work)