First 500 Mi Report

[BillHicks]

My first diesel truck and I really like it. Filled up at 520 mi and got an even 18 mpg hand calculated in mixed city and highway driving. Thanks for all the info you veteran owners post. It has been a big help. I Like everything about this truck and can't wait to pull my trailer to Colorado this fall.



In OD at 70 MPH shows about 1950 RPMS. I drove empty about 30 miles with OD locked out to check out RPMS and the engine turned 2800 RPM at 70 MPH. This seems high to me, but it does put it right at peak HP per the tech info. The gas mileage dropped to 14 MPG and the engine temp increased about the width of the needle. Hopefully the Dodge and Cummins engineers have it all figured out. My trailer only weighs about 5,000 LB so I probably can tow in OD on flat terrain.



Thanks again for your posts and did I say I love this truck?

 

[Sticks]

Congratulations on your new baby, and welcome to the TDR. The best $35 you are ever going to spend in your life.



Towing in the mountains of CO, you will be right in the correct RPM range for some of the steeper hills, and tighter curves out of OD. On the flats you should be OK, but you should get an EGT gauge just in case.

 

[BillHicks]

Thanks, sticks



I am a pretty conservative driver and will be towing at less than 70 MPH most of the time, so OD off should not be a problem. Havn't decided on gages yet, but will research them. Thanks for the suggestion.