Is this Reasonable mpg out of a 2500??

[CRuD]

Doc Tinker that is.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'm reading, CRuD



I've said my penny's worth and even appologized to the member who's full of crap.



Doc

 

[ANCIENT WOOD]

Did your prospective seller take into consideration the difference in the speedometer from the 35" tires? That would bring the mpg down to a more realistic number, although it would still be good.

 

[BigDaddy]

I don't think so.

I am getting 17MPG @ 75MPH with stock, tires and injectors.



Even with the larger tires and injectors (some say the 275s improve MPG), I can't see him getting 24MPG with a 4. 10



However, since he is a fellow TDR brethren there may be some possibilities:



1. He never drives over 55MPH (I doubt it)

2. Speedo is uncorrected for those tires (Could be)

and

3. He is relying on the worthless trip computer (Which he should know is unreliable since he is a member).



How about approaching him and asking him to check it out? If it gets 24MPG (real fuel and numbers, no computer) you will give him his asking price. If not, he reduces the price by $1K of every 1MPG below 24MPG

 

[SteveH]

dang, maybe it's just living up here at altitude and cold but these mileage figures are REALLY high for what people up here get with the 24 valves. 15 is considered good by most up here and even the 5 star Dodge business says about 15mpg is all you can expect even with 3. 54's.

 

[TxDieselKid]

here at sea level...

Originally posted by Steve H

dang, maybe it's just living up here at altitude and cold but these mileage figures are REALLY high for what people up here get with the 24 valves. 15 is considered good by most up here and even the 5 star Dodge business says about 15mpg is all you can expect even with 3. 54's.

Well down here in Houston TX, abuot 75 feet above sea level, I get 16, and my truck is no where near broken in. I got 19 on a tank this weekend going to Dallas. The dealers say about 20 is what to expect.



AJB

 

[Diesel Boy]

If he is lying about his milage what else is he stretching the truth about. Find another truck.

 

[LAV25]

I doubt he is lying he was pretty straight up when speaking to him on the phone. He did mention that he just put the wheels and tires on not too long ago. He also commented that he doesnt drive very far on a regular basis so to him good gas milage is a moot point. He was looking to build a "BOMBED" truck that could smoke PowerStrokes at a local race track and get some off the line at stop lights.



I just wanted to get a more accurate estimate from people who have the trucks and do pay attention to what milage they get. I am in the market for a 5spd with 3. 54/55 rear short bed, which would suite my needs of towing no more than 6K about a dozen times a year and to get me to and from work (80miles) a day, and still be comfortable. I saw this truck and I really liked it alot, and am considering getting it if I can get his bank to allow me to see it. (Got repoed).



I thank all you guys for your inputs and am taking them all into consideration and am glad I joined the TDR to get educated on these issues.



Anyone have anything else to add?

 

[Jetson]

Anything else to add...

The 4x4's seem to average 1. 5 mpg less than the 4x2's due to the extra weight. Of course the dang 12v's get better mileage than the 24v's. So a '98 (not '98. 5) 4x2 with a manual trans would be the newest truck with the best mileage.

 

[NVR FNSH]

The best mpg I've seen in my truck is 17mpg - I'm averaging 15. 70 mpg city/hwy. I don't usually drive for mileage. My truck is a '00 2500 4wd 6spd 4. 10s with VA box & 315/75R16 tires (~35"). Other than the VA & tires the truck is totally stock. And yes, I corrected for the tires - 5% difference between the speedo & my GPS. I've got 31k miles on my truck.



Brian

 

[SteveH]

Re: here at sea level...

Originally posted by TxDieselKid





Well down here in Houston TX, abuot 75 feet above sea level, I get 16, and my truck is no where near broken in. I got 19 on a tank this weekend going to Dallas. The dealers say about 20 is what to expect.



AJB

Hi TxDieselKid,

If the turbo is doing its job the altitude is a mute point, I used the altitude phrase facetiously. I drive a thousand miles or so a year in the Houston area and see no difference in mileage there and up here at over a mile in altitude where we drive. Point was that I have never talked to anyone or know of anyone who has talked to anyone that has actually gotten over 15 mpg in the 24 valve in a 1 ton or 3/4 ton and this is really Dodge country. (not saying it couldn't happen) Just trying to give the guy who posted the thread an honest post.

Steve H.

 

[DHatfield]

I find that very hard to believe being able to get 24 MPG out of a 4x4, 4:10 geared auto. My truck is a 3/4 ton, 4x4 stock tires, 6-speed and 3:54 gear and I drive very easy on the throttle (kinda like your old grandma) and you can ask anybody that knows how I drive and the most I have ever got was 22 MPG, but mostly I get 19-21 MPG. But if I use the computer for my mileage I am getting 24-26 MPG , but I don't think so.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Well gang, the guy may very well NOT be strokin' anyone. I've made no secret on this site (under my old name before we changed) that I've been religiously getting over 20 mpg with the same set up he has. Only diff is I've got the VA box but no 275 hp injectors. With 255 size tires, VA, and the same identical truck, I've gotten as high as 23 mpg on hwy, cruising at between 60 and 65, adjusted for the tire size.



YES, I am using real gallons and adjusted mileage figures taking into account the tires. AND since I recalibrate the puter each time I change tires (this seems to work---) the puter is close to the same figures I am getting using my own calculations.



My only other comments are these:

1. WITHOUT THE VA, MY MPG IS ABOUT 15 HWY. No kiddin. No VA, I'd dump the truck-that big of a difference (not saying other things like Edge and stuff don't work, I just don't have one-and happen to have the VA)



2. Just because your rig isn't getting that kind of mpg doesn't mean the seller is full of s---. Granted, it would seem we are the exception and not the norm. However, my experience driving "normally" with the VA and tall skinny tires shows that in my case, I can do over 20 easily. Switch to 285s, mpg drops a mile or two per gallon. No VA, well... ..... get out the wallet.



fwiw and my . 02 that I can't afford (thanks to a sneaky broker. . )

 

[Doc Tinker]

Rogue Ram



Do you use a boost module and wastegate elbow?



Doc

 

[SteveH]

hey Rogue Ram,

Would appreciate knowing a little more on the VA, whatever that is. My brother would sure appreciate knowing how to improve his mileage on his 2001. If you could, e-mail me at -- email address removed -- with what you have set-up, where to get the VA, etc, etc. and whatever else you have done to get that kind of mileage. Thanks,

Steve H

 

[sdalton]

I too cant believe the 24 mpg story with 4. 10's and 35's on a 4x4. I can say that high milage can be attained through speeds below 70 mph and 3. 54 gears. I have gotten around 18. 5 mpg on the last three tankfuls. this is half city and half HWY. I easily get 24mpg on the highway, driving at 75 mph.

High milage can be had, but it is usually had at a slow speed on the highway.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Long reply...

Nope, no boost module nor elbow. Just a K & N air filter.



I didn't set out on a mission to get this MPG..... but I was P---ed off big time over the rotten mileage I was getting, and the complete lack of power in the stock configuration. Stupid thing wouldn't pull itself out of a mud puddle... ... . it was that bad.



I decided that before I went back to the Powerstroke (22 mpg, and pulled circles around this thing), I would first attempt to resolve my issues with the dealership. LESSON #1: If you want your engine looked at by professionals, TAKE IT TO CUMMINS. I went round n round n round over this..... hearing the same old crap about how this is how all Cummins powered rigs are. Well, I knew better. Finally got DC to ok this thing being dyno'd and they'd pay for it. WELL... ... . I ended up looking like the proverbial jackass... ..... as it dyno'd out to 201 HP--the RPMs escape me at the moment.



So, what to do? Was dumping the thing, when 18-11-99 came along. YAHOOOO. It wasn't the best thing since sliced bread, but it worked somewhat. MPG went way up, as did the pulling power. But still couldn't hold a candle to my 95 Powerstroke. Then, I spent lots of time on this site, and decided for stealth purposes the VA box would be the way to go: power and stealth. Wanted to keep my warranty. And for all those who take issue with stealth vs. warranty issues, well, I/WE paid big money for a vehicle that should do what it is advertised to do, which is to pull heavy objects appropriately--I define "appropriately" as meaning my measly 22' travel trailer should go up our grades here in Oregon at the speed limit, if not well above..... and not drain my fuel tank. My Powerstroke would do it..... the Cummins is the better engine, so what the hay?



Got a VA from Ted J (paid too much, but so what, we paid too much for the truck in the first place ) and I have never looked back (BACK=BACK AT THE POWERSTROKES TRYING TO CATCH ME GOING UP THEM THAR GRADES ) No, the VA is not the "big answer"... . from what I see lots of progress has been made, and there are other products yall have that probably work as well if not better.



Bottom line, is for me, this VA made the diff between me dumping the Ram and going back to the Powerstoke. Why did I sell the Phord? Hmmmm... . after they dropped the engine on the truck (no kiddin. . hoist broke), after they couldn't fix the oil leaks, and after the trans was going, I figured Dodge hadda be better, and I liked the quad cab/short bed combo, especially with the Cummins.



Sorry for the long posting.



Rogue

 

[Doc Tinker]

Rogue Ram



The reason I asked, is because I'm trying to break the 20mpg (unloaded) bearier too. I have the 275 injectors and a Power Puck (aka Torque Dog). I recently removed the boost elbow and a backyard boost module. I haven't driven it enough to see a change in mpg yet, but the needle seems to drop slower. Your combination is probably what the mpg seekers want.



My truck seems to have enough power for my satisfaction without the boost module and elbow and there is a lot less smoke now.



Doc

 

[RonaldLarson]

Dumb question

Is that mileage figure corrected for the tall tires? I averaged 20. 7 on our trip to Sacramento with cruise set at 70. I have 265/75's and 3. 54's. Engine not yet broken in.

Ron

 

[Okie-Go]

hard to believe

I find it hard to believe he got that high mpg. I have 6 spd and 3. 54 and best to date is 21. 5. That was a 1000 mile trip on the interstate at 70-75. I now have 275 injectors so will have to check the mileage again. I just got back with 12,100 lbs of wood.