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Still another MPG question.
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I have a 2001. 5 QC 4x4 LB Auto 3. 54 everything but leather, just turned 3500 miles.
First tank averaged a little better than 15. Last tank was around 17. 5. My driving is about 60% highway @ 70 to 75 mph, 20% highway in congested traffic 0 to 50 mph and about 20% town driving.
Engine sounds different than it did when new and it revs a bit more freely.
I hope it will get close to 20 mpg someday; however, I can live with 17. 5. My *ord F150 gasser w 351 and Ranger with 4. 0 both average about 17. 5 and I like driving the Ram A LOT more. 17. 5 is pretty good for a 6900 pound truck.
Dave D
First tank averaged a little better than 15. Last tank was around 17. 5. My driving is about 60% highway @ 70 to 75 mph, 20% highway in congested traffic 0 to 50 mph and about 20% town driving.
Engine sounds different than it did when new and it revs a bit more freely.
I hope it will get close to 20 mpg someday; however, I can live with 17. 5. My *ord F150 gasser w 351 and Ranger with 4. 0 both average about 17. 5 and I like driving the Ram A LOT more. 17. 5 is pretty good for a 6900 pound truck.
Dave D
I average 17. 0 (calculated manually). 65% Highway at about 70 m. p. h. and 35% city/suburban. The trip computer always shows 19-20 m. p. g. so don't use that. No modifications or reflashes. I run very light most of the time.
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99 QC SB 4x4 Auto
Factory Ordered
Most Options
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99 QC SB 4x4 Auto
Factory Ordered
Most Options
I have good news..... well, sort of.
I have 3. 54 gears in my 99 2500 5 speed. The truck will be 2 years old on October 10 of this year. I just turned over 96,000 miles this weekend (not a misprint).
Granted, my truck is "only" a 2500 and it is a 5 speed, but it is also 4wd as well. When I first started driving it, I was getting 17-18 mpg in the summer and 15-17 winter.
Around 60,000 miles, it seems like that engine settled in for the long haul. I am seeing 21-24 mpg at the pump now - depending on the driving. I drive mostly highway, at a crusing speed of 68 mph. That equates to 1900 RPM in 5th gear.
Hang in there, run that engine hard for a while, get it broken in, then laugh at the gassers getting 12 mpg.
I have 3. 54 gears in my 99 2500 5 speed. The truck will be 2 years old on October 10 of this year. I just turned over 96,000 miles this weekend (not a misprint).
Granted, my truck is "only" a 2500 and it is a 5 speed, but it is also 4wd as well. When I first started driving it, I was getting 17-18 mpg in the summer and 15-17 winter.
Around 60,000 miles, it seems like that engine settled in for the long haul. I am seeing 21-24 mpg at the pump now - depending on the driving. I drive mostly highway, at a crusing speed of 68 mph. That equates to 1900 RPM in 5th gear.
Hang in there, run that engine hard for a while, get it broken in, then laugh at the gassers getting 12 mpg.
My 94 2500 autowith the 3. 54 rearend would get about 18. 5. I just went through my first tank of fuel in my newly aquired 97 5 speed with the 4. 10 rearend and I got 18. 75. That is a combination of city and highway.
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FOR SALE
Big Red" 1994 Ram 2500 Laramie SLT, 12 valve, 2WD, Auto. 140,000 miles Ranch Hand steel brush guard, Scotty Air, silencer ring put back in(wifey said so), Flowmaster muffler, chrome turn down pipe out the side, Velvet ride shackles. See Truck for Sale
<B>MY NEW TOY</b>
1997 Club Cab Dualie
12 valve 5 speed.
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FOR SALE
Big Red" 1994 Ram 2500 Laramie SLT, 12 valve, 2WD, Auto. 140,000 miles Ranch Hand steel brush guard, Scotty Air, silencer ring put back in(wifey said so), Flowmaster muffler, chrome turn down pipe out the side, Velvet ride shackles. See Truck for Sale
<B>MY NEW TOY</b>
1997 Club Cab Dualie
12 valve 5 speed.
I realize that it's not a fair comparison because I use an OD. However, my last tank calulated to 19 mpg for mostly hiway travel at 65 mph. I believe that had I been on a long hiway run, it would have been a bit better.
Though the trip computer may not be always accurate, I find it can be an indicator of both vehicle and driver performance compared to my past experience.
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<font color=#990000>~<font color=#990000> '99 2500 SLT <font color=#990000> ~ QC ~ 4X4 ~ LB ~ Auto ~ 4:10 LSD ~
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> BD E-brake<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> BD Autolock<font color=#00000> *<font color=#990000> Gear Vendor OD<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Jordan Research T-brake <font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Bullhide spray-in Line <font color=#000000>*
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> 2k Komfort 5'er - 9,700 lbs <font color=#000000> *
<font size=-2>... Lookin' for the 'RE' to go in front of my 'TIRED' so's I got more time to Play!... <font size=-1><i>
Though the trip computer may not be always accurate, I find it can be an indicator of both vehicle and driver performance compared to my past experience.
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<font color=#990000>~<font color=#990000> '99 2500 SLT <font color=#990000> ~ QC ~ 4X4 ~ LB ~ Auto ~ 4:10 LSD ~
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> BD E-brake<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> BD Autolock<font color=#00000> *<font color=#990000> Gear Vendor OD<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Jordan Research T-brake <font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Bullhide spray-in Line <font color=#000000>*
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> 2k Komfort 5'er - 9,700 lbs <font color=#000000> *
<font size=-2>... Lookin' for the 'RE' to go in front of my 'TIRED' so's I got more time to Play!... <font size=-1><i>
My truck is an '01 ETH/DEE 4 X 4 with 3. 54s CC long bed. We just made a 2300 mile trip towing a fiver. On state scales we grossed 19K. I generally drove 60, but at times 65. ( along the coast were often slowed considerably) Going south, we stayed on the coast from So. Oregon to San Diego, comming back we went east of the Sierras with elevations to 7K feet. For the entire trip, the mileage was 11. 68 MPG. By comparison, my '93 towing the same trailer generally got 12 MPG.
Vaughn
Vaughn
Hello all,
I just returned from a 3800 mile trip and averaged 18. 63 mpg. This was running anywhere from 70-80 mgh empty under various weather and wind conditions. The truck currently has a little over 5000 miles. I was hoping for better on the highway but the good news is the truck gets about the same mileage in town. The 99 auto that I had did better on the highway but worse in town. Both have 3. 54 gears.
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2001. 5 2500 QC, ETH/DEE, SLT plus, LWB, 4x4, bright white w/agate leather, 3. 54 LSD, camper/trailer tow, 241HD,TT mirrors, BFG 295/75R-16 AT's
I just returned from a 3800 mile trip and averaged 18. 63 mpg. This was running anywhere from 70-80 mgh empty under various weather and wind conditions. The truck currently has a little over 5000 miles. I was hoping for better on the highway but the good news is the truck gets about the same mileage in town. The 99 auto that I had did better on the highway but worse in town. Both have 3. 54 gears.
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2001. 5 2500 QC, ETH/DEE, SLT plus, LWB, 4x4, bright white w/agate leather, 3. 54 LSD, camper/trailer tow, 241HD,TT mirrors, BFG 295/75R-16 AT's
2700-2800? Seems kinda high to get any kind of mileage. My motor never gets past 2500. I usually shift around 1800-2000 depending on the load. If I need to get on it maybe 24-2500. Theres no need to spin it higher than that, unless you need lots of airflow to keep exhaust temps down. IMO
Calculated 18. 9 mpg on last tank unloaded 60% highway, 40% stop & go LA traffic.
Ok maybe I read you wrong & you were saying you kept it in o/d to avoid the high rpms... Either way, I've noticed (and other people's posts seem to indicate) anything over 1800-1900, & the mileage starts dropping very quickly!
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2k, 17k miles, QC, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54,285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), popup cmpr, 9000 lbs. 14. 5-16 mpg. VA, DD1's, PS Boost module, DD Elbow... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), twin turbos, 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita).
#adMore BOMBING to come!!
[This message has been edited by Shortshift (edited 10-05-2000). ]
Okay, here's my "two cents" on the mileage issue. Too many things affect mileage for there to be much point in comparing trucks, in my opinion.
1) Gearing is key, as was pointed out earlier. 3. 54s will do MUCH better than 4. 10s 10% is a conservative estimate.
2) Weight is the next biggest factor. 4x4 trucks weigh more, produce more drive train drag, and cost you fuel mileage -- maybe a consistent 5% premium over what the traction-impaired guys get. But, hey, you KNEW THAT when you ordered your truck! (or, you've been living in a cave... )
3) Aerodynamics affect MPG. Everything you bolt on your truck that isn't stock affects your MPG. This includes grill/brush guards, "nerf bars," "running boards," towing mirrors, bug deflectors, etc. The manufacturer spends big bucks in the wind tunnel to make these trucks as drag-free as possible. The energy required to push one of these "shoe boxes" through the air is incredible, and increases, exponentially, with increases in speed.
4) Driving style plays a big role. The way you accelerate, the way you apply your brakes, the speed you maintain on the interstate -- all play a big factor in MPG. Drive like you've got an egg between the go-pedal and your foot, you'll get better mileage. ('course you won't have any FUN!)
5) Local terrain makes a big difference, as does altitude. Flat-landers at sea level will do MUCH better than folks who live at altitude, in hilly terrain. I live in hilly-as-**** Atlanta. This city sits at 1100 feet, and I spend lots of time in stop'n'go traffic, cursing the fool in front of me. My buddy in Topeka Kansas, commuting into town from his farm (via interstate), is going to do WAY better than me with his truck. It's not rocket science.
6) Tune up your truck! This is something that nobody EVER discusses when the mileage horse is dragged out of the barn, and whips are passed around to the discussion participants. If your mileage sux, and other obvious factors have been taken into consideration, have your valves adjusted. I had mine done at 60,000 and couldn't believe the difference. Turns out my exhaust valves were way loose, and that simple maintenance procedure produced lots more power, and much quicker cool-down times -- with a mileage improvement of 1. 5 per gallon!
Be reasonable in your expectations. These are big, heavy trucks, typically driven pretty hard by most of us. I hear these mid-to-high 20's claims, periodically, and just shake my head. Maybe downhill, with a tailwind, being towed by another vehicle, with your engine turned off... Otherwise, save it!
My truck gets about 11-12 in stop'n'go, short trip, city driving -- the kind of driving that your diesel engine HATES being asked to do. Put her on the highway, poke along at 65 MPG (I'd end up slapping my mother, doing this kind of driving for too long... ) on a cool, calm day, and I could probably milk out, say, 18. 5-19. 0 mpg.
I drive my truck hard on the interstates, usually pushing 75-85 all the time. I think most turbo-pushers drive the same way. If I wanted to poke along at 60, I could'a bought a Ford. (Blech!) My average highway mpg is, therefore, in the range of 17. That's unloaded -- just my toolbox (which is heavy) straddling the bed.
My philosophy is "you pays your money, and makes your choices. " Drive like a 90 year old grandma, on billiard table flat real estate, for long distances and long periods of time -- you'll win the "bragging rights," mileage hero award. Big deal. Over the life of your truck, you'll save, what, a thousand bucks in fuel expenses... ?
Meanwhile, us idiots will be blowing your doors off with ecstatic grins on our faces. Yes, that's my tail lights and $200, custom-bent, (un-aerodynamic) stainless steel mudflaps, pulling away from you at near the speed of sound!
Life is short. Tune your truck up, maintain it well, then reconcile yourself to the harsh reality of who you are (guy with 200 lb right foot) and have some friggin' fun. Pay your dues to the God of energy and thermodynamics. Support "Big Oil!"
------------------
97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake.
[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-07-2000). ]
[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-07-2000). ]
1) Gearing is key, as was pointed out earlier. 3. 54s will do MUCH better than 4. 10s 10% is a conservative estimate.
2) Weight is the next biggest factor. 4x4 trucks weigh more, produce more drive train drag, and cost you fuel mileage -- maybe a consistent 5% premium over what the traction-impaired guys get. But, hey, you KNEW THAT when you ordered your truck! (or, you've been living in a cave... )
3) Aerodynamics affect MPG. Everything you bolt on your truck that isn't stock affects your MPG. This includes grill/brush guards, "nerf bars," "running boards," towing mirrors, bug deflectors, etc. The manufacturer spends big bucks in the wind tunnel to make these trucks as drag-free as possible. The energy required to push one of these "shoe boxes" through the air is incredible, and increases, exponentially, with increases in speed.
4) Driving style plays a big role. The way you accelerate, the way you apply your brakes, the speed you maintain on the interstate -- all play a big factor in MPG. Drive like you've got an egg between the go-pedal and your foot, you'll get better mileage. ('course you won't have any FUN!)
5) Local terrain makes a big difference, as does altitude. Flat-landers at sea level will do MUCH better than folks who live at altitude, in hilly terrain. I live in hilly-as-**** Atlanta. This city sits at 1100 feet, and I spend lots of time in stop'n'go traffic, cursing the fool in front of me. My buddy in Topeka Kansas, commuting into town from his farm (via interstate), is going to do WAY better than me with his truck. It's not rocket science.
6) Tune up your truck! This is something that nobody EVER discusses when the mileage horse is dragged out of the barn, and whips are passed around to the discussion participants. If your mileage sux, and other obvious factors have been taken into consideration, have your valves adjusted. I had mine done at 60,000 and couldn't believe the difference. Turns out my exhaust valves were way loose, and that simple maintenance procedure produced lots more power, and much quicker cool-down times -- with a mileage improvement of 1. 5 per gallon!
Be reasonable in your expectations. These are big, heavy trucks, typically driven pretty hard by most of us. I hear these mid-to-high 20's claims, periodically, and just shake my head. Maybe downhill, with a tailwind, being towed by another vehicle, with your engine turned off... Otherwise, save it!
My truck gets about 11-12 in stop'n'go, short trip, city driving -- the kind of driving that your diesel engine HATES being asked to do. Put her on the highway, poke along at 65 MPG (I'd end up slapping my mother, doing this kind of driving for too long... ) on a cool, calm day, and I could probably milk out, say, 18. 5-19. 0 mpg.
I drive my truck hard on the interstates, usually pushing 75-85 all the time. I think most turbo-pushers drive the same way. If I wanted to poke along at 60, I could'a bought a Ford. (Blech!) My average highway mpg is, therefore, in the range of 17. That's unloaded -- just my toolbox (which is heavy) straddling the bed.
My philosophy is "you pays your money, and makes your choices. " Drive like a 90 year old grandma, on billiard table flat real estate, for long distances and long periods of time -- you'll win the "bragging rights," mileage hero award. Big deal. Over the life of your truck, you'll save, what, a thousand bucks in fuel expenses... ?
Meanwhile, us idiots will be blowing your doors off with ecstatic grins on our faces. Yes, that's my tail lights and $200, custom-bent, (un-aerodynamic) stainless steel mudflaps, pulling away from you at near the speed of sound!
Life is short. Tune your truck up, maintain it well, then reconcile yourself to the harsh reality of who you are (guy with 200 lb right foot) and have some friggin' fun. Pay your dues to the God of energy and thermodynamics. Support "Big Oil!"
------------------
97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake.
[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-07-2000). ]
[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-07-2000). ]
GREAT POST!
Much wisdom (or do you prefer the term "common sense")? I just had to repeat some of my favorite lines because you hit home on several points. I briefly considered 2WD, then decided that would be insane, given the number of times in the previous year I had actually needed 4WD to go where I wanted to go. I tried to be reasonable in my expectations: I studied the posts on the this board, and concluded I shouldn't plop down the $$$ unless I was going to be "happy" with about 18 mpg at 70 mph, and "OK" with if it was really just 17 mpg at that speed. (but secretly I still wanted more than just "happy", I wanted 20+)
I've tried different driving styles - I can keep it under 65, maybe around 63, and consistently get my 20+. I can drive 70 to 75, and still get my 17 to 18+ and be happy. I even calculated how many minutes I saved per day (88 miles of freeway commute) and determined that if I drink one less Diet Coke per day my budget comes out even Usually I do BOTH (driver faster and drink my Coke); I can afford it
#adI also choose SAFETY - it is not safe to poke down the freeway at 62 mph when others want to go 70+ under good conditions.
But please, please, don't take my whip away!
When I'm not out driving, part of my entertainment is whipping the mileage horse
#ad------------------
2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Pyro & Boost, ARE Z-series Cab-high shell, Rear ARB locker, and all kinds of synthetic fluids...
Here is my nickel's worth: I just returned from a 7,000 mile trip back East with my y2k 3500, dualie with automatic, 4:10 rear, VA box, boost module and elbo, K&N air filter, 4" exhaust with a 11. 5 Arctic Fox camper that is 12'5" to the top of the air conditioner, and weighing about 4,500 lbs give or take a 100 or so. Going East I averaged 12. 6 mpg and going West I got 12 even. Both coming and going I had winds from all sides up to about 40 MPH. (Torq Lift frame tie downs) I have 26,000 miles on the rig. I climbed over passes up to 11,000' on the return leg.
Dewdo in the other Washington
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2000 Ram 3500 4 X 4 dualie W/B-D Exhaust Brake, Auto-Loc, Armr bed liner, DeeZee running boards, mud flaps, steps, leather, white with color splash on sides, would like to BOMB it, but after warranty. VA Box waiting to install.
34' King Of The Road 5th wheeler & 11. 5 Arctic Fox pickup camper. Winter in Arizona (Martinez Lake)
Dewdo in the other Washington
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2000 Ram 3500 4 X 4 dualie W/B-D Exhaust Brake, Auto-Loc, Armr bed liner, DeeZee running boards, mud flaps, steps, leather, white with color splash on sides, would like to BOMB it, but after warranty. VA Box waiting to install.
34' King Of The Road 5th wheeler & 11. 5 Arctic Fox pickup camper. Winter in Arizona (Martinez Lake)
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
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Renew
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