What the mileage be? 2013 DEF versus 2012 truck

[TDRadmin]

To answer this question for a TDR member I did some research back to Issue 75, page 68.

In that article, there was the comparison of the Ford, GMC and Ram by an unbiased magazine group led by Pickuptrucks.com. We lost miserably, by 1MPG towing with a load. Ford showed 9. 5MPG versus the Ram at 8. 5. For their 2000 mile trip, the fuel for the Ram was $99 more than the Ford. However the Ford used an estimated 6 gallons of DEF (6 x $3. 00=$18 ).

If we assume, as mentioned in the Ram literature, That the Ram will get 10% better mileage... well let's go ahead and figure that the Ram can equal the Ford at 9. 5MPG.

I think you see where this is going: For a 2000 mile trip the New 2013 will save you ( $99-$18 =$81 ) $81 over the 2012 engine in my fictious example.

So, in really round numbers, the advantage to using the DEF is about 8%.

Robert Patton

 

[rscurtis]

There should also be some advantage with the front axle disconnect feature. I noticed this summer that my signature truck was not returning quite the MPG it usually gets. I didn't think much of it, perhaps there were some headwinds, etc. The OHD display was about 2 MPG shy of where it would normally be for a particular type of driving.



Yesterday, I gave it its mid-mileage oil filter change, and greased the front end. When I do the U-joints, I turn that wheel to the outside, jack it up, engage the hub, grease it, and rotate it to make sure that grease goes to all four parts of the cross. Why is the U-joint turning, I asked myself- I didn't lock the hub. I looked back through my show schedule to see if I needed 4WD in soft ground or grass, but didn't need it this year. Then I remembered that during the last snow of the season, I needed 4WD just to get out of the neighborhood, and put the truck away. I made a mental note to unlock the hubs next time I used it, but you already know what happened there. I only use the truck for travel, not local use, so I forgot about the hubs. Now I know where the missing MPG went.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would argue the Ram is cheaper to opperate even without the DEF. Reason the Ram apples to apples is much less expensive to buy than the Ford or GM trucks.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I welcome the addition of DEF for those of us who experience long idle times and little freeway use for regen purposes.

When I go to town, town is about 45 minutes away. However, I live in the foothills so I don't alway have the chance to run the truck long enough to get it into regen mode.

I welcome the DEF... ... ..... For now.

 

[BILLUA]

I waited to get a new truck until they had DEF for many reasons not the least of which is better mileage and less frequent oil changes which were not included in the simple cost analysis above.



I do anticipate ordering a 2013 in the 1Half of next year.

 

[rscurtis]

You're right- they're talking about 15K mile oil changes again.

 

[EGroeneveld]

I'll bet it will be whopping 1mpg or so. DEF does not scare me to much. The less frequent oil changes will be nice then what my 2011's computer dictates. It will be interesting to see someone with the excact same 2012 and 2013/2014 with the same ''everything'' to do a comparison.



I am more interest in what can haul my truck camper, my trailers and fun toys trouble free for ten years. I'm more concerned about durability over 200k miles then getting . 1 mpg better on the hwy empty.



Honestly when its time for a new truck i'm likely to just go the Dodge Ram dealer and order what I want, won't matter DEF, etc... I'll just get the Cummins

 

[Bill Stockard]

I am more interest in what can haul my truck camper...



Honestly when its time for a new truck i'm likely to just go the Dodge Ram dealer and order what I want, won't matter DEF, etc... I'll just get the Cummins

Yep, higher GVWR is what I'm waiting for to haul my big heavy slide-in truck camper. SCR doesn't make much difference; however, with the continuing front suspension and steering improvements combined with front axle disconnect, I'm tempted to consider a 4x4 this time. Up until now I haven't wanted a Dodge 4x4 because of the troublesome front suspension, less than stellar steering system, and lack of front axle disconnect on third and fourth gen trucks.



Bill