Ram 2500 gas mileage with hemi?

External Since: Jun 22, 2005 Posts: 9

I just bought a 2005 POWER WAGON (2500). I have only driven it 200 KM on the
highway now since I got it a few days ago and the computer says I am getting
11.8 MPG. This sounds REALLY BAD. My window sticker did not show an EPA
rating and when I called the dealer they just said that it will get the same
as the 1500 with Hemi with to me sounds like a quit bullshit answer.
Anybody else out there driving a 2500 Ram with Hemi that can tell me what
kind of City/Hwy gas mileage I can expect? I imagine that the gas mileage
will increase after break in period of the truck right?
I am also planning on towing a 5500 lb (dry) Travel Trailer across country
with it and was hoping for 10 MPG with that but if it is 11.8 MPG with no
load I am concerned !

External Since: Mar 11, 2004 Posts: 644

How hard are you driving it?

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving

"NewRVguy" <Rvrookie DeleteThis @rvrookie.com> wrote in message
news:X36ue.1774506$6l.811677@pd7tw2no...
> I just bought a 2005 POWER WAGON (2500). I have only driven it 200 KM on
the
> highway now since I got it a few days ago and the computer says I am
getting
> 11.8 MPG. This sounds REALLY BAD. My window sticker did not show an EPA
> rating and when I called the dealer they just said that it will get the
same
> as the 1500 with Hemi with to me sounds like a quit bullshit answer.
> Anybody else out there driving a 2500 Ram with Hemi that can tell me what
> kind of City/Hwy gas mileage I can expect? I imagine that the gas mileage
> will increase after break in period of the truck right?
> I am also planning on towing a 5500 lb (dry) Travel Trailer across country
> with it and was hoping for 10 MPG with that but if it is 11.8 MPG with no
> load I am concerned !
>
>

Joined: May 17, 2005 Posts: 1396

I have never talked to anyone with a Hemi in a big truck that did not get poor MPG and there is a couple of reasons for that. One is the engines power band, its rating looks impressive on paper and in ads but a engine that peaks it torque at over 4000 RPM and HP above 5000 RPM is not going to play well in a heavy RV because relative to its implied HP rating, the avalible torque at lower RPMs and engine efficency is not great. (A GM 6.0 for example while having a lower HP rating has a lower RPM HP and torque peak with better low RPM efficency and does a lot better in a heavy RV) The second problem is that Dodge in their infinate wisdom left out the ability and possibility of have a front axle disconnect or lockout hubs to cut front axle power loss when it 2WD. The front axle and diff is always turning and that will cost you at least 1 MPG or so on the average and a bit more when it is colder or speeds are very high. I am sorry to say there is not magic fix here. I will never understand why Chrysler did not spend another 100 bucks on 35K truck to enable and include the installation of lockout hubs to disengage axle in 2wd. It can only be for saving money and simpling 4wd operation but it is not MPG freindly on highway. Back 30 years ago when I first started driving 4x4's you could tell when the hubs were not disengaged in general performace at speed and MPG too. If you plan to travel a lot, the Dodge 4x4 is not a good choice MPG wise with hemi and you would do better with a Ford or Chevy. Even the old V10 would do about the same MPG wise as the new Hemi but it would tow like crazy too and badly embrass the higher rated Hemi in towing performance. It is sad that you have two choices in your truck, a 5.7 or a Cummins and nothing in the middle.
>> Stay informed about: Ram 2500 gas mileage with hemi?

Joined: May 17, 2005 Posts: 1396

If it did not have enough miles on it and you fussed about it they might. Tell them they misrepresented the MPG to you. A friend recently bought a Dmax crew cab truck and was looking at Dodge Cummins trucks but the price (chevy was 2 grand cheaper from rebates) and the lack of disengaging front axle moved him to a chevy. Also the reason I brought it up, He was having some issues with getting few dealer installed option installed on it and he finailly got it worked out okay for all parties involved but just before they did the dealer offered to give him his money back on truck even though it had 2000 miles on it because they wanted him happy and it was a reputable dealer. You could try talking to them and see what they say but you will never be happy with that hemi towing a big trailer power of MPG and I would be ready for 8 to 9 MPG towing a big trailer at best. ALso for what it is worth my friend tried out a 6.0 gas powered crew cab for several days and he got around 15 mpg with it on the road and he is not a slow driver and the power was good too. With the Dmax he has now he is getting 18.5 mpg with same driving and in both cases the trip MPG monitor was clos to actuall MPG when it was filled up. If max MPG is your goal in a Dodge towing go for a Cummins with a 6 speed and skip the automatic.
>> Stay informed about: Ram 2500 gas mileage with hemi?

Joined: May 17, 2005 Posts: 1396

Yes the V10 used some fuel when you put your foot into it but they would pull a trailer good too and a lot better than a 5.7m "Hemi" with a higher paper HP rating.
>> Stay informed about: Ram 2500 gas mileage with hemi?