Expected MPG with Dodge Cummins TD

[jengelkirk]

After reading some of the posts, I was wondering what kind of MPG we can expect with our 07 Dodge RAM 3500, TD, Long Bed 4x4. We only have about 8,000 miles on it now so I guess the engine is not really broken in yet. Right now we get about 12 mpg pulling our 3400RL Monty. Should we expect it to get better? With diesel as high as $4.11 around us, I sure hope it does

[richfaa]

Well you are doing better than we are in our 08 Ford 6.4L pulling the 3400. We averaged 10mpg on our trip back from Florida..We have just short of 11K miles on the truck.

[Dennis and Carol]

If you are getting a true calculated 12 MPG you are doing OK. We just pulled 1,256 miles from Yuma, AZ to central WA. Tried to hold at not over 55 MPH. Our calculated MPG was 13.31. Our 1999 Dodge is a bit more seasoned with 172,000 miles.

[Bill-N-Donna]

With our 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 4X4 long bed V-10 Magnum gas 4.1 gear, we get as high as 10 MPG without towing anything!

I would say if you're getting 12 MPG you're doing pretty well especially when towing but then I've never owned a diesel.

[Ishler]

Our 2005 gets 11-14mpg towing the 3670, depends on how many hills we need to negotiate.

[Capt Kidd]

Your mileage is not out of line. I have an 07 3500 4x4 mega cab with 4.10s and tow a 3075. Total weight 18,500 pounds. I set the cruise at 1700 rmp about 62 mph and get between 9.5 and 10.5 depending on head or tail winds and mountains.

The reason the older Dodges with the 5.9 motor get better mileage is doe to the lack of smog they have on the older trucks. Our new ones meet 2010 California smog rigth now.

I guess this is just what we pay to have a better enviroment.

Down the road there may be some chips available that will help with mileage but I don't think there are any yet and of course adding them may void your warranty.

[kerry]

FYI - I have a 2007 3500 dodge dually, quad cab, 4X4, 4:10 gears, 5.9 TD, 20,000 mi. Mileage is 18 open road running empty, 16 in town, 10 to 12 towing. I also use Stanadyne fuel additive, runs quitier and increased the mileage 1 to 2 MPG. I am, however, trading for a 2001 Sportschassis FL-60 with only 36,xxx miles, clean as a pin. Might not get as good MPG empty, but I'm only going to use it for towing.Thought about the 5500 but the Freightliner is a heavier duty truck, and is a 500,000 mi truck. Cat 3126, 6 speed Allison auto, 4:0 gears, air-ride, hauler bed. I talked to a guy at the Bristol race; he said he had a Dodge, and said after about 5hrs behind the wheel, he was a little tired. He now has a Freightliner, and after 10hrs driving, he's not tired. The 5500 is still a nice TV. Kerry

[mgdg]

Gong down to Fla 3 weeks ago with a 2008-3500 Dodge Mega Cab 4x4 pulling a 2004 328rls (34ft-11in.) going 65mph, we achieved between 11.2-11.8 mpg. from Mich. On the way home going 60mph we got between 12.5-13.2mpg. Mostly with the cruise on. We have about 10,000 miles on her now.

[JimF]

On our last trip, 2045 miles, our 2001 5.9 got abour 12.4 until we hit the hills in TN thru PA and it dropped to 9.8 to 10.2, so your milage isn't all that bad. At the current fuel cost it bites but what do you do, sit and be bored or go for it. Heck, it's the kids inhertance so we might as well enjoy it.

[Waynem]

SKI club! SKI club!


Spending Kids Inheritance

[Okie Guy]

I have a 3000RK and get between 9.3 & 11MPG. I have never had anything above 12MPG while pulling my rig.

[FLSTS03]

10.5 towing 06' 3400RL with my 6.7 dually, have a friend that has an 06' duramax /2500HD and just installed a Diablo programer. Boosted his city avg from 13.5 to 17 and today he called with his overhead recording 24. He is pulling to Navarre Beach this weekend and will hand calc. his mileage. I'll report back. Steve

[gojodo]

We are pulling our 3075 RL with a 2007 Dodge 3500 and with 4wd and average between 12 and 13 when towing. At the price of diesel I am looking for a way to imporve these numbers. I know adding a Banks air intake system is supose to help but I haven't done that yet, also they say you can add a computer module but that apparently voids the warranty. Maybe someone else has some ideas. I have spoke with people who claim to get up in the low 20's but I am not sure I believe them. Any thoughts on how to improve mpg would be appreciated. Johm

[skypilot]

John: At what speeds do you tow? I tow at 65 to 68 and am lucky to get 9.5 to 10 (with no headwinds!!!); a lot less with headwinds -- driving an 06 5.9L Dodge 3500 DRW 3.73 gearing automatic trans.

[1Happycamper]

On the way to Florida in March, my overhead showed 14.1 mpg U.S. and hand calculated it worked out to 14.8 mpg U.S. at speeds between 62-68 mph on I-75 all the way.

Bill

[richfaa]

You guys are killing me with these towing MPG figures. Our shinny new 08 6.4L Ford has never AVERAGED better than 11MPG towing.We did see 22MPG solo once on a downhill plunge for about 3 minutes and we recorded 16.8MPG with the 3400 pushing us down a healthy slope.I knew I should have bought a Cummins//////

[gojodo]

We got 12 to 13 while towing across the Gulf Coast (flat) on I-10 at about 63 to 65 using cruse control with some side wind.

[Amps]

My 2006, 3500 Dually 4WD with a 410 gear ratio gave me a 15.0 MPG based on actual figures. That is driving between 55 and 60. This coming summer should be even better as I now have 20K miles on it.
Changing driving habits and speed is the best way to improved MPG.

[levietta]

The wife and I just travelled back to Maine from Florida where we spent the winter. We pulled our 3000RK, fully loaded, with our Dodge Cummins TD that has 33,600 miles on it. We averaged 11.9 putting over 15,000 miles on the odometer. I travel about 62 mph. When we are not pulling, I average 19 mpg, give or take.

[Hemlockusa]

Pulling out 2005 3650RK our 2005 Dodge 3500 DWD 3.73 normally got around 11 to a high 12.8 hand calc. That was running right at 1950 rpm 69 MPH it seems to have a sweet spot there. That is without a headwind. Worst I got was 9mpg and looking in my rear view, was a BOWTIE on my bumper drafting me, from Amana Colonies to Home. You guessed it. MUDCHIEF!!!! I currently have 25,000 miles on the Dodge so I think the mileage will improve a little. Non towing is consistantly getting 19 to 23, I am very happy with the CUMMINS but the DODGE it self is not near a pretty as the GM's and Fords..
Don't forget BRANSON IS GREAT FOR 2008 Safe Travels everyone John