Ram 1500 Diesel - 1st Tow (NF)

[hutch4113]

The diesel thread I opened earlier seemed really hot, so thought I would post my first low tow experience.

 

Just got back from the Cottage - was really looking forward to this trip, as it would be the first long tow with the Diesel (well - long for me anyway).

Trip was 530KM - round trip. Average speeds of 110KM to 90KM. 1/2 the trip on twisty, hilly (and sometimes very hilly) terrain.

Estimate I was probably close to 5000 pounds all said and done, with the boat, plus all the stuff in the bed/cab. I do have to stress this is an estimate, and might be on the highside - I know the boat is about 2200 pounds dry (which I assume is no motor) - it was fully gassed before we started the journey. I guess one day I will have to get it weighed fully loaded so I know for sure.

Normally with the previous tow vehicle (Veracruz - V6 AWD) I could expect to fill up twice - going up, and then coming back. With the Truck, I am still at just under 1/2 a tank, which is nice.

Ran in Tow/Haul mode there an back. Also used Cruise Control, which I don't normally do when towing, unless the terrain is flat.

Average is showing 11.8 L/KM or about 24 MPG. Overall very happy with how it performed. Never really noticed the trailer - Truck had plenty of power. Even on some of the steep hills - it just pulled and pulled with out a lot of fuss.

[lookinforwalleye]

24 mpg towing and fully loaded is awesome!

[Raf]

that's imperial MPG not US MPG but still nice considering the load.

 

about 20 US MPG.

[Sinker]

Thats great mileage for a full size truck with a load. Im seriously considering this truck, but im not going to pull the trigger just yet.

 

S.

[Joeytier]

Very impressive!

[kuhaman]

About 12 litres per 100 k, that's better than my Taco with no load

[leaf4]

That's impressive, I can see myself being interested in one of these in a couple years from now once I'm finished my trade license and can make enough for a new car, house and toys haha. If not this, by then I would hope more mid size trucks would have a diesel option by then, fingers crossed haha

[Wagoneer]

Anything under 15L/100km for a light-duty with a load is incredible!

 

I've been saying for years and years they need to start putting small diesels in their light duties. NA gas engines just make zero sense in trucks.

[Skud]

Yeah, that is really good mileage. My F150 is at 14.6L per hundred with no weight.

[Walleye72]

Wow. That fuel economy is pretty impressive.

 

On my recent trip from London to near Sturgeon Falls I would say I averaged approximately 14.5 - 15 L/100 km. I was towing a Tracker Proguide V16 WT which I would estimate the weight including the crap I added to be approx 2300 - 2400 lbs. I towed it with a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 litre TURBO. I thought that was a little high, but I have nothing to go on for previous experience. The car gets about 8 L/100 km when not towing. It's all those bloody hills that kill my mileage.

 

Thanks for posting your experience.

[Joeytier]

Yeah, I'm lucky if I can keep my sierra (5.3) under 15 /100 (avg...mostly driving around town and bush roads)

[hutch4113]

that's imperial MPG not US MPG but still nice considering the load.

 

about 20 US MPG.

 

Oups - Yes. it was 20MPG. I was right the first time, but then changed it.

[BillM]

Nice, wait until you actually get some mileage on that truck should go up a bit

[bigbuck]

That is impressive. It is a real world report, 630km round trip. Hmmmmmmm......

[d_paluch]

That is nuts!

 

Wish I could afford one though. Until then, the little mazda3 will have to tow my 14ft aluminum. Does a surprising good job, but man does my mileage suck when towing haha

[doubleheader]

I purchased a Ram 2500HD with a Cummins diesel this spring. Never thought I'd be in a Ram when i started my research, but, Ram has come a long way. I love mine. It's the first vehicle I ever purchased where I couldn't find a single defect or minor blemish anywhere and I haven't had a single quality issue in the first 3 months of ownership. Taking our first trip in a couple weeks and I can't wait to hit the road. Congrats on your truck, Your mileage is awesome. I'll be pulling a pretty heavy rig, a 1900 Pro-v and 200 Verado, loaded with 2 weeks of vacation supplies. I'll be very happy with 15 mpg, and I think I'll get that no problem based on local towing trips.

[hutch4113]

That is impressive. It is a real world report, 630km round trip. Hmmmmmmm......

Nope - 530KM. But I ran the tank down so I could fill up just for the trip. Went to the station first - and then picked up my boat which is about .5 KM away.

[Will-Fish]

Good to know.

[hutch4113]

Yeah, that is really good mileage. My F150 is at 14.6L per hundred with no weight.

What you talking about? With all your go to lures - you must be up to about 5000lbs at least.....

[RangerGuy]

That is great mileage! I get between 13&15 in my 2013 f-150 5.0 towing my 18' Alaskan or my stainless steel 4 hole dog Training trailer which carries 20 us gallons of water as well.

 

Mostly I'm 14-14.5 depending on terrain and my foot lol!

[Fisherman]

I purchased a Ram 2500HD with a Cummins diesel this spring. Never thought I'd be in a Ram when i started my research, but, Ram has come a long way. I love mine. It's the first vehicle I ever purchased where I couldn't find a single defect or minor blemish anywhere and I haven't had a single quality issue in the first 3 months of ownership. Taking our first trip in a couple weeks and I can't wait to hit the road. Congrats on your truck, Your mileage is awesome. I'll be pulling a pretty heavy rig, a 1900 Pro-v and 200 Verado, loaded with 2 weeks of vacation supplies. I'll be very happy with 15 mpg, and I think I'll get that no problem based on local towing trips.

Almost croaked when you said 15mpg, but that has to be US gallons. I can get 18+ pulling a 20 foot travel trailer, mind you I don't drive like a madman.

[JoshS]

Well, now I want one more than before. My friend has one and it's awesome. That's pretty impressive mileage right there.

[SlowPoke]

Wow, impressive. My 2012 5.7 Ram Sport is a consistent 19.8-20.1 L/100 towing the boat and that's obnoxious. I wouldn't have bought it knowing that. Curious to see our fuel eco this weekend; 3000 km round trip with JJCanoe's 2012 Ram towing my boat. The only difference between his and mine cab/bed size but we'll have 4 guys and gear for a week. If we get better eco in his, I'm setting mine on fire!!!

[Raf]

That is gross slowpoke. How big is your boat? Last time I was at chrysler dealer they said they were looking for\paying a premium (whatever that means) for late model rams along with gcs for trade. Might be something to look at as long it makes sense economically.

[hutch4113]

Wow, impressive. My 2012 5.7 Ram Sport is a consistent 19.8-20.1 L/100 towing the boat and that's obnoxious. I wouldn't have bought it knowing that. Curious to see our fuel eco this weekend; 3000 km round trip with JJCanoe's 2012 Ram towing my boat. The only difference between his and mine cab/bed size but we'll have 4 guys and gear for a week. If we get better eco in his, I'm setting mine on fire!!!

Ya. I looked at the Hemi and it was tempting. But the more research I did took me away from it - it is fine in regular driving, and actually can get some impressive numbers due to cylinder deactivation, etc. But towing - not so much.