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Ram 1500 Diesel - 1st Tow (NF)


hutch4113

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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