2500 vs. 1500 fuel mileage
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the frame, suspension, brakes, & tires on the 2500 are heavier than a regular 1500
the 1500 with 4 wheel drive is much closer in weight to the 2 wheel drive 2500
the suspension on the 1500 is more like a heavy cars suspension, with coil springs
the suspension on the 2500 has leaf springs, & is made to pull or haul heavier loads
the gas engines are the same, the transmissions are close to the same, differentials on the 2500 is sturdier usually
The sheet metal is the same on both vehicles
So i would think that the 2500 2X4 mileage would be close to the 1500 4X4 mileage
things that affect mileage
vehicle weight
vehicle height, when driving on the highway
tire WIDTH & tire TREAD aggressiveness
&
How heavy your right foot is
So forget mileage & purchase the Ram for what it is going to be USED for
Light or Heavy Duty use
Good Luck & Happy Hunting
the 1500 with 4 wheel drive is much closer in weight to the 2 wheel drive 2500
the suspension on the 1500 is more like a heavy cars suspension, with coil springs
the suspension on the 2500 has leaf springs, & is made to pull or haul heavier loads
the gas engines are the same, the transmissions are close to the same, differentials on the 2500 is sturdier usually
The sheet metal is the same on both vehicles
So i would think that the 2500 2X4 mileage would be close to the 1500 4X4 mileage
things that affect mileage
vehicle weight
vehicle height, when driving on the highway
tire WIDTH & tire TREAD aggressiveness
&
How heavy your right foot is
So forget mileage & purchase the Ram for what it is going to be USED for
Light or Heavy Duty use
Good Luck & Happy Hunting
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63 Posts
My 2011 is still new so I don't know if my numbers will improve after break in. It is a 1500 cc st 4x4 with the 5.7 and 3.92 gears. Driving back and forth to work is a 20 mile drive 8 miles at 68 mph and 12 at 50 mph. At 50 my MDS is kicked in for the 12 miles. Every fill up has been computed on a calculator around 15.85 MPG. I'm getting no where close to what everyone else is posting. Might have to do with being at 4500 ft elevation.
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22,645 Posts
All the below numbers are based on the same driving conditions = No trailer and about 1000 lbs cargo, wind speed less than 10mph, summer driving conditions.
I had an 04 2500 Hemi 5 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 19mpgUS City - 15mpgUS
My 08 2500 Hemi 6 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 17mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
My 2010 1500 Hemi 5speed auto with 3.92 gears.
Highway - 18mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
Conclusion - I should have kept the 04.
I had an 04 2500 Hemi 5 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 19mpgUS City - 15mpgUS
My 08 2500 Hemi 6 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 17mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
My 2010 1500 Hemi 5speed auto with 3.92 gears.
Highway - 18mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
Conclusion - I should have kept the 04.
Thanks,This is what I'm looking for,most of my trucks have been 3/4 ton Dodge's,but my last was a 1/2 ton and i never kept track of the fuel mileage with the 3/4 tons,but i did with my 1/2.I'm in the market for a new truck,and mileage is of some concern.All the below numbers are based on the same driving conditions = No trailer and about 1000 lbs cargo, wind speed less than 10mph, summer driving conditions.
I had an 04 2500 Hemi 5 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 19mpgUS City - 15mpgUS
My 08 2500 Hemi 6 speed stick with 3.73 gears.
Highway - 17mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
My 2010 1500 Hemi 5speed auto with 3.92 gears.
Highway - 18mpgUS City - 14mpgUS
Conclusion - I should have kept the 04.
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22,645 Posts
In all honesty, I noticed better average fuel mileage with the 2500 trucks when pulling heavy trailers (~7000lbs) which I often do. Although my 1500 is a great truck, I sometimes wish I could carry more while pulling the trailer, so my next truck may end being a 2500 again.
Overall, I find the mileage is not affected as much as I figured it would be. The HD trucks a bit heavier, but seems to have a lower rolling resistance. I have monitored every tank of fuel I've burnt in the last 15+ years, and have the info documented with driving/weather conditions so I can run comparisons that are basically 'apples to apples'.
IMO, you can leave gas mileage out of the purchase decision between 1500 and 2500. Under similar circumstances they data is non-conclusive, as I have found bigger discrepancies between 2 trucks of the exact same model, than I've found between 1500/2500.
Good luck with your purchase, and keep us updated as to which way you went.
Overall, I find the mileage is not affected as much as I figured it would be. The HD trucks a bit heavier, but seems to have a lower rolling resistance. I have monitored every tank of fuel I've burnt in the last 15+ years, and have the info documented with driving/weather conditions so I can run comparisons that are basically 'apples to apples'.
IMO, you can leave gas mileage out of the purchase decision between 1500 and 2500. Under similar circumstances they data is non-conclusive, as I have found bigger discrepancies between 2 trucks of the exact same model, than I've found between 1500/2500.
Good luck with your purchase, and keep us updated as to which way you went.
I traded in my 2011 1500 Hemi this past June for a 2014 2500 6.4; the 6.4 is a solid 3 MPG worse! With 10,000 miles now I've NEVER reset my fuel economy computer for trip B and it reads 11.8 mpg. On highway trips I might average 13 mpg if I baby it and use the cruise control, 14 if I keep it under 60.
Keep in mind my '11 was a 5 speed; the new Hemi is more efficient and is connected to the 8 speed. Most are getting 16 avg. 20 on the highway. That's almost double.
The 2500 Height and looks are bad ass, as is a payload almost a ton better. Mpg and ride suck compared to the 1500. Compared to your 2005 F350 Triton V10, it rides like limousine and is as efficient as a Prius. Lol.
Keep in mind my '11 was a 5 speed; the new Hemi is more efficient and is connected to the 8 speed. Most are getting 16 avg. 20 on the highway. That's almost double.
The 2500 Height and looks are bad ass, as is a payload almost a ton better. Mpg and ride suck compared to the 1500. Compared to your 2005 F350 Triton V10, it rides like limousine and is as efficient as a Prius. Lol.
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10 Posts
little under 1k miles on my 2015 6.4 2500 ... daily driver mixed city/highway driving... i have yet to get over 13mpg.... now thats its cold as a witch's titty in a brass bra im only getting 11.5
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48 Posts
14 2500 4x4 6.4 CC LB. I am seeing 13-14 hand calculated running 80 at 1800 rpm's (3:73) on the highway. Not real sure around town but it sure is a pleasure to drive.
6-9 towing heavy (13k 5er). Boats and such about 12.
Salt
6-9 towing heavy (13k 5er). Boats and such about 12.
Salt
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7 Posts
With my 2014 2500 6.7L CTD 4x4 I'm currently averaging 19.02 MPG. Grant it this is majority highway driving and unloaded.
I was hovering around 17.5 for about the first 15,000 miles. After 15,000, (and an extended trip with my 8500 lb. camper) I noticed an almost immediate increase and have hovered arount 19-20 ever since. I guess there's a reason Cummins recommends breaking-in there motors under a load.
Oh, and these are all hand-calculated figures.
I keep fairly detailed daily records that include mileage, fuel, DEF and other pertinent misc info. If you're interested in REAL WORLD, no BS info, let me know how to get it to you.
I was hovering around 17.5 for about the first 15,000 miles. After 15,000, (and an extended trip with my 8500 lb. camper) I noticed an almost immediate increase and have hovered arount 19-20 ever since. I guess there's a reason Cummins recommends breaking-in there motors under a load.
Oh, and these are all hand-calculated figures.
I keep fairly detailed daily records that include mileage, fuel, DEF and other pertinent misc info. If you're interested in REAL WORLD, no BS info, let me know how to get it to you.
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