Hey guys, im new to this section of the forum, I dont actually own a 2nd generation Ram. I own a 1991 Ram 150 4x4, and a 2008 ram 1500 4x4. Both great trucks, but the problem is, Im heading out west (BC, Alberta) to work for the winter, I've planned to buy a large drop in camper instead of spending the $100+ a night for hotels, or sleeping in a truck cab. Found a few good buys around here, theres one 6footer and a couple 10 footers. I was thinking my 2008 half ton wouldnt be enough to haul it easily, along with all my gear, I found a 1999 Ram 2500 2wd with a 318 in it, buddys willing to trade it for my 1991 half ton, its in good shape, and has 225 000km on it.

Im thinking this truck will be adequate to haul a 10ft camper, all my gear, and possibly when I return it may be hauling a trailer with a car on it. What do you guys think, also curious about the gas mileage. I know my hemi sucks back the gas, and my old TBI 318 has the same consumption of an M-1 tank (if I had a guess) Its an automatic also so I'll be sure to watch for flaws in shifting, etc. Thanks for the help!

 

last i checked the 318 didnt come in 3/4 tons. so there is something wrong there. 3/4 tons either came with the 360, the v10 or a diesel. other than that it should be more than enough truck to do the job, providing its the right motor.

 

I think that the truck might actually be older than a 99. Rockauto's parts catalog only shows the 5.2 being available in the 2500 through 1998.

 

With stock size tires it should do pretty good power wise.
Without the camper it should be getting about 15-16 mpg.

If you get it then don't be shy with the overdrive off button when you get into hilly areas since you'll have some weight in the bed.

 

Pretty sure its a 99', it could be a 360 also. Thanks for the help, 15-16mpg sounds about the same as the hemi unloaded, so thats not so bad. Better then my 91' 318's 8mpg.

 

that guy is BSing you i have the 5.2 and on the highway the best ive gotten is 14mpg with cruise on od on to and i didnt have a camper in the bed

 

If the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, air filter, fuel pump, catalytic converter, o2 sensors, throttle position sensor, and the idle air control valve are all working as they should (not worn out) and you don't have any vacuum leaks, a good alignment, correct tire pressure, correct tires for the gears (3.55 with 245/70/16 or 3.92 with 265/70/16) and the oil change/differential fluid change then it is very likely that you will get 15-16mpg in a two wheel drive Ram.

 

If its a 360 like it sounds like it is, you will be looking at maybe 12 loaded depending on weight, and should have no problem with power, and the 2500 has a pretty stout suspension.

My 360 sucks gas but even I can pull 14.4 on the highway, a friend has a 4x4 with 35's and still gets 12 in town, gas mileage really depends on the exact motor from what I have found, and tuneups and O2 sensors play a big role

 

I see, doesnt seem like they're as bad as what ive heard before. I went and looked at it today, its a 318 thats been swapped into the truck, all receipts from the shop who did it, the motor has 100 000 km on it, and the transmission has been done 5000 km ago, with receipts to prove. Truck has an exhaust leak, but everything else seems good. Interior is mint, and the body just has some rust on the door bottoms. I think it would be a good deal to trade straight up for my old half ton, its definatly not suitable for this trip.

 

If your looking to cut travel costs go thought the US, if your living here in BC it will have to be aircare (emission tested) and out of province inspected, rusty door bottoms might be an issue, salt belt vehicles are frowned as is.
For commenting on mileage, once I'm in the mountains it's best not to think about it.