ok so Im looking at getting a fullsize again (I had a 06 f150 and loved it) but alas I can no longer afford a ford, so Im turning to dodge

Im looking for either a ram 1500 hemi 4x4 crewcab, blah blah blah want to know what the avg. mileage for everyone is the most my ford got was 15 in town and 17 hwy (lots of skinny pedal w/ 5.4) I found a nice 2006 with everything and more that I want and the painted factory 20's
mods will most likely just be flowmaster true duals an intake efan and tune (maybe headers) and some stepbars and a toolbox

or....

I can get a 2500 more than likely would be a 03-05 model as the 06+ is a lil more steeper

Im really wondering how much the extra weight affects the hemi as far as mileage and power. and if I get this truck Ill probably do a spacer and 35s

both of these trucks will see a few roadtrips a year and will tow up to a 18' aluminum duck boat and a 4x4 on a trailer for 4wheeling

let me know your opinions

gas mileage isn't that big of a factor I just want to know what I can expect

edit: Im not looking for you to tell me to get a diesel, I don't want to end up with a money pit throwing money into the transmission (I would definitely be modifying it to much)

 

the hemi will definently get better mileage than the fords. "can no longer afford a ford"...is that because it was always in the shop needin repaired?

A stock hemi will probably run about 15 city -18 highway with a light foot. I cant speak from experience, because mine is far from stock and i have a heavy foot, but i get about 14-17.

If you go with the 2500, find a cummins...they get much better mileage. Typically a little more expensive, but still under 20k for sure in 03-05 range.

 

Personally if you are already considering a 2500, I would be trying to find a Cummins also. I had a chance to do a straight trade on an 06 2500 Cummins back when gas was over $4 a gallon and I didn't go for it. I kick my self in the @$$ everyday for not doing it now. I love my truck, but I got to drive a Cummins powered rig for a couple weeks at a job I was doing and really fell in love with that motor. Mileage is a LOT better on the Diesel even on the heavier 2500 frame. Not to mention a well cared for Cummins is going to outlast a well cared for Hemi any day...

 

I have an '08 1500 QC with the Hemi. I never get any better than 13/17. I average around 14mpgs mixed with a light foot. For what you are doing, the 2500 isn't really necessary. 1500 would suffice.

 

my next one is going to be a CTD and as far as 2500 's go they do make them with a hemi!!!!

 

but why would you go with a hemi when the CTD is an option?? Thats like going for the 4.7 when you could get the hemi in a 1500. If they offered the CTD in a 1500 you better beleive I'd be alllll over that

 

Nah, not me. They can keep those loud obnoxious, noisey and smelly diesels on their lot. No one wants to work on them around here anyways, so that mixed with the severe cold in NY makes the Diesels really for Heavy work. I would guess that 2 out of every 5 stations carry Diesel around here. The cons out weigh the Pros for me. Plus, my driveway is right nect to my house. Running the diesel would wake my wife and kids every morning. No thanks.

 

no the ford was a beautiful truck I had it 3 months and lost my job, now just got a new job and a month in I miss my truck.

reason for the 2500 is I want solid axles, and the extra capacity for larger tires (all ifs is weak no matter how you look at it)

I can't afford the cummins my price range ends at 14000 and the only cummins I see have 180k on them and are 18000,

I have driven a diesel before and If I was to get one I would end up in debt way to quick (between all the chips and turbos and trannys)

 

i have an 04 hemi powered 2500 and I love it! the extra weight really isnt a problem for the hemi at all. gas mileage doesnt suffer from it too much either. i get pretty close to the mileage that a 1500 gets. bout 12.7 to 13.3 city and 16 to 18 fwy. that was before my exhaust though, now i cant keep my foot out of it.

judging on what you tow, it doesnt really sound like you need a 2500 desperately. but, what about those times when you need to haul something heavier and cant with a 1500? personally, i dont like to be left wanting.

 

thanks for your post, exactly, my dad has a 01 tahoe with the 5.3 and we go offroading its a pretty good haul (about 2 hours away) and the half ton don't like hills, (also squats bad)