Went on a some what long trip this weekend first time in the 09 415 miles by the GPS. Was not happy with gas mileage at all. Can't seem to figure this thing out. Outgoing trip 17.3-7, then coming home 16.2-15.7 WTF. Same route same speed, wind, temp ???? What gives. I made a BIG mistakes trading my 06 for this thing. Just my .02 cents. But my 06 outperformed this 09 in everything only difference is this one's 4X4. Don't get me wrong I love Dodge and won't drive anything else but not happy with mileage period. Some guy told me oh it's not broken in yet have to wait till 10,000 or 12,000 then it's full broken in. I'm calling B.S on that one. One good note it gets low to mid 14's city driving.

 

I got 18.5 - 20.0 on a 300 mile round trip this weekend. I have 6,000 miles on it. maybe you got some bad gas, are you using 89 octane? are you resetting the EVIC before you start? Just brainstorming here.

 

My gas mileage stays between 16-17. It barely got above 18 on a interstate once and there's 15000 miles on the truck. I keep 89 octane in it and stay very light on the pedal. The mileage never really changed after the first couple thousand miles.

 

You also need to consider the type of gas that you are running - the % mix of ethanol and such.
I don't know about the Plains States, but Central Arizona has gone to mandating "special mix" gas like California in an effort to control emissions and Bad Air Days in the Summer Heat. The result is "weaker" gas - 1-2 mpg worse for most people.
When I'm traveling "at altitude" - Northern Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico - I usually get better mileage even though they sell gas that is "Mountain Mix" at 1-2 Octane less per grade but usually no ethanol. It's just something about the mix.

 

What speed were you driving at, and what gear ratio do you have?

 

Dont go by the truck computer.
Here is a link to a Fuel Consumption Calculator.

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportatio...ator-input.cfm

 

Also consider elevation changes. When I drive 330 miles to north MS I get worse mileage than coming home. But I live 50' above sea level, so it's all downhill.

 

I've never done a hand calculation because I'm afraid of what it actually is. The computer in my previous dodge truck was very generous. I have 3.55 gears and drive on steep curvy roads so I'm happy if the computer says 16-17. Although I don't see how some are getting 20+ on the highway, the best I can do is 18.

 

Don't know if your stated milage is by the computer or hand calc. My truck computer seems to be off by 1-2mpg. Sometimes high, somethimes low. On your one leg of the trip with the 17.?, you were basically at the EPA estimate. Not sure what more you want from a truck. Ford/Chevy/Toyota, etc. 1/2 ton trucks all have mpg about the same.

 

Most of my 9,000 miles have been highway miles. Sometimes I am empty, sometimes I tow and fill the bed to capacity. The best I have ever done by the EVIC is 21 mpg. Last week I had 1100 llbs in the bed and was towing a 1,000 lb trailer with 1,000 lbs on it. I averaged 15mpg outbound and 18 mpg inbound pulling an empty trailer. I use cruise control when I can and average 5 mph over the posted speed limit. I use 89 or better gas.