Get or make yourself a CAI. It will help some.

 

I have to say that once my truck hit about 2500 miles, it seemed like a different truck - seemed to have MUCH more power and certainly better mileage. I know mine is lighter because it's a RCSB 1500, but even with the 4.10 I'm getting a bit over 20mpg at 74-80 mph, and about 16 in city driving. Give it some time to loosen up. Not only are you breaking in the motor, but the rear diff and tranny too.

 

I was expecting somewhere around 12-14 for "city" driving. Maybe I'm a little jaded, as I came from a 97 12 valve Cummins that was getting a solid 16 mpg, day in and day out. 2 days a week I do exactly what I did yesterday, which is drive from house to house, making approx 15-18 stops within a 20 sq mile area in Phoenix. Other days I may see more highway miles than city miles.....

Today was a way better day for mileage, but I spent probably 85% of my driving on the freeway. I put 135 miles on the truck, with an average MPG of 15.1. I'm OK with that, but I was hoping for a little more.

I hope that my stop and go numbers get better for sure. 8 MPG is a killer. If I would have known it would be that bad, I may have bought another diesel.

Question......what upgrades can I do that will help the most, but wont void my new warranty. CAI?, exhaust?, programmer? Synthetic fluids? Which would be the best bang for the buck?

Thanks for the replies!

 

Heck.... if I was coming from a 12v cummins I would be dissapointed too. I drove one a long time ago and got over 20 mpg....best engine I ever had.
I came from a 6.7 cummins so I'm very happy with the hemi.. lol. The 6.7 cummins gets worse mileage.

 

I thought with diesel general weight didn't mess with the mpg, at least thats what I was told, and I would guess 800 lbs wouldnt, but it definately needs a break in, hell diesels really don't break in until 100k, if it continues after 1000 miles I would have the computer checked.

 

Id say the hemi gets similiar mileage with 800 pounds but with something like 10k lbs....not so much. I wouldn't get a diesel right now unless I absolutely HAD to have the torque for huge loads. Back when diesels were diesels thats all I would have but the damn things are ruint now with these emission laws.

 

If the 2500 does not have MDS then you're in trouble. I have the 1500 and I'm getting 14-15 mpg city/highway mix with majority city. I'll get 19 or better highway. The MDS makes a big difference and I know I wouldn't be happy without it. Just broke 1,000 miles and the mileage has improved over time. You might try both 87 and 89 octane to see if there is any difference.

 

From the shipping paperwork I found in the truck....5579 lbs

I was hoping for 13/18, but maybe that was just wishful thinking.

I did that before I drove it off the lot. They had just filled the tank, too.

Care to elaborate? I searched for DIY intake but couldnt find any info/links

 

Pop over to the 3rd Gen Ram section, a lot of very recent threads on how to make your own CAI, I've got one where I show 4 of them I've made for different people over the last month or so. I also think there is a DIY in the 3rd Gen FAQ section.

I've had a diesel, wish I had one now. Not that I'm disappointed with the Hemi, but it's not a diesel. I know a QCSB 4x4 2500 with the venerable old 5.9 diesel gets about 25% better fuel economy than the same truck with the Hemi. So the 20 diesel, 15 Hemi is about right...

Nothing is gonna make a night/day difference in MPGs, but your best bets in order are:

Efan
CAI
Tuner
Cat back exhaust

all four should net you out about 3 to possibly 4 mpgs, with the efan accounting for about half the total.

 

I test drove a 2010 2500 with the hemi, 373 ltd slip and all I could ask is were is the 385 H/P? THe automtic in the new 2500 rams are not for me, had dodge gave you the option of a 6sp manaul in the 2010 2500 you would see a drastic improvement in MPG.

It takes time for the engine and tranny to brake in, it will take at least 10,000 miles for the truck to truly brake in, 13 to 14 mpg ( depending on rear axle raito ) is pretty much as good as it gets.

True daul ex will really wake up your truck, I have a 06 2500 reg cab 2500 with the 373 ltd slip 6sp manual, 5.7 hemi and I get at least 20 mpg at 60 mph 1800 rpms ( new spark plugs and oil change ) and true dual ex.

The 6.7 CTD do not get better mpg empty, loaded for bear, a CTD will get MPG over a hemi, I'm pissed at dodge for dropping a gas and 6sp power train.

AS far as I know MDS is not on a 2500 truck