So what is the verdict on this truck? I want Closure! I can't sleep at night knowing this is still out there in the internets land not being resolved...

 

Well, I think we have concluded that the poor gas mileage isn't caused by bad driving habits or even by mice making nests,lol! The half inch taller tires would make a small difference but not this much, especially since my old 95 Ram had even bigger tires & got better mileage than the 2010, that shouldn't happen!
I think, unfortunately, I just ended up with a lemon & there isn't a thing I can do about it!
So I guess under the circumstances this will be my last Dodge which is too bad because I like everything else about the truck.

 

I think lemon is the wrong word.It needs looking at again because if it is engine, parameters should be off.Even trans parameters should be off.All of this is checked with a scanner.Get the service manager or a shop foreman involved.Then a accurate fuel mileage test with a service manager.That won't take long to do.That way every one involved will be able to see whats going on.

 

Yeah, I don't think it's a Lemon or there would be other issues besides fuel economy. I still think if it was a single major issue you'd be popping a CEL. I'd be more inclined to believe it would be multiple factors. Winter blend gas, tires, driving habits, outside temperature. Throw in maybe a slightly too rich of a mix (not enough to generate a CEL, but enough to cost you another mpg or two). Gearing could even be a factor as well.

I have a good buddy who works in Atlanta with a 2010 Chevy 4x4 with 5.3L V8 who is having a similar issue. He's getting around 9 mpg driving around Atlanta (worse if he gets nailed in rush hour) with a truck rated for 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. I am convinced the major factor in his case is that he has 3.08 gears but he ain't gonna change them cause A) he won't spend the $ and B) the dealer has him convinced that GM knows what they are doing and 3.08s are the PERFECT gearing for a 4x4 QC truck!

 

Meh, I get 15-21 MPG in a Dodge Crewcab with 3.21 gears.

Once again, I'd take it back to the dealer until they figure out what the problem is.

 

The only thing I can think of is that the oxygen sensors are off some and the truck is running rich. Take it to the dealer and tell them that if they can't find anything wrong with it, that you want to open up a case number with Chrysler. Call Chrysler and let them know what is going on. If you get no joy from Chrysler, tell them you are going to find a tuner shop with a dyno and take care of it yourself and you want all of this documented for warranty purposes. A good tuner shop with a dyno can tell you what's going on.

 

The dealer had it on the scanner & they said there is nothing wrong with it & that is just the way it is!
I guess you are right though, if the dealer won't do anything about it & they should, I am going to have to get off my *** & do something about it myself!
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

If it were a bad O2 sensor, would it necessarily come up on the scanner?

 

It would if any 02 malfunction.

 

AS mentioned you need to get in with Dodge on this. Ask for the complaint department and ask to speak to the Warranty service guy, or whatever he is called. Document everything. If nothing happens with that tell them you are going to bring it to a Dyno shop that can tune the truck and document everything they did. Dyno work isn't that expensive in the long run.
Tell Dodge if they get it fixed, and Dodge couldn't, that Dodge is gonna pay the bill. One way or the other. I'd also park out front of the Dealer with the Biggest banner you can make saying you got a Lemon there.