2009 Ram Laramie mileage issues.
 

Year: 2009
Model: Laramie 1500 Super Crew 5.7' bed
Engine:5.7 L Hemi
Hwy Pct: 50
City Pct: 50
Location: Wisconsin
Octane:87
Hand or computer calc: Computer (checked by hand, no discrepancy)
Miles on truck: 39,000
MPG: 13.5 winter, 14.5 summer.
Mods: none
Notes: This is 2-3 mpg LESS than my previous two Rams.
I have previously owned a 1997 Ram SLT (360 cu in V8) and a 2010 Ram TRX 4. Both these trucks consistently got 15-16 mpg in small town/rural highway driving and 17-18 mpg on the highway. I put 185000 mi on my 97 and 34000 on the 2010 before upgrading to the 09 Laramie which had only 14000 mi on it. The 2009 only gets 13-14 mpg combined and 15-16 mpg highway (1 mpg worse in winter!). I have not changed any driving habits. My 97 did have a K & N Air Raid air filter on it. I have noticed that the "fuel saver" light on the 09 only lights up when I am coasting or braking or going downhill. It very seldom activates while maintaining speed. The instantaneous mileage bar graph on the 2010 seemed to indicate that the fuel saver functioned more often.

My wife and I love everything about our Dodge except the gas mileage. Recently I nearly bought a Ford F150 but I felt the comfort, room, storage options and functionality did not come close to the Dodge. The Ford did get about 3 mpg better gas mileage in test drives however. Could there have been a fuel saver computer update after 2009? Would another K & N filter be worthwhile? Hoping for any help!

I replaced my stock air filter with a K&N, got better MPG right away. Some will disagree with using the K&N drop in filter. Just dont waste the money on a full AC kit, they`re worthless on these 4th gen trucks. You`ll have all kinds of people giving opinions in here, just take it with a grain of salt. About FORD, i have a few buddies that have the so-called comparable F150 to my hemi truck, they complain of very bad MPG, so saying the FORD is 3mpg better than the dodge, i really highly doubt that statement.

Make sure you run the tire pressure correctly, cold time of year, pressure will go very low. So make sure you check the tire pressure often. Also, if you`re running a winter tread tire, those will rob you of MPG. In the summer, i pull 21 to 23 mpg on the highway with my 2010 hemi, thats hand calc, not evic. I also use valvoline synthetic 5w20 oil.

Those numbers seem pretty reasonable. The area I reside in Wisconsin utilizes reformulated fuel, so mileage to say the least stinks.

My '07 Ram averaged 17+ consistently, but that was Pre-Eagle Hemi motor MDS setup. I'd be curious to know if you've switched rearend size between the different model Rams you've recently acquired, that alone can ultimately play a roll with overall mpg's.

50/50 city and highway mix on 87 octane. I think you are ding well to get those #'s.

Have you done the spark plugs yet? My truck is a regular quad cab 4x4 3.92 rear. I get a pretty consistent 16mpg all around. Lots of back road hilly driving up here in NH. Same lat as you pretty much. I think you get a lot colder than we do though. But a few days ago we were in the teens and I was only getting around 14-15mpg. Then last week were in the 40's and I got 17mpg all around. Not to mention using the remote start to warm up the truck each morning. Also, I would think a Super Crew would get a little less with the added weight. ??? We have the winter blend here as well, and that really only drops it about 1mpg for me. Maybe you have a higher ethanol rate than we do. BTW... What rear do you have?

My 02 worth. Driving habits,(number 1) weather,temps, fuel blend,tires psi and fuel octane. 89 is the recommended for a reason. Use a fine wire Iridium spark plug. You'll notice a idle difference plus a hair bit better economy. Every one posting that has installed them all post the same. Google them and read. They are highly thought of in the aircraft industry . Plus you'll get 100,000 plus miles from them.(Autolite XP5325s) If air filter is original time to change 'to a quality paper filter. Like what it came with. I don't buy the K&N drop in stuff. The 4th Gen intake system is plenty efficient for these motors unless lots of mods. Most post no mpg change. A few do. I don't buy the fuel mileage you mentioned on the 360 Magnum. They were gutless gas pigs. I handled hundred's of them. They didn't get 17/18 doing 50 downhill. Mid to low teens is what I heard from customer after customer and experienced personaly for years with the 360 and 318 Magnum's. I have a very soft foot for the most part. I live semi rural two lane. I get 17 to 20 most ALL the time. I'm in MDS I bet 80% of the time,maybe more. Other day I filled with 89 octane,reset Mpg,trip etc. drove 22 miles 35 to 65 mph with several stops and turn offs,restarts. Pulled back in my driveway showing 21.4! One of the best MPG I have gotten. I have 40,000 miles on mine.