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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: V10 8.0L MPG

If you own a Ram with the 8.0 V10 engine, your gas mileage may vary. This article will explore some of the ways you can get better mileage from your massive power plant.

By Brett Foote - June 24, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

While the V8 has been the staple power plant for most trucks for a very long time, Dodge's 8.0 V10 has made a name for itself as a step up in power and towing capability, but also a step down in fuel economy. But as they say, there's no replacement for displacement. The troubling thing is, owners of the big motor seem to experience a huge difference in the fuel economy they receive, depending on a variety of factors. Keep reading for a run-down of ways to improve (or worsen) your gas mileage in the 8.0 V10.

Figure 1. The venerable 8.0L V10.

Towing

If you tow a trailer or other heavy loads a lot, you probably already know what the extra weight can do to your fuel economy. This is common to all trucks, but perhaps a little more obvious when your truck has a V10. Many owners report getting anywhere from 6-12 miles per gallon when towing with the big motor, depending on what type of road they are travelling on. Of course, the weight of the load itself will have a big effect on these numbers as well.

Figure 2. Towing can cause a severe drop in fuel economy.

Driving Style

Also like every vehicle on the planet, your driving style will have a big effect on the type of gas mileage you receive in return. This effect is also amplified when you have a big, gas guzzling motor. Most owners report getting no better than 8-10 miles per gallon when they are heavy on the gas, which is admittedly addictive when you have a huge truck that emits all sorts of pleasing noises. But learning to feather the go pedal can save you a lot of money in the short and long run.

Figure 3. Dodge Ram SRT10.

Highway vs. City Driving

Do you spend most of your time on the interstate driving a steady speed, or does your commute involve a stoplight to stoplight derby? Besides your driving style, the type of road you travel on the most can have the biggest effect on your gas mileage with the 8.0L V10. Owners report getting as high as 16 MPG when driving strictly on the highway, versus 8-10 when driving around town.

Figure 4. The type of road (or lack thereof) you drive on can greatly affect your fuel economy.

Final Drive Ratio and Tire Size

Chances are you paired your big engine with some deep gears and big, tall tires. If so, you aren't going to help yourself in the gas mileage department. Deeper gears are great for getting off the line quicker, but they also hurt your mileage. The same goes for taller tires, which effectively lower your final ratio but can use more gas because it takes more power to turn them.

Figure 5. Rear differential.

Maintenance

Things like dirty oil, air filters, and spark plugs can have a negative effect on your gas mileage. A good tune-up, as well as sticking to the scheduled maintenance outlined in your owner's manual, can ensure that your Ram maintains peak mileage and performance for a long time.

Figure 6. Proper maintenance will help your gas mileage.

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