Just went back into the logs for the '03 2500 4x4 SO that I just sold to get into the new 04.5 3500 DRW 600 to compare the mileage.

Do you want the good news or the good news?

With 3671 km on the clock the '03 was averaging 20.69 litres/100km (11.38 mpg) the new truck with 326 km on the clock is getting 11.2 MPG. Pretty comparable I'd say.

When I sold the '03 (34700 km) I was getting between 17.5 and 20 MPG for the same type of driving same time of year.

I for one can't wait until this new one breaks in too!

Relax, sit back and let it come to you

 

I'm back from my trip to San Diego. It was a great trip.

I averaged 15.92, hand calculated, i'd say about 25% city and 75% highway. It was a round trip of 367 miles. Except for lugage and 3 adults I had an empty load, no towing. I have just over 1600 miles on the clock after this trip.

I usually used cruise around 70 - 75 mph with a few bursts to 85mph, usually when passing. We hit a little traffic both ways but nothing significant.

Although this wasn't my frist trip of several hundred miles with my Ram, I just want to reiterate that i love the way it handles and preforms. Everyone was comfortable the whole way with room to spair.

I'm happy with the fuel mileage i'm getting with only 1600 miles on the truck.

Now to find something heavy to tow.

-Sam

 

Your results seem to mirror mine in respect to the numbers I recorded on my recent Las Vegas trip.

Is this not the FINEST highway truck you have ever driven?

I just sold my beloved 2000 CTD Auto 4x4 Laramie SLT QC Shortbed two days ago. The one thing I REALLY miss is the SOUND of the engine. I may have to record that sound, and burn it onto a CD to play while I drive my new one.

That is, however, the ONLY thing I miss. If the mileage doesn't increase one iota, I will still be a supremely satisfied customer.

 

dwhite,
01/04 not sure what day it was built but it seem to like to pull and does seem to run better after pulling. also changed tire press 60 in the front 55 rear. I'll keep an eye on the tires and will change press if needed. Has not been back to the dealer yet but cant find anything wrong with it. This diesel thing is new with me so i'm learning thats why i come to this site. There are a bunch of smart guys here. A lot of what they say is over my head so i'll keep asking questions.

John

 

15.1 mixed driving after the reflash. I started out at 12.72 for the first 972 miles. I have 3500 on it now. That 15.1 comes with a good bit of interstate time 70-75 2100-2400 RPM

 

Im getting about 15.6 mpg at less than a 1000 miles on the odometer.

I wont let gas mileage get me down, I did drive a V10 lucky to get double digits there

 

I just got an 04.5 600. I'm only getting 9.5 I talked with a friend with an 01 and he said that it took him about 20k mi to start getting decent mpg. He says his best was 24 mpg on a trip. He also states that putting the engine under a load after the initial break in (1000 mi) will help achieve a quicker break in and better mpg sooner.

 

On my last trip 545miles state roads into a 20mph head wind with a ton of potatoes on I averaged 19.9 mpg at about 60mph very satisfied with the truck now.

 

was that a 2004.5 truck spudman?

 

Yes picked it up on 3/10 built on 1/9 its a 600 and I'm loving every minute of it.

 

I've been dismayed by the early reports of poor mileage on the 600s, but it seems now that there are several factors at work here - many new diesel owners learning what works with a diesel vs their gasser driving habits, winter fuel, break-in, and the ECM reflash all seem to be contributors.

I'm relieved to see guys getting good mileage with some miles and experience. The fuel economy is my biggest rationale on the projected Cummins purchase. I could have the same sort of fuel economy I get with the Dakota now with a Hemi, and not sure the truck would hold together long enough to enjoy the 300-400k life expectancy of the ISB!

Jim

 

Man...where can I buy a ton of potatoes? I live in Texas so I have the wind. I would love to get 15 or 16 in my 600.

 

come to central NY I'll give ya a ton must be special mabye I should sell them with a claim of better milage

 

When I get my fifth wheel...I need to pull it to NY and back...maybe it would help.

 

I'll throw mine in. I picked up my truck last Wednesday, and have around 250 miles on it. I'm one of these people who are **** about letting the tank get below 3/4 Full. Full tanks of diesel lessens the amount of condensation, i.e. water, getting in your fuel.

Anyway, when I topped off the other day, and squeezed in every last drop in before overflowing, I hand-calculated at 9.5. I figured that CAN'T be right - I bet the dealer only filled it to the first click- off. Today, I filled again, and again squeezed every last drop in - 13 mpg. On a new engine, with 90% of that stop and ....stop commuter driving, and me getting on it a bit on the highway yesterday.

Oh, by the way - overhead console says 10.8 - so I wouldn't put too much faith in that.