Not Someone You Expect to Find Here - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

highlandchef · 12-17-2012, 03:54 PM

Well, the title says it all. I am the proud owner of a 2009 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with a 5.7 liter Hemi. My guess is that alone that puts me near the bottom of heap around here MPG wise. Add in that I do a lot of towing and my actual combined MPG of around 14 probably would give most members here nightmares. For the use of my truck that is actually a good number.

On the Ram forums I belong to, most would say we didn't buy our trucks for MPG and they are right to an extent. Yes, I bought my Ram primarily for the utility but the better the MPG, the more money in my pocket. I spent over $7100 in fuel last year, a mere 1 MPG increase to 15 would have meant nearly $500 in savings. My mods so far are limited to my driving and using full synthetic oil.

I consider myself a good driver MPG wise but hopefully I can learn a few things here. I have a degree in aeronautical engineering so I may be of some help for those working on aerodynamic mods.

Stephen

Daox · 12-17-2012, 04:16 PM

Welcome to the site Stephen. You're far from our only truck user. In fact, we have a fair number of Rams in the garage...

EcoModder Fleet list - Ram

I'm sure we can help you coax a few more MPG out of the Ram.

mcrews · 12-17-2012, 04:20 PM

Welcome Stephen!

In fact, in comparision....your truck is on the wimpy side!!!!

Seriously, It's not about driving an ecobox.

I would be interested if airing up the tires helps.
It has on my Kia Sportage (obviously a smaller suv)

highlandchef · 12-17-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcrews

Welcome Stephen!

In fact, in comparision....your truck is on the wimpy side!!!!

Thanks, I guess it does depend on how you look at it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcrews

I would be interested if airing up the tires helps.
It has on my Kia Sportage (obviously a smaller suv)

Well I do keep my tyres at proper inflation, near the max. recommended, both for fuel consumption as well as load carrying. I stumbled on this site originally when looking for info on nitrogen inflation for tyres. Which I guess I could list as a mod as well.

user removed · 12-17-2012, 05:35 PM

I had nitrogen in my new (Costco) tires until I got home and increased the pressure from 32 to 44 (sidewall max). I guess I am now at something like 32+80% of the additional 12 pounds of nitrogen.

Welcome to the site, coast as much as you can stand, working on my 97 Ranger, trying for 40 MPG next summer. Air those tires to sidewall max, been doing that for the last 100k miles with no ill effects and the tires last longer.

regards
Mech

Ryland · 12-17-2012, 06:09 PM

I have the same truck at work and average around 12mpg, 9mpg while towing, so you have me beat! I can get it up to 15mpg and sometimes better without a trailer but it doesn't get used much without a trailer.

mcrews · 12-17-2012, 06:13 PM

There is a thread on nitro in tires.
My PERSONAL expereince w/ my 2002 InfinitiQ45 Sport w/ 245/50/18 Kuhmos and nitro in 2 sets (each set lasted 40k miles) w/ 44lbs of nitro.
Never had a fluctuation of more than 1psi. (car has digital sensors)
outside temps over the 2 yrs were low teens to 110 in AZ on summer.
sevaral (4)trips to texas from norcal during -2 during summer months.

As a note. I didnt have to pay for the nitro so I didnt have any skin in the game.
But it was nice to have a part of the car that was absolutely truoble free!

highlandchef · 12-17-2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

I have the same truck at work and average around 12mpg, 9mpg while towing, so you have me beat! I can get it up to 15mpg and sometimes better without a trailer but it doesn't get used much without a trailer.

Yes, I've got you beat a little. I get about 13 while towing (which I do a lot). Without the trailer I can push 20mpg on the highway.

wmjinman · 12-17-2012, 06:37 PM

Welcome, highlandchef,

I'm the owner of a GMC "Jimmy" SUV and like you, want to coax the most miles out of a gallon I can. Actually, if you have something with low EPA figures, it might be easier to improve it more. They keep track of percentage above EPA here, and even though I'm lucky to get 25 mpg, the last time I looked, I was in the top 50 in the "% above EPA" catagory. So you don't need to be at the "bottom of the stack" in every stack. ;-)

Do you do more hwy. driving, or stop & go city driving? If it's highway, aerodynamics has a bigger effect. If it's city, then shedding excess weight & doing as much coasting (or as little braking) as possible will gain you the most. Lots of good information here. It's good to have you!

Bill

highlandchef · 12-17-2012, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmjinman

Welcome, highlandchef,

I'm the owner of a GMC "Jimmy" SUV and like you, want to coax the most miles out of a gallon I can. Actually, if you have something with low EPA figures, it might be easier to improve it more. They keep track of percentage above EPA here, and even though I'm lucky to get 25 mpg, the last time I looked, I was in the top 50 in the "% above EPA" catagory. So you don't need to be at the "bottom of the stack" in every stack. ;-)

Thanks for the, unfortunately EPA figures don't account for towing and I do enough that it has a big effect on my numbers.