Ecodiesel: 19.46 MPG Towing 7,020 lbs.
dieselpowermag.com: Ram 1500 Ecodiesel vs. Ram 2500 CTD comparison (dated Feb 24,2014). dieselpowermag.com link In this comparison the Ram 1500 Ecodiesel got 19.46 MPG towing a 7,020 lb. load on...
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Looking at the coolant temp I am not surprised at all. The thermostat cracks at 208°, that's a hot running engine. Higher temp thermostats are being used in diesel to improve combustion efficiency, and this increase mileage and reduce emissions.
For reference the thermostats used in the Cummins powered Dodges have a full open temp of approx 15-20° higher than cracking temp and a max allowed temp of approx 35-40° above cracking temp.
Based on the other thermostats the max allowed temp would be in the 243-248° range, combine that with 105% of the GCWR and the electric cooling fans and it looks about right. The truck was operating at the edge of its limits.
The light weight of the 1500 vs the 2500 is going to have a huge effect on the mileage when towing. I am pretty sure I could break 19mpg at a GVW of 12K. Right now my truck has a GVW of 11,000 without the trailer and other than the added wind of 2 quads above the bed rails it was cruising fairly close to my empty load and EGTs.
I am pleased to see such good tests and reviews with it, the only problem I see is that people are going to continue to do too much with 1/2 tons, buy a 3/4+ if you plan to work it hard.
For reference the thermostats used in the Cummins powered Dodges have a full open temp of approx 15-20° higher than cracking temp and a max allowed temp of approx 35-40° above cracking temp.
Based on the other thermostats the max allowed temp would be in the 243-248° range, combine that with 105% of the GCWR and the electric cooling fans and it looks about right. The truck was operating at the edge of its limits.
The light weight of the 1500 vs the 2500 is going to have a huge effect on the mileage when towing. I am pretty sure I could break 19mpg at a GVW of 12K. Right now my truck has a GVW of 11,000 without the trailer and other than the added wind of 2 quads above the bed rails it was cruising fairly close to my empty load and EGTs.
I am pleased to see such good tests and reviews with it, the only problem I see is that people are going to continue to do too much with 1/2 tons, buy a 3/4+ if you plan to work it hard.
