FCA Receives Certification for EcoDiesel

I have 3.92s & a slightly shorter tire. I tow at 65 in 7th or the first overdrive which is 2,100 rpms just into the crest of the torque range. A double axle Airstream 25' to a lighter 30' usually averages 15 to 15.2, a 25 to 30' box TT 14.0, empty truck 30 if no wind & I keep it to 60ish or 22/23 at 80. Also 22/23 around town mix.

TT in tow I'm usually working to get best economy without losing time. Wind is a big factor in regards to mpg with TTs as is will you let it fall back a lil up a grade & pick it back up on the downside or pedal down hold the same speed. What I am saying is your driving habits.

I'm towing a 6800# boat without any problem at all. I towed an RV of about the same weight for my BL in Tenn and she didn't miss a beat. Remember this engine has the same HP/TQ ratings as the 7.3 and 5.9 did back in the day! No one had a problem towing with those engines back then now did they.

We seem to forget that given the almost 1000 ft lb tq ratings we have now!

Don

WOW.... thanks Vern, I go to church with a guy that has one, but it only has 8k miles on it so I can't go buy how his has performed, but you on the other hand.


can you give a ball park of MPG when towing and empty after the tune.

Bionic man,
I can understand your point. But, to tote a light medium to light trailer, add in a family, you need 2000 lbs with a 7000 lb trailer. Doable with a heavy DOT left class 2 truck. IE 6001-8400 lbs. A regular cab that is 4800-5200 tare could carry the 2-3000 lbs I mentioned, yet pull what is a heavy light to medium trailer in today's world of 6-10,000 lbs.
I've noticed at least looking at GMs, the basic reg cab truck is in the upper 5000 lb range, vs my 2000 @ 4800 tare. Yeah they have 1000 lbs more gvwr.....but still about 2 tons of payload.
Frankly, for what I am needing, a 7500-8000 gvwr rig with the 4.3 V8 gm has, 6 so trans, at least 3.73 or 4.10 gears, I'm in great shape. The eco boost/diesel options would also be good motors for me pulling 6-8000 lb trailers. No not the fastest rig around, I would get places safe and sanely.
Hence why I was asking.
Marty

Bought mine new and transport new travel trailers from the manufacturers to dealerships with it to the tune of 340,000 miles. Women like driving these because they're so refined quiet & smooth like a luxury car. If she is shorter she will like the optional air suspension that lowers the truck for easy entry and easy loading of the bed.

The transmission is fantastic it has reset the bar. The engines have had some failures. It's a legitimate concern. That said the powertrain warranty is 100,000 miles and if it were to fail ram gives you a brand new engine. I like this much better than stuffing new parts in an used motor. As with any new diesel emissions are a concern if you don't regularly work the truck and have a very short commute. Many myself included have had great luck with a tune that essentially shuts the EGR off. You can find good information over at ram1500diesel.com.

EDIT. Wow I only saw to where first guy asked to hear from owners until after I posted this.

RAM has been very clear over the years. If you want something to tow/haul heavy, they think you would be better off in a 2500 or 3500.

If I only needed a truck to tow my boat, the EcoDiesel would be high on my list. I wish they would put that engine (or something very similar) into a full size SUV like a Suburban. Pretty sure that was part of the original development plan for the engine. It would be plenty of power, and great fuel economy, for that platform.

The highest base payload offered in a Ram 1500 with an Ecodiesel is about 1,600 lbs according to the Ram Bodybuilder. Unfortunately Ram does not offer an HD version of their 1500 and you cannot get the Ecodiesel in an HD 2500. Ford is coming out with a diesel and they make a 7 lug HD version of their F150. Not sure if they will make an HD version of the F150 diesel. They would be stupid not to.

blt2ski wrote:
Can one get this motor in a reg cab 1500 work truck interior? with a reasonable higher payload 2-3000 lbs?

Marty

Rams build and price says so. MSRP on a Tradesman with no options except the Eco is $32,160. Eco is a $4770 option. Not sure on the 2000-3000 lb payload. I don't think Ram offers anything near that regardless on engine option.

Can one get this motor in a reg cab 1500 work truck interior? with a reasonable higher payload 2-3000 lbs?

Marty

I had 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees with the Ecodiesel. Had some emission problems on the 2014 which got sorted out after some recalls. The 2015 was trouble free. Only put 30,000 miles on each one. I am currently driving a 2016 JGC with the V6 gas engine. I wouldn't shy away from the diesel. They are a good engine. But don't buy one for the miles per gallon advantage. Look at the cost per mile factor. I would consistently get 30 mpg highway with the diesel and now with the V6 gas I am consistently getting 25 on the same route. Add the average 15% higher fuel price for diesel, a little DEF fluid, triple the price of oil changes and your pretty much at a draw. And that 8 speed tranny, I don't think there is a better one out there. That is a smooth, smart transmission! Low end torgue, yep the diesel definitely. Passing someone at 60 mph and give me the V6 gas. Pulling something, no brainer, diesel. Easy decision, right!!