First drive Ram 1500 diesel

otrfun wrote:

Turtle n Peeps wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
If the 2014 Ram with DEF only gets 16-18 mpg hwy then it looks like the DEF is only a bonus for less regens. My 12 CTD gets 16-18 mpg hwy all day @70 mph. 18-19+mpg running 55-60.

Auto manufactures run the same dyno load program for fuel economy tests so it's apples and apples.

IOW's it's all relative. Some may get more than the EPA sticker, some might get less, but on average, the average person is going to get right at the EPA sticker. If you drove the 2014 Ram the same way you drove your 12 it would get better mileage. DEF allows the tune to be a lot better so they can pick up mileage without being dirtier. Win-win.

The gossip I'm hearing (nothing scientific) says the 2013-2014 Ram 2500/3500 6.7 trucks (with DEF) are getting about 1-2 mpg better fuel economy (empty) than their 2012 counterparts (without DEF).

Ref your comment about EPA testing, the EPA doesn't do fuel economy tests on vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 lb. or higher. Unfortunately, the GVWR on nearly all 3/4 ton (and larger) trucks exceeds 8,500 lbs. Wish the EPA would include them. Certainly would make it easier to shop & compare new trucks from the Big 3.

I agree 100%.

My point with DEF and a tune is this:
With DEF you can tune a LOT of EGR out of the system and jack a lot of injector timing in but still keep the NOX very low.

Cummins use to be the mileage king with the 5.9. Then when the twins and Ford came out with DEF and Cummins stayed with heavy EGR; Cummins dropped to 3 place in mileage. 6.7 heavy EGR Cummins mileage test.

Now that Cummins went to DEF you can throw a blanket over all 3 as far as mileage goes. (Or so I have been told) :)