Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Max towing number released
9200# LINK
Forum Discussion
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I think that the overdue introduction of 1/2 ton diesel pick-ups is a great idea. With a little luck, the Ram 1500 will be enough of a roaring success that we will see some competition from Ford and GM. There is a good chance that the Dodge board-room made the decision because of Ford's Ecoboost, and Ford stuck their neck out because of looming changes per "greening" up the world.
Diesel power makes sense because there is more BTUs in every gallon and it sells for a similar price to gasoline. Besides our personal tow vehicles, we have a wimpy Prius and we can almost drive our RV for free occasional use with what we save on fuel over ordinary cars. For instance, last trip to the VA was over 50 mpg/highway. There is no doubt that the low-priced little car is astounding for its low maintenance and minimal fuel costs. It is, by far, still the best at what it does. But it is only good for people hauling; not towing.
On the other hand, we have a V-10 Excursion, pretty much the SUV chassis choice for dedicated towing. Fuel mileage sucks empty or not. It gets maybe 14 mpg empty, and the best I've gotten towing our 30 footer was a corrected 9.8 mpg, no wind, 50-55 mph coming home. Going to camp was 6.5 mpg at 60 mph with a 10-12 mph headwind.
So we recently picked up an early, low hp, 7.3 Ford diesel crew cab. A preliminary short-run tow test indicates it has less initial zip than the V-10 Excursion, but I noticed the diesel holds overdrive on most ND interstate hills where the Ex won't. The stinky oil-burner runs right near the top torque band at 60 mph in overdrive. My hope is to get about 12 mpg at very moderate 55-60 mph speeds. Like some on here, I'm never in a hurry anymore.
Too bad they don't make a diesel Prius. That would be the ultimate city car. Now I know some folks don't like them after all the negative pro-carbon ad campaigns, but between new tow offerings, such as the Ram 1500 diesel, and improved sedans, we could, maybe overall as a nation... burn about half the fuel we do now. And leave some for our grandkids.
Wes
I think that the overdue introduction of 1/2 ton diesel pick-ups is a great idea. With a little luck, the Ram 1500 will be enough of a roaring success that we will see some competition from Ford and GM. There is a good chance that the Dodge board-room made the decision because of Ford's Ecoboost, and Ford stuck their neck out because of looming changes per "greening" up the world.
Diesel power makes sense because there is more BTUs in every gallon and it sells for a similar price to gasoline. Besides our personal tow vehicles, we have a wimpy Prius and we can almost drive our RV for free occasional use with what we save on fuel over ordinary cars. For instance, last trip to the VA was over 50 mpg/highway. There is no doubt that the low-priced little car is astounding for its low maintenance and minimal fuel costs. It is, by far, still the best at what it does. But it is only good for people hauling; not towing.
On the other hand, we have a V-10 Excursion, pretty much the SUV chassis choice for dedicated towing. Fuel mileage sucks empty or not. It gets maybe 14 mpg empty, and the best I've gotten towing our 30 footer was a corrected 9.8 mpg, no wind, 50-55 mph coming home. Going to camp was 6.5 mpg at 60 mph with a 10-12 mph headwind.
So we recently picked up an early, low hp, 7.3 Ford diesel crew cab. A preliminary short-run tow test indicates it has less initial zip than the V-10 Excursion, but I noticed the diesel holds overdrive on most ND interstate hills where the Ex won't. The stinky oil-burner runs right near the top torque band at 60 mph in overdrive. My hope is to get about 12 mpg at very moderate 55-60 mph speeds. Like some on here, I'm never in a hurry anymore.
Too bad they don't make a diesel Prius. That would be the ultimate city car. Now I know some folks don't like them after all the negative pro-carbon ad campaigns, but between new tow offerings, such as the Ram 1500 diesel, and improved sedans, we could, maybe overall as a nation... burn about half the fuel we do now. And leave some for our grandkids.
Wes
