First tow with Ecoboost

Mark Heisler wrote:

that really not a far test.
your truck is a new 2013 and your old truck is a 2003.
a true test would be having a new 2013 ram.to pull against.

It's not a test or a competition, it's a comparison. I'm not suggesting anyone should buy a new Ford instead of a new Ram. I'm merely reporting how my new truck tows compared to my old truck (which I really liked, BTW).

BillyW wrote:
Did the 2003 Ram 1500s come with 5 speed autos? I thought that was later.

Yes. Actually, mine was a 2003-1/2, which is when they introduced the Hemi. It came with a 5-speed tranny, which included 2 overdrives, both (but not one) of which could be locked out. The tranny was always the weak spot because of the fairly poor spacing of the gear ratios.

Terryallan wrote:
I can believe the better MPG by locking out the highest gear. Your engine is happier at a little higher RPM. Making more power and running more free. They have to work harder to hold that higher gear while towing, and actually use more gas.

EcoBullet wrote:
I'm pleased with the way mine pulls as well. My trailer is a little lighter and more streamlined. I also locked out 6th and got 10.2 mpg on a trip last month. Love my truck!

Good to know. I'll leave 6th locked out for my next trip and see how it goes.


-- Rob