2006 Ram 2500 gas mileage

[bignoisey]

I just bought a used 2006 Ram 2500 w/ a 5.7L hemi and 4WD. It seems to run just fine, and tows beautifully, but I'm only averaging 12 MPG unloaded and only about 7-8 MPG towing a large boat trailer (about 7,000 lb). The 4WD is useful on slippery boat ramps pulling up that big boat. Is this mileage typical for this year/model? If there is anything I can do to help the mileage, I'm open to suggestions.

[Chris Stewart]

When I desire maximum fuel mileage, I run 62mph or the speed limit, whichever is less.

[aleekat]

Guy I work with has a 2003. He says 12mpg. Any history on tune up, cleaning throttle body, tires, alignment?. Anything you can do to aid it.

[bignoisey]

It didn't come with maintenance history so I don't know what's been done, but one tire was pretty low, so I inflated it and that might help. I plan to check the air filter and spark plugs. What about the throttle body? Do I just spray some carb cleaner into it? Just how accurate are those built in driving computers? That's where I'm reading the mileage.

[Levithan9]

Your mileage is about right for the side engine you have. Remember, you damn near at the weight limit to be considered a Marine Invasion Landing Vehicle. I have a 03 1500 with a 4.7, and just going back and forth to work, I average about 13.

You can buy a Jet chip that goes between the wiring harness to the PCM, and that may help. I had one and got 15-16mpg. I had to take it out when my truck started acting up. Turns out, the chip went bad, and it was out of warranty...but I had it form4 years.

Good luck.

[fredjacksonsan]

Try 0WXX oil, Amsoil or RP in the differentials, keeping the tires at or near max inflation pressure, and a light foot.

I knew a guy that got 20mpg with his 2500 Hemi on the highway. He said to keep the rpms under 2000 was the key.