Possible GM to RAM this weekend question.

[Gasser54]

Hey guys,

So I've found a 2016 Ram 5.7, 4x4 3.21 8 speed crew cab That I will probably trade in this weekend. My current truck is a Silverado 5.3 with 3.08 and I average 20MPG 80% highway driving. My question is can I expect similar mileage on the highway with the RAM? Would love input from folks with a similar truck.

Also, how is the towing with the 3.21 gears and 8 speed. Reason I'm getting rid of the Chevy is I was misled when I bought it as having 3.42 gears and found out it actually has 3.08 gears and it doesn't tow 5K lbs great at all.

Thank you very much for your knowledge and help!

 

[H1Chester]

I made several trips back and forth from northeast FL to eastern NC over the summer. I could make the entire trip on one tank of gas. At ~65-70 MPH my average mpgs was around 22 mpg. The fuel economy gauge would spike up to 24 mpg every now and then but I got a solid 22 mpgs during those trips. At the end of my trip when I filled up my tank the range meter said 500 miles.

Keep in mind I pretty much kept it between 65-70 the ENTIRE time, almost non stop. Only 1-2 stops for a leak check and a bite. I don't know of MDS had any factor in it... I turned it off a couple times to get around traffic.

2015 Sport crew cab 5.7L 4x4 3.21 rear end.

 

[Kap1]

Sorry, 20mpg no way. I got 5.7 quad cab 8 speed, I can't ever get more than 17 mpg on highway.

 

[69GWC]

Shoot I average 17mpg, I got allmost 14mpg pulling a overloaded 6x12 enclosed trailer.
Sure my truck would get 20 easy just emptying a tank of fuel on the hwy.
The 8sp makes the difference it super low gearing allows the truck to pull with ease.
I can pull my 28' camper with zero problems and I no from having a 5.3 l Z71 that my Ram would out pull it with no problem.

 

[zrfraser]

MPG is based on so many factors it would be hard to list all of them. I would say you would get similar MPG, but it would depend on driving style, tires, terrain, etc. The 8 speed is a fantastic transmission and does a great job in my V6 truck, for occasional towing they should be fine. My V6 with 3.21 will tow 5,000 lbs fairly easily, so coupled with a HEMI you should be fine.

 

[Gasser54]

Thanks guys, It's a travel trailer I'm wanting to pull with it. The truck is rated for 8000 lbs which is a rating 2000 lbs more then my Chevy. My Chevy came with a HD hitch, HD trans cooler, electric brake controller, and a 7 pin. The dealer assumed it was rated for 9200 lbs and listed it so. However, with 3.08 gears it is rated for 6200 lbs. Chevy selling a truck with all the HD towing options and the dealer not helping at all has really put a bad experience for me with Chevy.

I drive very easy, on the highway I don't go over 70 and just flat out drive like a grandpa. No one believes me my Silverado averages 20 MPG but going by my own fuel added : miles driven calculation I'm right at 19.5.

 

[N1ck]

Depends on wind for me, I have a 2017 CC 8spd 3.21 with heavey 20x10’s and 33” AT’s 16-20MPG is typical for me on the highway around 70-75MPH. If there’s a decent wind my mileage turns ****** real quick.

 

[Burla]

Read the tow guide, make sure you match the correct model, engine, and gear ratio. Looks like tow capacity around 8k pounds, goes up 2k pounds with a 3.92.

The 3.21's with the 8 speed are very popular here, the 3.92's are even more popular. it is a great truck.

 

[jasonw]

My 2014 with slightly oversized A/T tires will get almost 20 at 60-65 if the wind isn't fighting me, and that is with 3.92 gears. With 3.21 gears, if you aren't towing, you keep it under 70, the wind isn't attacking you, and you don't go crazy with tires, you'll most likely get 20 or above.

On the interstate, I love to drive 80+ (speed limit is 80 here). With my gears, tires, a full load of winter gear (vehicle jumper, tire chains, tow ropes, etc. etc.) in the Ramboxes, and a wind hitting me, I still get 15 at those speeds. I love this truck. You'll love its power compared to the 5.3 as well.

 

[KSH]

Go to that site, click on look up my vehicle and put in the vin.

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

 

[MADDOG]

If you can find a 3.92 geared 8 spd truck I'd highly recommend it over the 3.21 geared truck for towing.

 

[Chigurh]

I've got a 2016 4x2 Hemi with the 3.21 and the 8-speed plus an LSD. On the freeway doing between 75-80 I average 19, towing 4700lbs doing 65-70 I averaged 12-13 highway with Tow/Haul on.

The 8-speed plus the Hemi is a great combination, you won't lack for power when pulling.

 

[mohemipar]

Without doubt the Ram, even with 3.21 gears, will pull a trailer worlds better than that 3.08 geared 5.3. (holy **** what a stupid gear in a truck) My Scat was geared with 3.09 lol.

However I would say to except that the MPG will be a bit less in the Ram. Really, I cant see a 5.7 Hemi Ram would get equal MPGs on the highway to a 5.3 geared with 3.08s. Having said that, many people can get almost 20 empty on the highway with these trucks. It is worse for others. I was typically in the 17MPG range on longer trips with my old 1500. As someone said, there are a lot of variables. But just stripping it to what we know, I wouldnt expect the Ram to be as good on MPG as your Chevy. Also remember, the calculator on the trucks computer is typically a couple MPG higher than what you are probably getting. I found my 1500 and now my HD to be pretty accurate though, within 1 MPG most times I've hand calculated.

Also consider what trim you are going for. The higher the trim and the more options, the heavier the truck = less MPG and less payload capacity.

 

[jkhcurry]

I have hand calculated every fill up since my truck has been new and my average mpg has been 15.78, best mpg has been 18.58. Most of my miles are hwy miles over 26k miles in 11 months since new.

2016 Hemi/4x4/3.92

 

[Graygoose]

Ive driven many newer Chevy's and I would take my Ram any day over the Silverado. The 8 speed is tons better, the torque is much better than the 5.3.
Even with the 3.21 rear gear and 35's mine has will spin the tires effortlessly.
The 5.3's Silverado's in our fleet, I HATE driving them.

 

[TruckNut]

If you're making the switch simply due to axle ratio, I'd swap out differentials as it would be much cheaper. That said, these trucks can make 20-21 mpg on the highway with ease if you keep your foot out and speed down. Towing is a breeze, especially with the 3.92 setup and the 8 speed is like "butter".

 

[StinkyHotChocolate]

I have a 2013 CC Laramie Hemi with 3.21s. I tow often, about 4-5k pounds. I am leveled with stock sized all terrains.

Towing at 60 I get 12 mpg, and highway at 65 EVIC says 24 consistently and hand calculated around 21.5 consistently. I have the MOPAR Cai and exhaust.

I love the truck, the MPG is outstanding, especially for the power level, and the towing performance is great, 3.21s or otherwise. It does so much better than my big block Suburban with 4.11s did...at everything.

 

[bigred90gt]

Sorry, 20mpg no way. I got 5.7 quad cab 8 speed, I can't ever get more than 17 mpg on highway.

I’ve got a 2017 5.7 crew cab 2ws 3.92 gears and if I keep it around 68 I get at or just over 20. 3.21 on the highway should be no problem gettin 20+.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Getting 17mpg ave with mine, and that's more hwy than local...driving conservatively. 6 spd though and 3.55 gears.

 

[Gasser54]

If you're making the switch simply due to axle ratio, I'd swap out differentials as it would be much cheaper. That said, these trucks can make 20-21 mpg on the highway with ease if you keep your foot out and speed down. Towing is a breeze, especially with the 3.92 setup and the 8 speed is like "butter".

I've called 3 local truck/jeep shops and the quotes run from 2300-2900 with parts and labor. Plus, I have to buy a tuner to reprogram the timing of trans with the new gear ratio. The chevy dealers say they can not reprogram it. On top of all this, I contacted Chevy corporate regarding changing my gears and they claim all my power train warranty will be voided. I've read that they have to prove the mods I do cause the warranty issue but they responded with that. With all this said, it's actually cheaper for me as I found a nice RAM for $1000 OTD with my trade.

Sounds like the RAM will be pretty close to what I'm getting now as for MPG.