Gas mileage on the 3.6 V6

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JV Ram

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I have seen a few threads before on this. But I am curious what gas mileage the V6’s are getting. I was averaging about 18 in city and 21-23 on highway before I went to 20” rims (275/60-20) and a leveling kit. Went down to 15.5-16 in city and 18-20 on highway. Also depends on how I drive. Drove the truck hard all week and got 12.1 mpg some how and can’t seem to get it back up over 14(reset the computers). Any tips or tricks besides switching back to stock tire size you guys would recommend? I put in an aftermarket air filter but it didn’t seem to help at all.


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Donutsahoy

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Did you have the computer re-calibrated to compensate for the change in tire size?
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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Negative. What I mean by resetting the computer is the computer that keeps track of the gas mileage and fuel range and what not.


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Donutsahoy

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Negative. What I mean by resetting the computer is the computer that keeps track of the gas mileage and fuel range and what not.


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You'll want to recalibrate your computer to account for the larger tire size then, I don't remember what is required for that process. Someone who has can step in and give you a quick run down or you can find it on the site.

Basically what is happening is that you increased the weight and size of the tires which increases the amount your engine has to work to produce a similar result, BUT the bigger tires mean you are going further.

TLDR: Physics... yo

Also changed tire size without compensation means your speedometer is not reading accurately either.

EDIT: So yes your gas mileage took a bit of a hit because bigger tires but it's not quite as bad as it sounds (I hope) just need to re calibrate so your computer knows you're running 20's not 17's.

Hope this makes sense.
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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Ok thank you for the info. I’ll most certainly look into it. The dealership probably charges and arm and a leg to do it but it’ll probably be worth it in the long run. And yes bigger tires are a must have on the truck. Really completes the look and handling! Thanks!


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Neil E

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My 17 RCSB has 19500 miles, I have had it for 8 months. Lots of highway miles, average 24.5 mpg lifetime. Usually 26 if all highway before winter started (even though it officially has not), my mpg have dropped to about 24 the last 2 weeks. Worse I have seen is 21 mpg, and that was with towing.
 

JohnnyMac

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Depending on how much the dealership wants to charge you, for less than $200 you can get a calibrator from Rough Country and do it yourself. Then if you go back to stock or change size again, you don't have to pay again.
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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Called an got an appointment made at the dealership. Cost $100 to get it flashed. About half of what I thought it was going to so I’ll take it. It’ll also give me a chance to test drive the 2019 Ram Rebel! Thanks for the input guys.


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rule18

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Called an got an appointment made at the dealership. Cost $100 to get it flashed. About half of what I thought it was going to so I’ll take it. It’ll also give me a chance to test drive the 2019 Ram Rebel! Thanks for the input guys.


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McBroom

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You'll want to recalibrate your computer to account for the larger tire size then, I don't remember what is required for that process. Someone who has can step in and give you a quick run down or you can find it on the site.

Basically what is happening is that you increased the weight and size of the tires which increases the amount your engine has to work to produce a similar result, BUT the bigger tires mean you are going further.

TLDR: Physics... yo

Also changed tire size without compensation means your speedometer is not reading accurately either.

EDIT: So yes your gas mileage took a bit of a hit because bigger tires but it's not quite as bad as it sounds (I hope) just need to re calibrate so your computer knows you're running 20's not 17's.

Hope this makes sense.

How’s your ecoD holding up for ya @Donutsahoy ?


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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How’s your ecoD holding up for ya @Donutsahoy ?


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

Also curious. I think the next truck I get will be the EcoDiesel. Little V6 is awesome but I’m going to need something that can tow more here in a couple years.


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McBroom

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Also curious. I think the next truck I get will be the EcoDiesel. Little V6 is awesome but I’m going to need something that can tow more here in a couple years.


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If your planning on towing. I recommend a hemi


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JV Ram

JV Ram

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If your planning on towing. I recommend a hemi


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

Hmm. Why do you say that? The max I’d ever tow would be 9000 pounds or so. Don’t think the EcoD would be good? Also wanting best fuel mileage possible too.


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McBroom

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Hmm. Why do you say that? The max I’d ever tow would be 9000 pounds or so. Don’t think the EcoD would be good? Also wanting best fuel mileage possible too.


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I wasn’t sure what kinda weight you might be considering. I should’ve asked that. And that could still be a bit much. I’m hoping that the weight police don’t chime in or this thread will be Hijacked for sure.
I don’t think @Donutsahoy tows anything with his truck.
But if you do decide to get an ecoD make damn sure it’s a 4x4 and has the tow package.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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All good. And is it even a truck without 4x4? Haha just kidding but how do you like your 2500? It maybe a bit big for what I am needing but I wouldn’t mind a 2500 in general.


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McBroom

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All good. And is it even a truck without 4x4? Haha just kidding but how do you like your 2500? It maybe a bit big for what I am needing but I wouldn’t mind a 2500 in general.


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I love it. I couldn’t see me w/o anything else. I don’t do any serious towing or anything. But love the 6.4 Hemi. The straight axle 4x4 is pure heaven. 99cd68779240e73cd2408faaf8611b9f.jpg
This is what awesomeness looks like. IMHO.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 
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JV Ram

JV Ram

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I love it. I couldn’t see me w/o anything else. I don’t do any serious towing or anything. But love the 6.4 Hemi. The straight axle 4x4 is pure heaven. 99cd68779240e73cd2408faaf8611b9f.jpg
This is what awesomeness looks like. IMHO.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

That is a very good looking truck! Love how stout Rams look. Here is my ride. 1fc4e846f6e69f4b10f8f3d587d5cef7.jpg16c8734ee90af6e6011964ea3fa1360c.jpg


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Donutsahoy

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My EcoDiesel is doing great! Runs well and gets good mileage.

I have actually towed with my truck and let me tell you, that truck is happy as a lark pulling a load.


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McBroom

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My EcoDiesel is doing great! Runs well and gets good mileage.

I have actually towed with my truck and let me tell you, that truck is happy as a lark pulling a load.


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Awesome. How heavy have you towed with it? Could it safely pull 9K?
It’s 4x4 right?


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 

McBroom

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That is a very good looking truck! Love how stout Rams look. Here is my ride. 1fc4e846f6e69f4b10f8f3d587d5cef7.jpg16c8734ee90af6e6011964ea3fa1360c.jpg


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I especially like that black stripe down the side of it.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 
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