poor fuel mileage in 2010 ram 3500

[hkfarms]

I bought a Dodge ram 3500 cummins about 2 months ago and it doesn't seem to be getting very good fuel mileage. Empty I can get about 16 mpg taking it easy but loaded I am down to 9 mpg. I also have a 1998 dodge ram 3500 cummins 24 valve, and it gets about 20+ mpg consistently. Is there a reason why I am not getting good mileage or any suggestions to get better mileage? Thank you

[agoldxj]

The reason is all of the emissions garbage under the truck, get rid of it and your mileage goes up. Only downfall is your warranty will be no more.

[neverenuff]

yea!! what he said^^^^^^^^^^ I done mine and my guage reads 22.8 on highway and 16 to 17 in town. much better.

[txgypsy]

In addition to emissions stuff, your new truck has a bit more power and weight than your older truck. It probably will never get as good mpg as a lighter smaller engined truck.

[bigredram3500]

Before my deletes I was able to get the best mpg by driving more economically and unplugging my EGR. If your willing to throw money at it you could toss in a free spin hub kit and a MPG Max Water/Meth system. Also, always keep an eye on your tire pressure.

Youd have to plug the EGR back in and remove the Water/Meth system before dealer visits to keep warranty though.

If warranty isn't a concern deletes are the best place to start. There are many more advantages to them than just better mpg. Do some searching on this site for what your looking for, there' A LOT of reading ahead of you but a ton of good info.

[John T]

My 2010 is getting 12 town and 15 highway at 70 MPH. I have done nothing to it as yet. My 2004.5 Cummings got 19 town and 24 highway. I had added an Edge package and a K&N filter is all. Problem was the K&N destroyed the motor at 94,000 miles. While I thought to remove the Edge pre-service I had not removed the K&N filter and my warranty was voided. The fight to push the issue would of been a long battle that I may of won but in the mean time I would of been stuck with a POC. Problem resolved by trading with a differn't dealer. So be carefull what you change regarding warranty.

[fast fras]

I am tempted to delete all the emission crap too, but I was told in CT if I did it would be a big fine and the truck would be put out of service. Don’t know how true that is but here in CT we have to go through emission testing every 2 years. It’s a big pain in the Butt.

[John T]

I take it that they still have inspection stations. None in most states now and I would be surprised if even Ct had random stops to check exhaust. I think making you open your hood would come under US search and seizure. Warrantless searches generally apply to the passenger compartment only. However if caught all of us that remove the stuff are subject to fines, they would allow you to replace the vehicle to standards. Financed vehicles are rarely seized as the bank is considered an innocent party and their property with few exceptions cannot be taken from them.