REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => General Vehicle Related Discussion => Topic started by: Flyin6 on February 15, 2023, 03:50:56 PM
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Allow me to introduce the newest truck in my stable. It is a 2022 (New) 3500 Ram Laramie 4X4
I wanted one in the Patriot blue and I was lucky enough to find this one on the lot where I get my Gladiator serviced.
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I am very happy with this purchase.
The truck stickered for $80,000 MSRP and I was able to purchase it for $71,500
I checked all the stats before buying to ensure it will pull (legally) everything I own. The heaviest pull I have is currently around 18,000 lbs. This will bumper pull 20,200 depending on tongue weight.
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Unlike most all of my other vehicles, I am not going to modify this truck. I will service it regularly and replace the tires when its time, and maybe buy a phone holder and rubber floor mats, but, honestly, I am getting really done with lifted trucks that can't turn, won't pull, want to roll off curvy roads. I just want nice and reliable, and this is my answer.
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The truck is a Larime which is several trim levels up from the bottom. I could have optioned it with a sunroof and a gigantic center display, but I see that as "gadgety" and unnecessary. This thing is nice, has the best sound system and is quiet and comfortable.
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The bed is unlined but that will change. It has the soft opening electric tailgate and an electric 115VAC receptacle in the side
It has both 4 and 7-pin trailer receptacles and a class whatever receiver that has to be sleeved down to 2" just like my Chevy
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That was a 6'4" bed BTW
It has the DEF filler where it should be
The tires are E-rated and it rides, well, very firm. I do not like the Firestone tires, but I'm gonna run them. For a 3500, it does not have overload springs, but judging on how firm the ride is, they did all that in the single spring pack.
It has the AAM 11.5" axle we are well accustomed to
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I did not opt for the HO engine as I felt the standard 850 ft lbs was adequate.
I know, several of you are becoming concerned... ;-)
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It has the floor cubby compartments
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Nice looking rig Don. Don’t know about not having overload spring, but I guess they know what they are doing.
Can’t believe you aren’t going to start changing things right away.
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Very nice. Supprised about the overloads too with just a 3 spring pack. Love the cubby storage, always seems we need more!
Going to line it and put a gooseneck on it?
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Very nice. Supprised about the overloads too with just a 3 spring pack. Love the cubby storage, always seems we need more!
Going to line it and put a gooseneck on it?
Line it: yes
Gooseneck: Maybe eventually. Right now I have that almost new 17K Kaufman bumper pull equipment trailer. So my plan is to get started pulling my machine to jobs here and there as is. I would like to add a GN if I get a little more serious with using the machine.
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Nice looking rig Don. Don’t know about not having overload spring, but I guess they know what they are doing.
Can’t believe you aren’t going to start changing things right away.
I know, crazy, right?
But I really think I have either flat-out changed or perhaps "evolved" a bit, because I really just want a reliable, warranted, vehicle that is more or less stock.
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In as much as I normally post in the build thread section, because that is what is happening, I posted here in the standard vehicle-related discussion. I think this will be more of an owner experience and periodic maintenance commentary.
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I hope you opted for the extended 130k warranty. Local contractor I’m using for excavation and concrete has several and that was his one recommendation on the Cummins dodges.
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Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along
Good lookin color!
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Good looking truck.
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Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along
Good lookin color!
I agree, good looking truck and if you recall my truck when I bought it there were mods but it was the full “grandpa mod edition”. You know color painted cap, bed carpet kit, those fancy drop down electric steps we know he loves. And…… potentially some added chrome trim pieces in just the right places.
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Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along
Good lookin color!
Ya, that's not this truck nor me.
Now I do not think electric steps are out of the question. I watched Kat struggle to get in/out of it yesterday. I immediately told her, "Honey, no mods..." then she gave me those droopy sad eyes...
Thank you gentlemen!
I agree, good looking truck and if you recall my truck when I bought it there were mods but it was the full “grandpa mod edition”. You know color painted cap, bed carpet kit, those fancy drop down electric steps we know he loves. And…… potentially some added chrome trim pieces in just the right places.
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Nice truck, Don! It's the younger brother of mine, and the same color. Mine is the same color, 16 years older, with a ton more miles! LOL
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Nice truck, Don! It's the younger brother of mine, and the same color. Mine is the same color, 16 years older, with a ton more miles! LOL
Cool, cousins!
I didn't go for the HO with 1075 ft lab or the AISIN transmission, because, with the 850 the truck has it moves out rather briskly. I'm not seeing the need for the added expense (+$3K) when my max tow will likely fall just under 20K
Isn't yours either 650 or 850 torque? And how do you think that answers your daily needs?
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Question for Tate or anyone else who has knowledge.
All 3500 Ram trucks come with something they call an "Anti-Spin" differential.
For the 11.5 AAM, the only one I know about is the G80 GM unit. Is that what is in my rear axle?
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So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?
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Question for Tate or anyone else who has knowledge.
All 3500 Ram trucks come with something they call an "Anti-Spin" differential.
For the 11.5 AAM, the only one I know about is the G80 GM unit. Is that what is in my rear axle?
Unless it’s something new yes it’s the g80 and an extremely reliable unit unlike the 10.5 gov bomb of old.
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Nice truck. ADHD much?
Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..
congrats Don.
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Nice truck. ADHD much?
Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..
congrats Don.
:popcorn: 30 day increments? Ok, I’ll bite……
May 1 for me
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What’s the definition of modification you are going off of? Window tint a mod?
I’ll give it another 2 week till something is ordered for it
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Nice truck. ADHD much?
Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..
congrats Don.
You're a bad man...Aren't you banned or something (Or perhaps should be as an example to others...?) ;-)
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What’s the definition of modification you are going off of? Window tint a mod?
I’ll give it another 2 week till something is ordered for it
Well, something is already ordered...
Wait for it
...
Mopar rubber floor mats
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So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?
OK, ok, let's define mods
Mods are things that really start to get away from the manufacturers intent. Like a new exhaust or tuning or suspension mods
Things like the floor mats I just ordered, or a different brand oil or oil filter is well within the spectrum of normal stuff...Agree?
So, where you may catch me up is with the AMP research steps. Those are getting a little way apart from stock and do involve some wrenching. But this truck is sort of tall, and Kat is having a hard time getting in and out of it.
I told her I was not going to add steps when she requested them because in legal terms, "it pierces the veil." Sort of like a little tiny leak in a levee on the Mississippi river.
Next thing you know I'm leveling it, a mild tune, some better shocks, and bolting on one of Shawn's diff covers simply because the diff cover is somehow connected to the amp steps.
No, I can't explain how.
And we do not currently have a psychologist on the site to help explain that.
So, suffice it to say, I just know me all too well.
I can't look at a lawn mower without wondering how it would sound with a set of Harley shorties bolted on
Hmmm, come to think of it, that would be pretty cool.
Especially on that tracked terminator mower I own...
Steps: Possibly
Fuel tank: no (for now)
Speaker upgrade: No
Paint protective film: Just waiting for you to recommend which product to buy.
Ceramic window tint: No, no, and absolutely NO. After tinting the Tesla, and the D-Max, I hate driving in a tinted car.
Oh did I mention I spent a bit too much on my wife's new 2+kt nearly flawless and colorless diamond?
And there has long been talk of putting either a 1970 SuperBee or a 70 SS 454 Chevelle in the garage. That talk recently cropped up again...
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The SS Chevelle would be my choice. Many more places to find parts and the cool factor is higher
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Just don't tint them heavy, match the rear windows. Doing the same on my tahoe.
I think ram makes a type of true track also, could that be in there?
What size is the tank
Of course it needs a mild tune and steps for Kate.
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Expel Paint protection film is the only way to go. Full hood and front bumper, a pillars, and such areas. Charles will chime in if he try’s to log in. Stupid Tapatalk!
Don’t forget you need gauges like the banks Idash to watch the pesky Def system function, might as well add their intake while under the hood.
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No need for the full hood. Just the bikini kit from Expel. If it were white id do the full hood because white shows the lines more than dark colors.
https://www.xpel.com/paint-protection-kits/US--AND--Canada/Passenger-Cars--AND--Light-Trucks/2022/Ram/3500/Laramie
This will give you an idea of what areas you can cover. Lights and bumper and the hood kit would be my recommendation.
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If you’re serious about using equipment and jobs you’ll want an auxiliary bed mounted tank which can be plumbed to oem tank like mine. Then of course the hose and pump to fill the equipment.
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No need for the full hood. Just the bikini kit from Expel. If it were white id do the full hood because white shows the lines more than dark colors.
https://www.xpel.com/paint-protection-kits/US--AND--Canada/Passenger-Cars--AND--Light-Trucks/2022/Ram/3500/Laramie
This will give you an idea of what areas you can cover. Lights and bumper and the hood kit would be my recommendation.
My gosh!
That is stupid expensive!
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Yes since you don’t keep anything more than 6 months. But if you keep it long term its well worth it. My stuff that’s 7-10 years old has zero rock chips on it..
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Yes since you don’t keep anything more than 6 months. But if you keep it long term its well worth it. My stuff that’s 7-10 years old has zero rock chips on it..
Well, I kept the Chevy 2500 for nearly 12 years. I've had that Suburban for quite a long time.
I had the Tesla for, errr...
;-)
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So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?
OK, ok, let's define mods
Mods are things that really start to get away from the manufacturers intent. Like a new exhaust or tuning or suspension mods
Things like the floor mats I just ordered, or a different brand oil or oil filter is well within the spectrum of normal stuff...Agree?
So, where you may catch me up is with the AMP research steps. Those are getting a little way apart from stock and do involve some wrenching. But this truck is sort of tall, and Kat is having a hard time getting in and out of it.
I told her I was not going to add steps when she requested them because in legal terms, "it pierces the veil." Sort of like a little tiny leak in a levee on the Mississippi river.
Next thing you know I'm leveling it, a mild tune, some better shocks, and bolting on one of Shawn's diff covers simply because the diff cover is somehow connected to the amp steps.
No, I can't explain how.
And we do not currently have a psychologist on the site to help explain that.
So, suffice it to say, I just know me all too well.
I can't look at a lawn mower without wondering how it would sound with a set of Harley shorties bolted on
Hmmm, come to think of it, that would be pretty cool.
Especially on that tracked terminator mower I own...
Steps: Possibly
Fuel tank: no (for now)
Speaker upgrade: No
Paint protective film: Just waiting for you to recommend which product to buy.
Ceramic window tint: No, no, and absolutely NO. After tinting the Tesla, and the D-Max, I hate driving in a tinted car.
Oh did I mention I spent a bit too much on my wife's new 2+kt nearly flawless and colorless diamond?
And there has long been talk of putting either a 1970 SuperBee or a 70 SS 454 Chevelle in the garage. That talk recently cropped up again...
Based on this…March 1st.
Nice truck chief.
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Isn't yours either 650 or 850 torque? And how do you think that answers your daily needs?
Mine stock is 325hp, 610 lbs ft or torque, with the 6spd manual. I've pulled a little over 10k on the bumper through the hills on TN and never had an issue. With the tuner in tow, or performance mode, I've probably got a bit more power torue, but I generally use the stock setting unless on a long highway road trip. Those setting don't like to lug in traffic, bringing my mpg down (cause I'm lazy sometimes and don't downshift at the "optimum" points, LOL). I've never felt the need for more power/torque.
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Just don't tint them heavy, match the rear windows. Doing the same on my tahoe.
I think ram makes a type of true track also, could that be in there?
What size is the tank
Of course it needs a mild tune and steps for Kate.
AAM TRAC RITE aka absolute garbage, and this is on a personal level,not business oriented at all. hardened gears and soft cast iron cases don't mix well. but that's on 2018 and older scenarios, and i cannot speak for 2019+.
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An interesting difference of opinions. Shawn likes the diff, and you don't.
I am not worried at all, because for 100,000 miles, it is under warranty, and after that, I know a guy who sells a Grizzly locker...;-)
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10-4!
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Nice looking truck, Don. I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.
If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)
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Nice looking truck, Don. I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.
If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)
Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?
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Nice looking truck, Don. I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.
If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)
Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?
Got the back field rough leveled last year, I’m going to get a lot of the larger rocks and roots picked up and smooth it out a little more before I seed it all for grass. I need to just send the kids out and tell them they can’t come back in until they clear a hundred pounds a piece of rock from the yard.
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Nice looking truck, Don. I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.
If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)
Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?
Got the back field rough leveled last year, I’m going to get a lot of the larger rocks and roots picked up and smooth it out a little more before I seed it all for grass. I need to just send the kids out and tell them they can’t come back in until they clear a hundred pounds a piece of rock from the yard.
Or, rent a tractor with a rock rake.
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While I'm posting, let's swap out the floor mats
I picked up Mopar rubber floor mats
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Front comparo:
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And the rear:
The fit is perfect!
Is this my first mod?
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The fuel economy is improving.
The first tank yielded mid-16s with the fuel computer indicating low 16s.
I have been driving it steady state at 72-76 on the highway and the fuel consumption calculator is currently showing 19.1.
I want to say, now well into the second tank of fuel that it may be breaking in somewhat. It feels very smooth, not all that responsive, but super torquey. I often see the tach sitting at 1,200-1,500 RPM and frankly, unlike the Duramax, it does not feel like it needs to downshift. It has a rich well with an abundance of torque.
I am really liking this truck so far.
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Sounds good, they are known for TQ. Our dmaxs seem to like around 2k.
For the pedal feel, they a kit for that as very common. Doesn't tune, just adjusts the pedal.
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Don, I wouldn't rely on the computer MPG reading. Do it by hand to get a true reading. My computer regularly shows I'm getting 28 MPG average, when the math shows 18. ;-)
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Don, I wouldn't rely on the computer MPG reading. Do it by hand to get a true reading. My computer regularly shows I'm getting 28 MPG average, when the math shows 18. ;-)
Copy that
Last time I used the fuel consumption calculator function, then when I filled up, I did the math. Surprisingly they nearly matched.
So I a reaching at the moment that based on the accuracy of that calculator the first time, I should be doing much better this time. However in a few days when I top it up again, I will establish the actual numbers and report.
The Jeep has the exact same display functions and it has been off by 2-2.5 mpg.
Same-same with aircraft. You use the charts in the manual to calculate fuel consumption, but in the end, you're walking out to go flying and you see the guy who flew it yesterday, "Hey Bob, you carried the heavy load yesterday, how much did she burn?" And that is how it really goes.
Having said that the manufacturing tolerances in aircraft are tighter than in automobiles and the charts are actually pretty good...Unless you're that guy who constantly finds yourself a quarter ball out of trim. Then it's, "Darn, three-two-seven really sucks the fuel!"
Some people...
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Mine may be due to oversize tires. I've used my tuner to calibrate the speedo, but don't know if that affects the roof computer display. So, when I'm curious, I fill up until the level of fuel is even with the bottom of the filler neck (to ensure fill-up repeatability) and do the math. LOL
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Following today's refueling the actual calculated fuel consumption: 18.75 mpg.
The fuel calculator on the dash indicated 19.5 mpg.
The fuel calculator in the vehicle averages the preceding 50 miles.
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That's pretty much what I average.
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That's pretty much what I average.
OK, so I'm in with the rest of the herd.
I was hoping I'd see a bit more, but in all actuality, getting 18mpg from a 8K+ truck is pretty OK.
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Nothing to complain about. Thats what I get on the freeway, pretty much what the dmax see's now. Tow and haul rig.
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That is true but…. When you hook up a load it just doesn’t matter the fuel mileage as much as the push down on the pedal and head up the hill that matters.
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That is true but…. When you hook up a load it just doesn’t matter the fuel mileage as much as the push down on the pedal and head up the hill that matters.
Absolutely.
I'm giving my truck a little time to break in before subjecting it to the loads it will encounter at the farm. I still have the D-Max truck, so I am using that still to pull loads. Once I have a thousand or so miles on the Ram, I'll start pulling around 6K-7K for a while. Later on, I'll give it the full treatment of pulling 17K+
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so have you used your new trailer, slv97, forestry head / bucket to do any actual paid work?
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so have you used your new trailer, slv97, forestry head / bucket to do any actual paid work?
Not paid. I have done work for free, and have some more to do yet before I feel comfortable enough to charge for my work.
And
I don't feel right charging my neighbors for anything.
Finally, I did not feel comfortable hooking my d-max 2500 to a load which would be so obviously well over its towing limits.
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Mileage report from the last two (half) tanks
First: 18.6
Second: 19.14
Creeping upward?
Had a brief conversation with Duane last night. He owns what is essentially an identical truck. He did a recent trip delivering a 12-valve engine to a builder in Indiana. The total trip was 350 miles and he reports that driving 60-65 he got an actual 28 MPG!
Edit: 27 MPG
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It was actually 27 mpg, 230 mile round trip in January. It is the best fuel mpg to date. This truck gets better fuel mileage than my 2015 EcoDiesel. I am very happy with it.
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I stand corrected!
and
27 mpg is outstanding!
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That is pretty amazing.
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
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Yes it is. I can scrape out 20 on the Dmax.
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These new 6.7 Cummins engines are amazing. Very low RPM power. Like cruising around at 1300 RPM.
By comparison, I pulled over 100 miles today with the D max and got 14.5 pulling I would estimate 6500 lbs.
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I got about the same a week ago pulling the flatbed to the prop and back. 15mpg which I was not unhappy with.
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These new 6.7 Cummins engines are amazing. Very low RPM power. Like cruising around at 1300 RPM.
By comparison, I pulled over 100 miles today with the D max and got 14.5 pulling I would estimate 6500 lbs.
1300 rpm seems to be the optimal rpm for fuel economy, which is somewhere between 60 and 65 mph. With the stock 3.73 gearing, no lift and the OEM LGBQTires.
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Big tires and lifts are not for the mileage crowd.
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Big tires and lifts are not for the mileage crowd.
Which, for me, is why this one is staying more or less as purchased...
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Give it time,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Give it time,,,,,,,,,,,,
My f250 6.7L isn’t getting a lift or bigger tires. It’s fine as is for its duties.
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Big tires and lifts are not for the mileage crowd.
Which, for me, is why this one is staying more or less as purchased...
Okay…
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Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.
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That would be fun for sure...
But
May be saving my pennies for a V8 swap into the Jeep-truck ;-)
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OK, well, I just ordered one for my truck. I’ll install it a week or so after it arrives. I’ve been researching the Carli suspension system for a while now, wanted to wait until I needed tires. I’m almost at that point.
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Do it Don
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Do it Don
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wanna get banned...again??
;-)
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Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.
These parts are all black and blue, so clearly made for your truck Don...
Kind of match your color scheme...
:shocked:
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Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.
These parts are all black and blue, so clearly made for your truck Don...
Kind of match your color scheme...
:shocked:
You too!
Seriously, I had high hopes for you Sam!
Falling in with the likes of the Texas Red Neck!
Where have I failed these people?
;-)
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Well, Kat and I are talkin about what the rest of our lives look like.
Seems as though that picture does not include the farm
Should that go, then I'd expect to see a Chevy LT in the Jeep, and something else done to the Ram, along with a 70 SS LS6 Chevelle...Red with black stripes please...
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So, Don, how big a tire can you fit under that truck without a lift? My '06 3500 will fit a 35 without rubbing. I currently run 285/75R17 on the stock rims, which measure right at 34" using a tape measure.
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Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.
These parts are all black and blue, so clearly made for your truck Don...
Kind of match your color scheme...
:shocked:
You too!
Seriously, I had high hopes for you Sam!
Falling in with the likes of the Texas Red Neck!
Where have I failed these people?
;-)
Sorry boss, but every now and then I see the logic, and this one comes to you color matched already!
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Since your Jeep-truck is done, you might as well order up one of these from Tate. We could do a side-by-side install.
These parts are all black and blue, so clearly made for your truck Don...
Kind of match your color scheme...
:shocked:
You too!
Seriously, I had high hopes for you Sam!
Falling in with the likes of the Texas Red Neck!
Where have I failed these people?
;-)
Sorry boss, but every now and then I see the logic, and this one comes to you color matched already!
@ $7K for the purdy stuff, all I'd have to add to the list is a divorce! (For another estimated $100+K)
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So, Don, how big a tire can you fit under that truck without a lift? My '06 3500 will fit a 35 without rubbing. I currently run 285/75R17 on the stock rims, which measure right at 34" using a tape measure.
Dunno Sean.
I'm probably just going back with the stock size when the time arrives.
These stockers are pretty tall as is.
Tall enough to make getting into and out of the truck a hassle.
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Just ordered a set of Aeries Action retractable running boards
Cool concept
The top piece protrudes a little making it, effectively, a step. The bottom electrically extends when the door is opened
$1623 to the door
https://realtruck.com/p/aries-actiontrac-powered-running-boards/v/ram/truck-3500/2022/