Performance of 2013 Ram 2500 Diesel while towing

[wilsonseattle]

Lots of discussion about the best rig to tow with but not a lot of hard data to consider. So I wrote this to detail the performance of our 2013 RAM 2500 Diesel pickup while pulling a 2013 Forest River Flagstaff 832IKBS 34 foot travel trailer across country. So let me know if you have any questions.

Total combined weight of truck and trailer was 16,500 pounds.

The trip was conducted over 14 days beginning October 2013 in Norfolk, Virginia and concluded in Marysville, Washington. Total distance driven was 4347 miles. We burned 429.641 gallons of diesel fuel and 12.285 gallons of DEF averaging 10.11 mpg and 353.846 miles per gallon of DEF used. Total cost for fuel and DEF was $1701.66. Fuel mileage was about what was expected while towing. Advertised DEF consumption is one gallon of DEF per 50 gallons of diesel fuel used, we experienced a 36:1 ratio while towing.

We were very impressed with the overall driving quality while towing and the incredible power of the truck. The ability of the truck to automatically control the transmission and engine exhaust brake together while descending long grades was outstanding and reduced the stress to the driver of controlling the trailer. The built in towing feature also worked well and allowed us to really fine tune the amount of braking signal sent to the trailer. The heated and cooled seats were nice to have and the only issue encountered was a check engine light that came on about five days into the trip. The dealer said a software upgrade was needed; they also changed the fuel filter at the same time. Fueling the truck from commercial truck stops was a challenge; the fuel tank piping in the truck is not designed for the high flow rates of the truck stop pumps. This frequently resulted in fuel spills down the side of the truck. DEF fluid was available at the pump of most of the nationwide truck stops.

Data Collection: The truck has numerous screens that displayed a variety of information. Forms were used to record fuel mileage at each fueling stop as well as engine and transmission data while traveling and going up mountain passes. Some additional data was recorded prior to departure each day.

Fill Up Data
• Mileage at fill up
• Total gallons purchased
• Cost per gallon
• DEF added/amount/cost

Engine/Transmission Data (usually recorded one hour after departure and again one hour after first rest break, data was also recorded just before the summit of any significant grade)
• Coolant Temperature
• Transmission Temperature
• Oil Temperature
• Oil Pressure
• Outside Temperature

Daily Data (recorded prior to departure each day while towing)
• Idle Time
• Driving Time
• Oil Life %
• Fuel Filter Life %
• Distance Mileage
• Average MPH
• Average MPG
• Elapsed Time

Data Summary
o Trip Mileage: 4347
o Total Gallons Used: 429.641
o Total Cost: $1655.35
o Amount/Cost of DEF used: 12.285 gls/$46.31
o Average MPG: 10.11
o Coolant Temperature:
 Flat driving: High 197, Low 192, mode average 194
 Mountain Pass: High 212
o Transmission Temperature
 Flat driving: High 172, Low 170, mode average 170
 Mountain Pass: High 183
o Oil Temperature
 Flat driving: High 204, Low 201, mode average 201
 Mountain Pass: High 219
o Average Oil Pressure: 50
o Outside Temperature: High 85, Low 41, mode average 70
 Daily Data
o Total Idle Time: 6
o Total Driving Time: 79:33
o Oil Life % used: 29% (96% start – 67% end)
o Fuel Filter Life % used: 23%
o Total Computed Mileage: 4347
o Average Computed MPH: 54
o Average Computed MPG: 11.5
o Total Elapsed Time (engine on): 72

Truck Specs
Year/Make/Model: 2013/RAM 2500/4X4 Mega Cab, Laramie edition
Engine/Transmission: 6.7 liter Cummins Turbo diesel/6 speed automatic, 3.42 axle ratio
Truck Weight: 7704 lbs
Tires: LT265/70R17
Towing/Load Specs:
• GVWR: 10,000 lbs
• GAWR Front: 5,500 lbs
• GAWR Rear: 6,200 lbs
• GCWR: 25,000 lbs
• Max trailer weight: 17,130 lbs

Trailer
Year/ Make/Model: 2013/Forest River-Flagstaff Classic Ultra Lite/832IKBS
Length Overall: 34"
Manufactures Dry Weight: 7389 lbs
Actual combined weight of truck and trailer: 16,500 lbs
• Front Axle Weight of Truck: 4580 lbs
• Rear Axle Weight of Truck: 4320 lbs
• Combined Axle Weight of Trailer: 7600 lbs
Average Tank Levels
• Propane: two 20 gallon tanks, Full
• Potable Water: ¼ tank, est. 10 gallons
• Black & Grey: emptied each day prior to departure
Axles/Tires: 2 axles with four ST225/75/R15 Class C tires, estimate about 1800 miles on the tires prior to departure. Electric actuated brakes on each tire.

[dwaynerz]

When fueling at the truck islands, set fuel trigger lock to about half setting. Remember, they are high speed fuel pumps for large amounts of fuel. Not really designed for our 20 or 30 gallon fill ups. I do like being able to both fuel quickly and not worry about manuevering tho.

[Oakman]

Great report thanks for sharing. I never use the trigger lock on the fuel handle when filling up at the truck pumps. I prefer to control the flow manually just to avoid fuel spills.

[inspectorgf]

Good report nice to know how the new trucks are doing (I have a 06 mega diesel). Just one thing to add, The reason you are having trouble with the high flow truck pumps is because of dodge's new set up with the fuel fill. There has been much discussion on this on cummins forum. Since dodge went with a cap less fuel filler they put two flaps in the filler neck one at the top and one lower in the neck. The truck nozzles are to big to get down to push the second flap open thus causing the problem. This was designed to prevent water from getting in, I personally wish the used a cap but there is not room for a cap with the def fill. Enjoy the new truck and thanks for the report.

[Slympicins]

Great report on the 2500. I'm looking at a 2013 2500 Laramie Crew trading my 2005 1500 Hemi SLT. Pulling a FR 27RLWS with a 6331!dry weight. Have a son in the Coast Guard in Portsmouth, Va and another son in The Navy in Bremerton, Washington. Looks like a trip the DW and I will be taking in the future. Thanks for the info.

[Texas Bohunk]

What gear did you tow in? I also have a 2013 Ram 2500 4X4 6.7 cummins towing a 2014 V-Cross 365VTSB. I found that if I just place mine in 5th. it doesn't down shift as much plus the RPM's are up a couple hundred at 65mph.

[Slympicins]

Well we brought the new 2013 Dodge 2500 home tonight. Awesome truck.

[Slympicins]

Automatic lighted step rail. The DW loves the options.

[Chewie]

Nice detailed write up. Thanks

[Bill n Diana]

While researching this topic prior to my asking this same type of question I came across your post... Wonderful...

I have both a Chevy 2500HS with 6.0L and a NTM used 2014 Dodge 3500 CTD. My question was based on knowing how the trans temps on the chevy while towing which was around 150-165 (flat towing). I also have in my mind that I want to always keep the temp lower than 175ish at the low end max of 175 for trans trans fluid. Research on this site dispels my that notion and your very good write up gives me some performance data to know how the new Dodge 6.7 CTD performs while towing both flats and the hills.

Again, thanks for posting.

Happy Trails,

B n D

[ChooChooMan74]

Thank you for the report. I am also looking at 2 products made by Ram Trucks, the Ram 1500 3.0l diesel, and the Ram 2500, with the 6.7l diesel. I am hoping off, both on funds, and seeing how the 3.0 performs. If Ram Trucks put the 5.0l Cummins in the 2500, that would be the deal breaker for me to get a 2500.

[Slympicins]

Well I was a Ford guy most I my life. Fords 6.0 was their horrible mistake and cost them a lot of customers. Just plain don't like Chevrolet (GM) and the recent issues didn't help their reputation either. The new Ram trucks are awesome and the Cummings leads the pack.

[wilsonseattle]

ChooChooman74 - if the amount you need to tow is not an issue I would go with the 1500, we had a 2010 before we moved up to the 2500. The ride of the 1500 is really a lot nicer than the 2500. The 2500 suspension is stiff when not towing so it can bounce you around pretty good.

[WolfWhistle]

Wilsonseattle, nice report. I have a 2012 2500 with the 6.7.. and automatic that although it doesn't use DEF, it still regens frequently... IMO. When it does the mileage drops considerably. I would like to have this turned off (or slow it down), but its under warranty. There was a recall to have it reflashed and it seems to be 'better.' I have a 4:10 gear ratio and would rather have the 3:42 or 3:73, for the kind of driving - mostly not towing. It takes a mountain for my truck to down-shifts when pulling in 6th gear and gets 10.5 to 11.5 MPG average while towing a travel trailer with about 14K in combined weight. I drive under 65 with the trailer and not much faster without the trailer; this gets me about an 18MPG (or slightly higher) average highway or about 16MPG in town. I like the truck, but would love it if diesel prices were lower than gasoline. I better get used to liking it, huh?

[ChooChooMan74]

Originally Posted by wilsonseattle

ChooChooman74 - if the amount you need to tow is not an issue I would go with the 1500, we had a 2010 before we moved up to the 2500. The ride of the 1500 is really a lot nicer than the 2500. The 2500 suspension is stiff when not towing so it can bounce you around pretty good.

We are still determining what we want for our next camper before we make the decision on the truck. I am making a list in MS Word of all the floor plans we like and whether that would require a 1500 or a 2500.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using the FRF mobile app.

[Slympicins]

I recently drove down to Florida in the 2500. I got between 21/22 mpg not pulling anything. Got the def and 15,000 miles. It's only had 1 refill on the def so far.
Get the deluxe Good Sam Club card and save 6 cents a gallon on fuel.

[jchild]

Originally Posted by Slympicins

I recently drove down to Florida in the 2500. I got between 21/22 mpg not pulling anything. Got the def and 15,000 miles. It's only had 1 refill on the def so far.
Get the deluxe Good Sam Club card and save 6 cents a gallon on fuel.

Where can you use the good Sam card at to get the 6cent a gallon savings?

[campingwilliamsons]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

We are still determining what we want for our next camper before we make the decision on the truck. I am making a list in MS Word of all the floor plans we like and whether that would require a 1500 or a 2500.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using the FRF mobile app.

Just watch the payload on those trucks. I have not actually seen one yet (I am more of a Ford guy these days). But I have read the Payload gets eaten up by the diesel. It appears it was built more for CAFE stds to help RAM, than it was to be a towing machine. That said, with the torque it has, it should tow well, if they put a truck around it that can handle the payload. Before you get to far into your search, go see one on the lot and check the payload sticker of a truck like you would want, just to make sure it will fit the bill. I apologize if you have already done that, I am just trying to help out a fellow camper... Actually, your excercise is how I ended up being a Ford guy these days; Ford is the only company with an HD payload ("heavy half ton") available.

[Slympicins]

Pilot - Flying J has the 6 cent savings. Guess they are trying to recover after cheating all these trucking companies. Not a huge fan of them because of the family that owns the company (Haslam). They are based here in Knoxville and a few years ago they had $4.00 gas prices when the rest of the country was lower. But I go for the price on the sign and 6 cents off that.

[Slympicins]

No offense taken. The 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 6.7 crew with a 3.42. Payload 2900 and change and a mid 17K towing capacity. Our Ford dealer here has ZERO customer service but our Dodge dealer has the top customer service of any dealership that I have seen. The choice was easy. Ford's 6.0 also helped with the decision. That engine will go down as a huge disaster. Have two buddies who had them and lost their wallet keeping it going.