2012 Ram 3500

klrobert · 03-20-2016, 09:40 PM

So I am thinking about selling my '08 2500 and getting a '12 3500, but I have heard a few people say the 2012 - 2014 trucks use a lot more fuel. Does anyone here have any experiences with these. I really like the 3500, but if I lose 20% on fuel economy, I think I will just keep what I have.

**ependydad** · 03-21-2016, 02:15 AM

The 2012 still didn't have DEF, that started in 2013- so I am not sure how they'd compare fuel economy-wise thru to 2014.

I have a 2012. It's a crew cab, long bed, dually, 4x4, with 4.10 gears.

Not towing:
- around town: 12mpg
- highway/under 75: 13-14mpg

Towing 16,800 lbs/13' 4" tall fifth wheel:
- 8 is rare; 11+ is even more rare; I typically see in the 9s, maybe 10s.

All hand-calculated.

Chewie · 03-21-2016, 05:30 AM

I had both, a '12 Ram 3500 and a '14 ram 3500. The 12 was the last year for non-DEF, maybe would get 13-14 unloaded, about 10-10.5 at best trailering a 43' 5er. When I bought the 14 with DEF, there was a good increase in mpg. Unloaded went to around 16-18, best I got was around 20 constant highway. Towing same 5er it was about 11- 12 at best. DEF usage wasn't a huge deal, I'd buy another one without hesitation. The only reason I don't own them anymore is I bought a motorhome and had no other need for a big truck. Both trucks were crew cab 4x4 long bed dually, stock tires and 3.73s.

klrobert · 03-21-2016, 08:12 PM

Thanks for the input. The more research I do, the more I think I will just keep what I have for now. That is a very significant drop in mileage from my current truck. That will be really painful when fuel prices go back up.

**ependydad** · 03-21-2016, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewie

I had both, a '12 Ram 3500 and a '14 ram 3500. The 12 was the last year for non-DEF, maybe would get 13-14 unloaded, about 10-10.5 at best trailering a 43' 5er. When I bought the 14 with DEF, there was a good increase in mpg. Unloaded went to around 16-18, best I got was around 20 constant highway. Towing same 5er it was about 11- 12 at best. DEF usage wasn't a huge deal, I'd buy another one without hesitation. The only reason I don't own them anymore is I bought a motorhome and had no other need for a big truck. Both trucks were crew cab 4x4 long bed dually, stock tires and 3.73s.

So you're telling me that I should pitch a new truck to the wife under the guise of "saving money". It should work- she does the same to me!

Stealth13 · 03-22-2016, 12:37 AM

My 2012 3500 srw crew cab get approx 19.7 mpg high way not pulling my trailer on a 6" lift and 38 inch tires. Full deletes dpf and egr done,they are last year not to require exhaust fluid, trailer drops it to 13.1 mpg all hand calculated. 10,000lb toy hauler , bumper pull.
Just got rid of a 2011 tundra no lift or oversize tires that got 16 mpg empty and approx 8 when pulling my trailer.

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Stealth13 · 03-22-2016, 12:46 AM

Forgot I usually have a Polaris 850 sportsman on the sled deck as well.

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Chewie · 03-22-2016, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

So you're telling me that I should pitch a new truck to the wife under the guise of "saving money". It should work- she does the same to me!

Yes, lol. I personally liked the 14 much better than the 12. I had no plans on deleting and tuning. So stock to stock, I believe the 14 had good improvements, including the mpg.

cstover · 03-22-2016, 07:59 AM

2014 3500 6.7 Long Bed SRW 20-22 on HWY 16-18 around town.

Towing 12ish

klrobert · 03-22-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

So you're telling me that I should pitch a new truck to the wife under the guise of "saving money". It should work- she does the same to me!

That doesn't work. I drove the 3500 home over the weekend and when my wife got home and saw it in the driveway, the fireworks began. Although after she rode in it, she started to come around. The long bed rides much better than my current short bed, plus a lot more room in the back seat.

Alex.mcintosh40 · 03-23-2016, 05:13 AM

I said the same thing my 06 long bed with a 8 inch lift and 37 rode great and fuel mileage was awesome. Got an 11 3500 cclb dually rides awesome. Alot more room in the back since kids are getting older and the seats are alot more comfortable. Was getting 10 to 11 but now deleted for about 50 k best thing I ever did. Went to Myrtle Beach last year pulling 12k trailer full truck averaged about 12.4 I have a 52 gallon tank only used a tank and half. So nice not having to stop every 200 to 300 miles to fill up

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