Dodge Dakota Real World MPG Numbers

Karen_S

Post your MPG and compare with other Dakota owners MPG numbers here.

dustyk

2003 Dakota Club Cab Sport Plus, 287 (4.7) V8, 545RFE automatic, 3:55 limited slip differential:

 

Average at 37512 miles, 16.45 MPG

 

Highest tank - 21.76 MPG (summer, highway)

 

lowest tabk - 12.79 (last week, sub-zero temps, all city driving)

 

From 5/29 to 9/27, my summertime fuel mileage average was 18.05.

  

Driven calmly the 4.7 will deliver the EPA mileage and better. The amount of driver impatience, however, will have a direct and corresponding negative effect on fuel consumption. But the 4.7 is a real nice motor!

  

Regards,

Dusty

sunburn

2002 Dakota Quad Cab, 4x4, 4.7, 45RFE automatic, 3.92 limited slip:

 

Best tank: 19.0 (summer, all highway @ 70 MPH)(This has only happened once, best highway MPG since then is 17.8)

 

Worst tank: 11.8 (summer, all city)

 

Highway min/max/average: 16.4/19.0/16.8 (70 MPH)

 

Mixed driving min/max/average: 13.9/14.8/14.4 summer, 12.8/13.8/13.6 winter

(Mixed driving is about 50% highway, 50% suburban/rural. Most trips are 15 miles or less.)

 

Reported averages are with Redline synthetic lubricants in differentials and transfer case. Mileage increased approx 0.75-2.0 MPG after switching.

iowabigguy

Thats about what my 2003 Hemi Ram Quad does (grin)

spike50

2000 Dakota Quad Cab, 4x4, 4.7, 5sp, 3.55 limited slip, 31x10.5-15 tires, HD electric, stock air intake and exhaust systems, tonneau cover most of its life, now running "naked", southcentral Pennsylvania (snow sometimes)

 

Best tank: 21+ (spring, mostly flat highway along Susquehanna River for 200 miles @ 60-65 MPH on cruise control, with tonneau cover, with nearly worn-out GY RT/S).

  

Worst tank (s): 8.2 - 9.4 mpg (all hauling motorcycles of 4-wheels on a trailer, flying at 70+ mph on hilly Rt 80 across northern Pennsylvania, mostly with the GY RT/S, in and out of strip mines, logging roads, etc, all included in that tank of gas).

  

Mixed driving min / max / average: 8.2 / 21.2 / 16.2

(driving is about 40% highway, 60% suburban/rural. Most highway trips are 500 - 1000 miles round-turn with a load)

  

Reported min / max / averages are mostly based on original lubes. Redline synthetic lubes were installed in differentials, transmission, and transfer case in July 2003. Mileage may have increased with the Redline products but new tires (Bridgestone Dueler AT - Revo), in Nov 2003, introduced a 1-2 mpg drop on average.

 

Total miles: 65,173

Total gas $: $5,979.02

Total gals: 4,027.5

Avg mpg: 16.2

Avg $/gal: $1.48

Avg $/mile: $0.092

 

79.2% or 266 fill ups (336 total fill ups) produced mpgs between 15 - 18 mpg. Most common occurrence is 16 mpg at 59 fill ups. I have changed the spark plugs 2x (Bosch platinums & plain Autolite coppers). Also changed air filter 1x.

tcsmpsi

2005 Dakota Quad Cab V-6 automatic 2WD all standard equipment, 2200 mi.

 

Latest check revealed 14.3 mpg, flatland, 85% in town with a lot of stop and go, with approx. 6, 10-20 minute still running (waiting for children) segments for that tankfull.

 

So far, have gotten as good as 20.6 mpg for combination city/highway driving.

 

Always conscientious of braking and starting, with occassional 'bursts' in all type road/situations to know what the vehicle is capable of in emergency.

 

Prior to the '05, I ran a 2001 Dak Quad Cab, standard equipment (except for handling package), V-6 standard transmission 2WD.

 

The '05 automatic has thusfar shown just a slight edge over the '01 in MPG.

saabgirl

I think the Dakota review said there's only a 1 mpg difference between the 3.7 six and the 4.7 eight, so buyers may as well opt for the oomph of the eight. But in practice it sounds like the disparity is considerably greater than that. As Dusty (?) said, you can drive an eight for economy ... but the temptation to hear that pleasing V8 roar is hard to resist, I'll betcha. Heck, it might be worth it sometimes. Also, doesn't the eight require premium fuel? Thanks for the info.

tcsmpsi

I know those who have/had the 8's in Dakotas and their actual mileage has shown to be notably less than what I have experienced with the 6. I seldom pull large loads and am not that enamored with the slight performance boost of the 8.

 

There is the initial cost variation of the 6 and 8, the additional cost of maintenance and the (though slight it might be---however, with rising fuel...) increase in fuel costs.

 

Between my wife and myself, we average 4000 miles a month on our vehicles. With our (so far) last fledgling teenagers at home, having grandchildren and being homeowners, we needed a pickup which was as economical, passenger oriented, safe and tough as we could find. The Dakota quad has fulfilled that perfectly.

 

I suppose the last 'need' I had for throaty sounding/performance oriented vehicles was fulfilled with my last '57 Chevy with tricked out 327, etc., etc. :-)

 

Getting used to this new auto transmission in the '05 has been interesting. Of course, the last truck I had an auto in was a '79 Adventurer, which was much more direct and 'to the point'.

dustyk

Past 4.7s did not require premium fuel. Starting in '05 there will be an optional 4.7 High Output that will. The regular 4.7 will still only need regular.

 

Bests,

Dusty

saabgirl

>>we needed a pickup which was as economical, passenger oriented, safe and tough as we could find. The Dakota quad has fulfilled that perfectly.<<

 

Yep, that's what appeals to me about the Dakota Q Cab, too. (I had a black '57 Chevy hardtop with the 283, 4-barrel and dual exhausts. I suppose cars are "better" now, but still ...)

spike50

MPG-Real world "numbers"

eagleeye13

Info '02 Quad 4.7, 5spd, 3.51 LSD, tow pkg,

added K&N cool air induction, (3")Dynamax cat back exhaust, "tornado", Redline syn in eng, tranny and diff. 265-70 x 16 toyo country road tires 52,000 + miles.

 Best mpg Bakersfield to San Diego 250 mi 22 mpg w/ wife, daughter, mother-in-law and myself in cab about 400 lbs in bed. traveled at 65-70mph.

this trip was not a level drive going over the "grapevine" pass north of LA I5 and along the foothills on I 210 s to 15 s to San Diego.

 I normally avg 15-18 mpg combo driving 16 miles each way to work and running around.

 I've noticed if I keep my foot out of the pedal on trips and keep the speed between 65-70 I get right at 19/20mpg depending on how many hills/mountains are in the way.

 I run regular fuel from Shell or Chevron.

 I don't keep written records around town, but I do on trips. Best trip mileage was trip in august to Waco Tx round trip w/ running around town was almost 2900 miles. A/C on 99% of trip with hwy speeds between 65-80 avg around 75 with final mpg of 19.3. worst trip mileage was a trip from San Francisco to San Diego hitting a head wind (50% of 525mi.) going 65-75 final mpg 15

eharri3

04 Quad Cab 4.7V8/45rfe 4x4, with 245/75/16 tires, non-tire and handling package.

 

LAst Winter with less than 15 thousand miles, in the dead of Winter, short hop trips to work consisting of 10 minutes in town than 5 on the highway: 11.9-low 12s.

 

Warmer weather, same trip: Normally high 14s.

 

Best road trip mileage with speeds restricted to 65-70 mph: high 18s. With average speeds closer to 75 mph: 17mpg.

 

Of course the 4.7 now has about 25 thousand miles on it and I hear that's right about when these trucks really start to get broken in. But I stopped measuring a long time ago and don't plan to check again any time soon.

popdaddy

00 Club, 3.9, auto, 2wd, 47,000 miles, 17.5 mpg on 20-mile, two-lane highway to work and back. V6 gives me plenty of power when I need it, and I think I would give in to the urge to show the power more if I had a V8.

eharri3

And Im willing to pay the price in terms of bad mileage.

shine

I have looked at all the mid size trucks but I still end up with the Dakota. Can someone tell me what to expect with a QC 4x4 with the 6 should I expect an average of 15 or 16. I know it does look to good but the GM Twins get about 19 combined. Any insign would be appreciated

dustyk

Mileage reports vary considerably on most vehicles. The posts in the S10 forum indicates a wide variation of results. I think the same basic rule applies to all vehicles. It's how you drive them. There is no way a correctly running Dakota or S10 should not get the EPA ratings.

My '03 Dakota Club Cab, two-wheel drive, 4.7 V8, automatic with 3.55 gears gets 14-16 around town, winter, 17-18 summer. I've hit almost 22 MPG on the highway (summer).

Bests,
Dusty

dustyk

Since January 1, 2005 my average has been 15.48 MPG.

The cold weather has had its effect.

Regards,
Dusty

bobs5

The best mileage was 22 mpg.
Worst was 14 mpg.
Usual get 16-17 mpg with mixed city/highway driving.

2001 quad cab
4.7l v8
5 spd manual
3.55 ratio
265/70/16 tires

40k miles on truck now.

see my profile for truck details.

tootall1

Need some advice please. I owned a 01 Quad with the 4.7 V8 and the towing package. Not sure on the gears. I was averaging 14MPG with 30 mile commute, 15 through hills and 15 flat highway each way. I ended up selling the truck, but want to come back. I am interested in buying a 05 Quad and I will need a 4x4.
Should I go with the new 3.7 V6 or back with the 4.7 V8. Which would give the best MPG? I do not need the towing so I imaging I should leave that off to help.
What about the gears> which would be best for MPG.

I do not expect 20mpg, but 18 would be acceptable. 13-14 is not.

:confuse:

aaronwi

I have an 02 Dakota Quad SLT with the 4.7 (bought new in 01)

Best tank ever: 14mpg (65mph freeway driving all day)

Average tank: 10 (90% highway at 70mph, 10% rural town)

I run full syntetic motor oil, diff, transfer case at the lowest recommended viscosities.

Dealer says "your still within specs"

Any pointers?????

iowabigguy

geez, my my 2003 Ram 1500 Quad Cab with a Hemi does better than your mileage. My worse tank ever was 11.4 and my best was 17.3. My overall average for 21,000 miles + is 14.2.
My previous truck was a 2000 Dakota Quad cab with the 4.7/5-speed manual in 2 wheel drive (as is my current Ram). I had the overhead display that gave you instantaneous MPG. I found that if I paid attention to the display I could modify my driving style to maximize my fuel economy. The 4.7 seemed to get better mileage with moderate acceleration. I wasn't the first away from the stoplight but neither was I the last. The sweet spot for my truck was just under 65 mph. My best tanks of gas approached 22 mpg on roads with 55mph speed limits. I would cruise at just under 60. Driving 70 to 75 would drop mileage into the 17mpg range. 80-85 would get down to 13-14 range. A full throttle launch from a stop light would show 1-2 mpg until speed picked up and then it would get up to 4-5 until you backed off the throttle. I really think driving style has a much greater impact on economy than if you were to get into a v6/v8 comparison. Dodge no longer gives you the instant mpg on the overhead display, only the average so I can't really drive my Hemi for economy but using what I learned with my 2000 Dakota I believe has given me somewhat better economy with my Ram than a lot of others report getting. Unfortunately the siren song of the Hemi's exhaust note calls to me more often than the 4.7 in my Dakota did. Rick

sunburn

That mileage seems very low. My 02 QC, 4x4, 4.7, auto, 3.92s averages 13.3 to 14.7 in mixed driving (60% highway @ 70 MPH, 40% rural/suburban). The mileage is very temperature dependant. Lower temps, lower mileage. I've only had 1 tank in pure city driving and got 12.5 MPG. On the highway, it generally gets 16.5 to 19.0 at 70 MPH. The average is around 17.5 MPG. Again, temperature, wind conditions, and terrain all come into play. I did have one time where I got 14 MPG on the highway, but I was fighting a very strong headwind in a hilly area. I consider myself to be an average driver. I'm not the first one away from the stoplight, but I'm not the last either.

blasie

I have a 2 W/D 02 Durango that gets 19 to 20 M.P.G. all year long my 03 Dak. 4X4 at best so far is 15.5 (both with 4.7L). I just bought the Dak. and I am taking it to the dealer to get it looked at. Has anybody had any luck with better fuel mileage by adding a K&N air filter or any other alterations? I never had two Veh. so similar with the exception of 4X4 to compare mileage.

bpeebles

Do not add that K&N, those oilable type of filters are a wasteof $$ and have even been reported to cause problems when the oil migrates (gets sucked) into the intake sytem. (A lot of $$ and headaches for no meaningful difference in performance)

You did not mention the gear ratio that your dakota has. Perhaps it is different from your Durango. Also, does your Dak have that "full time" 4X4?

sunburn

When I first got my 02 QC (4.7L, auto, 4x4, 3.92s), the mileage was fairly poor. On the highway with the cruise set to 70, I would only get 15-16 MPG. I switched to Redline synthetic gear lubes in the front and rear differentials and the mileage increased 1-3 MPG. Right now, my highway mileage is between 16 and 19, with an average around 17.4. The mileage from the 4.7L in the Dakota is sensitive to temperature, terrain, wind, and driving style. I have more mileage variation in my Dakota that any other vehicle I've owned.

Also, I've noticed that my average MPG continues to improve with age (now at 55K miles). It's not a huge increase (about 0.3 MPG in the last three years), but at least it is going in the right direction. I don't expect this to last much longer, though.

As was mentioned in another post, don't bother with the drop-in K&N type filter.

hasel

I have used the K&N air filters in my 1999 Club Cab V-6 in my 2001 and 2004 Q Cabs with the 4.7L V8 and now am installing one in my 2005 4.7L Dakota Q Cab, I have never had any problems with these Air Filters, on the long run you will save money by being able to wash/oil the filter and re-use them.

dustyk

My '03 Dakota Club Cab Sport 2WD, 4.7 with 545RFE, 3.55 LSD, has delivered a average of 16.56 at a total of 42099 miles. My summer time average for the last two years has been 17.36 MPG. I consistently hit 21 MPG on interstate trips to my property, including carrying between 650-900 pounds of load (ATV and other gear). I've hit over 22 on several occasions. Week-to-week summer time averages are typically 18 or better. The wintertime drops considerably. This year's wintertime average was 14.51. This was worse than the year before at 14.68.

Echoing the comments from Bpeebles and Sunburn, I have found that the 4.7 is sensitive to how it's being driven, temperature, and driving conditions. Mine took a little longer to break in, I think. I've been using Mobil 1 0W-30 motor oil, the only synthetic lubricant in my truck (except the factory fill ATF+4 is semi-synthetic). I'm usually light on the gas pedal, but I do a lot of in-town or country road driving. Not too much freeway or interstate.

From my discussions with other Dak owners I think you'll find that your going to realize about a 1-2 MPG penalty with 4x4. But a lot depends on your driving habits, too. I think the 4x4 Dakota is heavier by about 900 pounds over the two-wheel drive version. Do you know how much your Durango weighs?

Best regards,
Dusty

bpeebles

You are fooling yourself if you think you are saving money "in the long run". My definition of "long run" means at least 150,000 miles. The facts dont add up to saving any money when all is considerd. (like the engine wearing out faster)

But also the math comes out showing that the oiled-guaze filter does not cost less than quality paper filters changed at 50K miles over the life of the vehicle. (It takes a LOT of $6 paper filters before they cost more than the oiled-guaze ($50), oil, cleaning-compound, and time it takes to muck around with them)

$50(K/N ) / $6 (paper) = OVER 8 PAPER FILTERS!
8 filters X 50,000miles = 400,000miles

(I just looked up the prices on the web for the airfilters so I know my numbers above are correct average prices.)

Also, there is no need to change air-filter more often than about 50K miles unless you drive in VERY dusty conditions. This has been proven in tests. If you are a skeptic, you can even add a "filter minder" to your intake so you KNOW when to change the airfilter. ("filterminder" actually measures the filter for plugging and tells you when it needs to be changed.)

Obviously, the oiled-guaze filter filters worse (thus allows more damaging particals to enter the engine and the oil) Also, on many vehicle applications, the oiled-guaze filter does not seal well around the edges after being removed several times for cleaning and re-oiling....this allows UNFILTERD AIR to enter the engine and contaminate the oil.

BOTTOM LINE: Guaze belongs in the medical field....NOT soaked with oil and soaking up my hard-earned cash.

blasie

Since posting the original message I have heard more bad things about washable high flow filters than good. they might work OK on my dirt bike but not on my daily driver, I plan to get 300,000 miles out of this one like I did the last one. I looked to see what the Durango had for gears but I forgot, the Dak. has 3:55 gears, 255/70 R16 tires and the trailer towing Pkg (if that make a difference). Both vehicles turn 1950 R.P.M.'s @ 70 M.P.H. I also did a little research and asked some questions in the past couple of days that may end up solving my problem and hopefully some other peoples problems with their fuel mileage. That info is posted on this site, but not on this particular page. As for the full time 4X4 I don't believe it does. I will post the problems found if any when I get my truck back. Thanks for the advice.

blasie

I was thinking of switching to Amsoil synthetic, now I think I will with 1 - 3 M.P.G. improvement. I have only had this Dak. almost 30 days and the mileage does vary quite a bit even compared to my wifes Durango. The thing that really gets me about my mileage is that I also have a 1986 3/4 ton Dodge with a 318 (carb.) 4:11 geared and no over drive and it gets 12 M.P.G. if I drive it conservatively and don't show off my exhaust!!

blasie

I am not sure what the durango weighs, I will want to check the Lic. Rec. and actually weight it and the Dak. just for grins. I drive 60 to 65 M.P.H. on my daily commute to work and there are not but one or two traffic signals. I have tried it with the cruise and without. This thing will downshift at the drop of a hat! I like my Flowmaster Cat. back exhaust but the constant down shifting gets annoying. I took it to the Dealer that I bought it from Mon. Morn. and gave them the list of problems. The service writer said that if my calculations are correct my truck really does have a problem. Apparently they can check your "Fuel Trim" with a scanner to see how much fuel is getting delivered. Not to change the subject but I wish I could get my four wheeler in the back of my truck! The bed on a Quad. Cab is 5.5 feet long and I have a tool box. my four wheeler is right at 6 feet long. Now I am going to have to buy or build a trailer. I will post what the Dealer finds wrong with my truck.

dustyk

I can get my Kawasaki Prairie on my Club Cab, close the tailgate and still have some room. It's actually the biggest reason I didn't buy the Dakota Quad.

Bests,
Dusty

blasie

When I was about 18 years old I swore I would always have Reg. cab trucks with A V8 and an 8' bed. Now I have a two year old son and another on the way. Thats why I sold my old '90 Dodge Ram 50 V6 4X4 for my Quad cab. I could not wait to post this today I hope this helps others, The dealer called mr this morning and said that my I.A.C. (idle air control) values were off causing my poor mileage. I am supposed to get it back today after lunch. As soon as I get it back I am going to fill it up! I cannot wait to see if my mileage improves. If you live in South texas lets go riding. (on the four wheelers of course)

Have good day,

Richard

hasel

Cost of Filter for 4.7L $10.00 plus 7.5% tax, cost of filter for 5.7L Hemi $20.00,plus 7.5% sales tax, K&N Filter for 4.7L $ 43.00, K&N Filter for 5.7L Hemi $46.69, no sales tax, I change filters every 15000 miles so it is cost effective for me to use the K&N Filter that I can wash.

dustyk

Richard,

Hmmm. Maybe.

By all means let us know how that works out.

Bests,
Dusty

bookitty

We recently traveled from Punta Gorda, FL to Long Beach Island, NJ. We left FL on Sunday, May 01 and drove 702 miles to Fayetteville, NC. From the start (cool moist weather) we were averaging 19.8 mpg. Then, we began to stop at all of the rest areas, as I was suffering from food poisoning (raw oysters ingested Saturday night). By the time we reached Fayetteville, I felt pretty lousy, but felt that I would be okay after a night rest. Wrong! Monday, I not only stopped at every rest stop, but left the highway to stop at restaurants, service stations, truck stops, etc. We pulled off the road in Whitemarsh, MD and I could go no further. I collapsed in the hotel there, and my wife called 911. the EMS guys started an IV, and to make a long story shorter, I was in the hospital from Monday to Thursday. We were only 2.5 hours from final destination. I completed the trip on Friday. All told, 1243 miles. The truck averaged 18.9 mpg (computer and mathematical) and the elapsed time read 20.45 hours. This reflected many starts and stops, and I am well satisfied with my Dakota. Hope that I didn't bore anyone too much.

Bookitty

Karen_S

Oh, bookitty! What an ordeal for you....and your wife! I can imagine how worried she must have been.

I'm glad you're okay, but I guess the good report on your Dakota is some small consolation. :confuse:

bookitty

Karen, thanks for your kind thoughts. Judy was wrecked. But, I am okay now and love my Quad!

Bookitty

blasie

Well the numbers are in! I got my truck back from the dealer and they said the I.A.C. (Idle Air Control) steps were out of range. which way or how much i could not get that info out of them. Anyway My mileage definitely has improved. I got about 16 M.P.G. and had I not put my foot in it playing around to check it out I might have gotten a littler better. I don't see any difference in performance but I did notice my exhaust seems to be a little quieter. I was hoping for the mileage to be a little closer to 18, but realistically I don't see that happening. I contacted an Amsoil dealer and told him what I bought and what I wanted to do and listened to his advice (which varied on how much money you want to spend). I just want make sure that changing the fluids to synthetic will not void my warranty in any way. especially the 5,000 mile oil change interval. They have one oil & filter that you go like 30,000 miles and only change the filter like two or three times. I don't care what they say or put in their oil it still gets dirty, Or maybe I am just too old school.

Have good day-- Richard

hasel

I would not run the Synthetic oil longer than 6000 miles with a good oil filter,

bpeebles

I hate to break it to you--- but the IAC has very little to do with MPG. All it does is 'meter' the air into the engine while idling.

As for your MPG... the 4.7L V8 takes a L O N G time to break in. As I recall, my 4.7L took at least 30,000 miles --- all the while the MPG continued to go up.

After putting RedLine Synthetic lube in both differentails, manual tranny and the xfer case, I realized another 2-4 MPG increase.

As for warantee, you MUST use lubricants that meet the MFGr specifications and MUST change them within the MFGr recommended intervals. That is ALL you need to follow. Just read your owners manual... dont ask here on the internet.

BTW: Visibly "dirty" oil is NOT a reason to change it. You would be wasting your $$, the world supply of oil and the envronment by draining the oil just because it "looks dirty". Again... PLEASE read the owners manual.

dmould

Mixed city/highway, last tank: 20.48 gallons (I fill right to the top), 334 miles, 16.3mpg. Overhead computer read 17.5mpg (I wish!). The overhead is consistently high by 1mpg. I hate the poor gas tank/filler design - the truck will take 2.5-3 gallons more gas after the pump shuts off, but very slowly.

2004 Dakota 4.7L Cub Cab 4x4, manual 5 speed, 3.55 LS. My best mpg have been in the 17.5-18 range. I think the 20mpg advertised is achievable, however I haven't taken a long enough trip unloaded to get it. Winter time mpg drops by 2-3; I live in cold and snowy Ottawa, Canada. Towing my 26ft, 4000lb travel trailer drops the mpg into the 10-12 range.

blasie

I agree just because oil looks dirty does not mean it's dirty, I work on highway trucks and deal with drivers who think because their oil is black means it is time to be changed.... Far from the truth. I feel a little stupid because just going by the name of the valve "Idle Air Control" should have told me something. Maybe the the new plugs and intake service had something to do with the better fuel mileage. The air filter was new when I took it in, So I can take that out of the equasion. I asked the service advisor what my fuel trim was (because I was advised to) at and she looked at my funny, Maybe I need to find another dealer or switch service advisors.
I am thinking of going to the synthetic motor oil, Differential X-fer and Trans. then doing some oil sampling at the change interval on the motor oil. you said you had an increase of 2-4 M.P.G., what is your M.P.G. now? Can I expect 17 to 18 instead of 16? I had planned to go with Amsoil products, ever heard of anything good or bad of their products? I used red line in my A.T.V. and dirt bike just because thats what the dealer had and never had any "lube related" failures. I have an Auto. Trans. (not by choice, I bought it used) and plan to change it to synthetic if my owners manual says the oil I choose is ok.
I just had to put this in, I pulled a trailer that weighed in at about 2,500 to 3,000 L.B.S. (with the O/D off) just today and I have to say this truck has no lack of power!!!! I loved it!!! Man did that Flowmaster sound good!!!! Just for the record my M.P.G. is based on empty weight not while towing a trailer.

bpeebles

When I mentioned that I realized 2-4 MPG increase.... I went from the 18MPG highway as the window-sticker suggested to over 20MPG...again, this is HIGHWAY driving with a manual tranny and the 3.55 rearend. A/C was on for for both trips from VT. ->PA .-> VT. (about 12 hours each way)

That 4.7L V8 seems to get better with age.

The MAIN reason I went to using RedLine in the manual tranny was to improve the shift-quality. I now have RedLine in both differentials, manual xmission and the Xfer case. I even have RedLine PowerSteeringFluid. (After trying several others that simply did not work when temp. was -18F)

I am VERY happy with RedLine lubes, they certainly do what they claim. This winter was the first since 1999 that my 2000 Dak actually TURNED when I moved the steeringwheel at -18F.

blasie

Wow! Ok I don't know how much Temp. Diff. makes but, you are dealing with extreme cold, I am dealing with what some might consider extreme heat. I am in S. Texas and my average commute to and from work is I guess what you could consider highway. I guess I am expecting too much out of this truck, I know you don't buy a 4X4 for fuel economy. It just gets me that my '86 3/4 ton Dodge with 4:10 gears, manual trans. without O/D a 318 .030 over with an R.V. cam and 2BBL carb has gotten as good as 14 M.P.G. (with A/C on) and so far best tank 16 on the Dak. same commute in both trucks. I know this may not apply to all vehicles but a friend of mine had a 1/2 ton Chevy with a V6 and put a chip in it to help his power pulling his boat. he claims his fuel mileage went up with out the boat and trailer plus improved his pulling power. I have seen anyone post anything about putting a chip in their truck that is good or bad. I think for now I am going to get my lubes changed to syn. check my M.P.G. and then go from there

sunburn

As bpeebles mentioned, the 4.7L does improve with age. I keep track of my mileage on a regular basis. Through last summer, my best "daily driving" MPG was 14.8 MPG. So far this month, I've had one week at 14.8, and this past week was 15.2. I was shocked. I never thought I would see my 02 QC, 4x4, 4.7, auto, 3.92 break 15 MPG in my everyday driving. Just turned 56K miles. We'll see what the remainder of the summer brings. When the truck was new, it would never get over 14 MPG in my typical everyday driving.

dustyk

I know a person at work that has a 2003 RAM 4.7 2-wheel drive auto that now has 60K and reports his everyday back-and-forth-to-work mileage at better than 15.

Dusty

blasie

Has anybody ever actually weighed their truck? I finally got the chance to weigh mine and it weighs 5,120 lbs! I never imagined it would weigh that much. The only thing extra added to my truck is a steel tool box, grill guard and a car seat. I guess that would only add at the most 300 to 400 lbs. maybe i never really took into consideration how much extra weight the transfer case diff. and skid plates added. That might be why i cannot get the fuel mileage that my wife's 02 2 w/d durango gets. my 4.7 just turned 60,000 and after the tune up the dealership gave it i have gotten as good as 16.5 on my regular commute. I am still going to switch to synthetic lube in my Diff's and X-fer case and check it again. I believe it was Dusty who said he lives in a much colder climate than I do here in S. Texas and I would think that anyone who lives where it is colder more than it is warm would consume more fuel because of the time spent idling to warm up the engine? I will check mine a lot closer when we get our whole 6 to 8 weeks of winter here.

Richard

sunburn

My 02 QC, 4x4, 4.7, auto weighs in at over 5000 lbs with a full tank of gas. I was shocked. I was expecting it to be closer to 4700-4800 lbs. With a GVWR of 6010, it doesn't leave much capacity for passengers and/or cargo.

tcsmpsi

Ok. We were able to take our current Dak on its maiden road trip. It is an '05 quad cab, V6, auto, 2WD, standard wheels and tires, with an A.R.E camper top w/sport racks. Driving around my daily 'chores' in town, it averaged 14.5 MPG.

We were packed (myself, wife and two teenagers) with a full compliment of food, water, clothes, camping gear and tools, all to accomodate most any contingency.
For the last many years, a new vehicle has always gotten a road trip as soon as possible.

Started out in deep east texas with 6,518 miles on the odometer, west to Tucson, AZ. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kracthner Cavern, Tombstone, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert and a few other places here and there (many of those places have been to many times in the last 35 years...including having hiked different areas of the Grand Canyon on 8 different occassions).
Returned home with 9,507 on the odometer. 3000 miles.

Averaged 19.9 MPG. Tanks of fuel ranging from 16.35 MPG to 22.43 MPG.
Almost all driving (except late at nite) was with air conditioning. Worst fuel consumption was from Phoenix to Flagstaff (hot, lot of climbing, lot of traffic).
Best fuel consumption was from Holbrook, thru Petrified Forest, to Albuquerque, NM (cooler, flatter, much less traffic and slower driving).

I was not driving for fuel efficiency. Most of the driving averaged around 77MPH and much of it was in lower gear ranges (lot of elevation changes).

All fluids remained at their starting levels (except windshield washer fluid).

There were no problems with the vehicle. Getting used to the 4 spd auto transmission driving in the mountains (have most always had std. transmissions) took a bit of learning.

Overall, I am very pleased with the performance, comfort and dependability.

I have not experienced any of the 'shimmying' problems others have mentioned. In fact, the only thing has been a hole in the rubber boot on one of the front brake calipers. Dealer called today to let me know the new caliper was in (warranty).