The Ram 2500 is a mid-size pickup truck from Dodge. Larger than the Ram 1500, but lighter than the 3500 series, the 2500 is used for work and as a family vehicle. As with most pickups, fuel economy is sacrificed in favor of torque and cargo capacity. With the diesel version of the 2500 you’ll save a little fuel compared to the petrol model, but you can also save a few litres with a little proactive maintenance and a few changes to your driving habits.
Change driving habits
Stay close to the speed limit on the highway. Peak fuel efficiency for most vehicles is around 60 mph (100 km/h), and drops sharply at speeds just above that.
Keep your vehicle as light as possible. Pickup trucks are designed for hauling cargo and often end up carrying extra stuff that isn’t really necessary. Every 100 pounds of weight can decrease fuel economy by as much as 2 percent, so it pays to stop and take out anything that isn’t necessary for a given trip.
Drive smoothly. Sudden acceleration, braking and sharp turns have a big influence on fuel consumption, especially when driving fast on the highway, where this type of driving can reduce fuel economy by 33 percent. In the city, this type of driving can reduce fuel economy by up to 5 percent, so careful driving makes good sense.
Engage the truck’s overdrive or multiplier gear once you’re at a constant speed. This will allow the engine to rest as it will spin at a slower rate relative to the wheels and burn less fuel.
Engage cruise control. By keeping the vehicle at a constant speed, cruise control will reduce the impact on fuel economy of unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Vehicle Maintenance
Keep the engine in good condition. Although diesels generally require less maintenance than petrol engines, a good tune-up should be able to increase fuel economy. Clean fuel and air filters, replace worn glow plugs and adjust engine timing for more efficient fuel consumption. Together, you can achieve a 4 percent reduction in fuel economy with these measures. If there is a major problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, or lambda sensor, that causes the engine to run too rich or lean, repairing it can result in up to a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy.
Inflate your tyres. Underinflated tires produce inefficient levels of friction with the ground and increase fuel consumption. To find the optimum pressure, look in the manual or on the label mounted on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb. Use this pressure, not the maximum figure printed on the tire itself, and you can increase fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent.
Use the oil grade recommended by Dodge in the Ram 2500 manual. This can reduce consumption by 1 to 2 percent, especially if you buy an oil that is marked “Energy Saver,” which indicates that it contains additives that further reduce engine friction.