Getting the best 6. 7 Cummins fuel mileage is a bit of the obsession regarding most Ram owners, mostly because fuel isn't getting any kind of cheaper that vehicles have huge tanks to fill. In case you just forced off the great deal with a new 2500 or even 3500, or probably you've had your rig for years, you've probably realized that the numbers for the home window sticker rarely complement what you notice on the dash.
The particular truth is, the particular 6. 7L Cummins Turbo Diesel is a beast of an engine, but the efficiency depends on a dozen different factors. We're talking regarding everything from exactly how heavy your right foot is in order to the dimensions of the auto tires you decided in order to throw on last weekend. Let's break down what you may actually expect and how to squeeze some more miles out there of every one gallon.
What's an authentic average?
In case you're scrolling via forums, you'll observe guys claiming these people get 24 mile per gallon while towing a mountain. Take all those stories with a grain of sodium. For any stock vehicle that's relatively contemporary (say, 2013 and up), most drivers see somewhere between 14 and 18 mile per gallon in mixed driving.
When you're strictly on the highway plus keeping it under 70 mph, you might see these numbers creep up into the 19 or 20 range. But the moment a person enter a town or start idling at stoplights, that average is going to tank. Heavy-duty trucks are constructed for sustained tons, not stop-and-go visitors. In case your commute is usually five miles of city blocks, don't expect miracles.
How towing adjustments the overall game
The 6. 7 Cummins is arguably the king of dragging, however your 6. 7 Cummins fuel mileage will probably take the massive hit the second you hook up a trailer. This is where the numbers obtain really wide.
If you're pulling a lighting utility trailer or even a small motorboat, you might only lose 2 or 3 mpg. However, if you're hauling a 15, 000-pound fifth-wheel camper along with the wind level of resistance of a packet wall, you're searching at 9 to 12 mpg .
Wind is actually a bigger killer than weight oftentimes. Pulling a heavy flatbed with a low user profile is often easier in your fuel expenses than pulling the tall, light box trailer. If you're carrying out a cross-country carry, a 10 advise headwind can fall your efficiency by a noticeable perimeter. It's just the character of the beast when you're moving that much bulk with the air.
The impact associated with tire size plus lifts
All of us all love the appearance of a flattened Ram on 35s or 37s, yet your wallet is going to feel it. Increasing your tire size is the fastest way to damage your 6. seven Cummins fuel mileage.
First off, larger tires are heavier. That's more "unsprung weight" the engine has to turn every period you step upon the gas. Second, if you don't re-gear your differentials to match the bigger tires, your engine is working outside its optimal RPM range.
Usually, going from stock wheels to 35-inch all-terrains will cost a person about one to two mpg . In case you go along with a full 6-inch lift and 37s, don't be amazed if your road average drops in to the low teens. Also, remember that if you haven't calibrated your speedometer for the new tires, your own truck thinks it's traveling a smaller distance than it actually is, which makes your own hand-calculated mileage look a whole lot worse than it really is.
Why the season of your truck matters
The 6. 7 Cummins provides been around since mid-2007, but this has changed a lot. The early variations (2007. 5 in order to 2012) didn't make use of DEF (Diesel Exhaust system Fluid). Instead, they will relied heavily upon EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and regular "regen" cycles to wash the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). These trucks are known for being a bit thirstier because they use fuel to burn off off the soot in the filtration system.
In 2013, Ram introduced the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system which usually uses DEF. Whilst adding another fluid to fill up sounds like a problem, it actually permitted the engineers to tune the motor for better effectiveness. Most owners associated with 2013+ trucks survey significantly better fuel economy than the older 6. seven models. The newest "High Output" versions found in typically the 3500s are powerhouses, but they have a tendency to stay in the same ballpark intended for mileage unless you're constantly pinning the particular throttle.
Small habits that create a big difference
A person don't always need to spend hundreds on parts in order to see an enhancement. Sometimes, it's just about how you handle the truck.
Watch the nonproductive time
Diesel-powered engines good, yet they hate idling. Not only does idling give a person zero. 0 mpg , but in modern 6. 7 Cummins engines, it can result in "sooting up" your emissions equipment. If you're sitting in a parking lot for 20 minutes, turn the vehicle off. Your DPF will be glad, and you'll save more fuel than you recognize.
Speed is usually the enemy
These trucks have the aerodynamics of a shed. The jump from 65 your to 75 mph is huge in terms of fuel consumption. If a person can force yourself to stay within the right lane plus cruise at 65, you'll likely see a 2-3 mpg boost in comparison to trying to keep up with the fast lane. It's all about finding that "sweet spot" in the REVOLTION PER MINUTE range, which is usually between 1, six hundred and 1, 900 RPM for that Cummins.
Maintenance is key
A dirty air filter or a partially blocked fuel filter can make the engine work harder compared with how it needs in order to. Also, check your own tire pressure. Running 10 PSI reduced will make the ride slightly softer, but it produces a lot of rolling resistance. Keep them shown up to the manufacturer's spec intended for the best outcomes.
The "Delete" and Tuning debate
If you spend whenever in the diesel neighborhood, you'll hear regarding "deleting" the emissions equipment and adding a tuner. It's a controversial topic because it's officially not legal regarding street-driven vehicles within the US.
From a purely mechanical standpoint, removing the DPF and EGR will usually result in a significant jump in 6. 7 Cummins fuel mileage—often 3-5 mpg . This is because the engine may breathe easier and no longer has to inject fuel directly into the exhaust stroke for regen process. However, with contemporary EPA crackdowns, it's becoming harder in order to find shops that do it, and it'll void your warranty faster than anything else.
In order to stay legal, a high-quality "emissions-on" track can still assist by optimizing shift points and throttle response, making the truck feel even more responsive without throwing black smoke.
Conclusions on the 6. 7 Cummins fuel mileage
At the end of the day, you purchased a heavy duty truck to perform heavy-duty work. Whilst it's fun in order to chase high MILE PER GALLON numbers, the 6. 7 Cummins is usually designed for durability and torque, not really for beating the Prius at the particular pump.
If you're getting around 16 or even 17 mpg in your daily commute, you're doing just good. Maintain your oil changes, keep your filters fresh, and maybe take it just a little easier upon the accelerator when the light becomes green. Small adjustments add up more than the course associated with a 30-gallon tank, and your wallet will certainly definitely notice the difference over the program of annually.
Just remember: it's a truck. Use it, enjoy the power, and don't sweating a 1 mpg drop if you're actually putting that will Cummins to work. That's what it was built for anyway.