Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/211068
fuel economy rating of 25 mpg (EPA numbers not yet released), the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is capable of traveling better than 650 miles between refuelings. I can say without equivocation that following four days of driving the EcoDiesel Ram 1500 in a wide range of environments from stop-and-go to interstate, the fuel economy figures recorded were 28.6 mpg. During one 100-mile interstate run cruising at 65mph, the Ram was registering an amazing 30mpg. At the other end of the mpg spectrum I was towing a 4,800-pound ski boat under the same conditions and saw a very respectable 15mpg. TOW FRIENDLY DESIGN 2014 ECODIESEL SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: Ram Truck EcoDiesel V-6 Type: 60-degree, 4-valve DOHC Displacement: 182 cid (2988 cc) Construction: Cast-iron block, aluminum alloy heads Bore x Stroke: 3.27 x 3.60 (83mm x 92mm) Fuel Injection: Common-rail, 29,000psi, Solenoid Injectors Compression Ratio: 15.5:1 Power (SAE net): 240hp @ 3,600 rpm Torque (SAE net): 420 lb.-ft. @ 2,000 rpm Max. Engine Speed: 4,800 rpm (electronically limited) Fuel Requirement: Ultra Low-sulfur diesel Oil Capacity: 8.2 qt. Emission Controls: Cooled EGR; oxidation catalyst; diesel particulate filter; SCR w/urea injection EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy): N/A TBA Observed fuel economy: 28.6 (hwy); 15mpg (towing) Towing capacity is also quite good. The Ram Crew Cab 4x4 I tested can tow 8,750 pounds when equipped with the optional 3.92 axles, while the standard 3.55 gears drops that number to 7,750. By the way, officially Ram Truck recommends that a weigh-distributing hitch be added when the GVW of the trailer (loaded) is above 5,000 pounds, which has been the norm for years on most manufacturer's half-tons. Another aspect that caught my attention with the EcoDiesel Ram 1500 is how well it fits into the contractor's lifestyle. For example, one screen on the touchscreen display lets you select the type of trailer that's going to be towed (light electric, heavy electric, light electric over hydraulic, and heavy electric over hydraulic) before ever hitching it up. This trailer fine-tuning selection changes how the new Ram's electronic software helps optimize everything from electronic sway control to shift points when towing. Additional sway control is available to the driver through an electronic brake controller that come factory installed on the dash that can manually be toggled when additional braking/sway control/action is wanted. Putting the EcoDiesel V-6 under a magnifying glass reveals a multitude of strong traits. It's a 4-valve, dual-overhead cam design utilizing a common-rail, high-pressure fuel-injection system that can deliver as many as 8 fuel injections to each cylinder per combustion event (depending upon performance requirements), at a pressure of 29,000 p.s.i. This is precisely how Ram Truck has all but eliminated the "clatter" that historically is associated with diesels of old while delivering the performance from both emission and power perspectives. The former took the most engineering work. The diesel's exhaust is scrubbed and cleaned to meet EPA exhaust emission MUTING DIESEL CLATTER Serious buyer. It's not something you'd call the typical reader of most existing publications aimed at the pickup accessories aftermarket. ProPickup recipients on the other hand, are professionals. Hard-working, discerning purchasers who spend time THEIR READERS. and money on the products OUR READERS. they need. And they buy them again and again. There are weekend enthusiasts and there are serious buyers. Serious buyers read ProPickup. Visit our website for more news and information! Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com 30 PROPICKUP December 2013 www.ProPickupMag.com