Hey guys trying to avoid the Ford Chevy dodge argument. I'm looking at a 2500 or 250 in either the Chevy Ford or dodge around 2012 range.. my question is for anyone that has one what is your fuel mileage with and without towing a boat? Diesels only please

2013 Dodge gets 19-21 highway unloaded and 10-11mpg pulling 7-8k of boat. 170k and it has been a very good truck.

figure out which truck you like better then look at the gearing available.
if ya want mileage you need a 3.55 or lower, 3.73 or higher (4.10 etc.) will drop it quick.

ford would be my choice but I drive a f150 and love it, 5.0 and gets 14-15 towing with 3.55 gears and 4x4

I'm not just super familiar with all the working of trucks. Are the gears your talking about after market or factory options. Forgive my ignorance

Which motor do you have?

they'll have some of each on the lot. higher ratios are better with low end torque.

factory, most pickups will have gearing that is set for either high mileage or heavy work.

4.10 is a low gearing and low mileage, 3.23 is a high gearing and high mileage.

the lower the gear numbers the fewer rpm's your engine will turn at a given speed.

example: a 4.10 with a 6 speed might turn at 2400 rpm at 75 mph while a 3.55 would turn at 1800 (just making up these numbers for an example)

my 5.0 with a 6 speed and 3.55's runs about 1700 rpm at 75 and I get around 17 or so with no tow.

some of the 3/4 tons will only have a couple of options is why I suggested you find the truck you like overall then look at what gearing is offered and go from there.

where are you located, if in the dfw area go to garland, prestige ford and ask for justin (managing partner and a friend of mine) and tell him what you are looking for.
they will shoot straight with ya and have some very knowledgeable folks there.

not any 2012 Dodge trucks, they are Ram since 2010

Ok didn't realize that. I have a 2012 Chevy 1500 z71 with a 6 in lift and I get like 8 miles pulling the boat. I can't afford a new one but I can around 2010 to 2013. Was looking at the ram 2500 with the 6 cylinder turbo diesel but can't find info on fuel mileage

the ram will get the best mileage of the 3, straight 6 and cummins.

straight 6 can make torque better than a v8 and cummins gets good mileage.

buddy of mine had a 2004 with the 5.9 and I pulled his 33' travel trailer for him one time. that truck amazed me with 18-20 mpg but had a 6 spd standard and 3.73 rear end.

check with brian on here, he probably has or can get what you are looking for.

http://www.texasmotorcars.com/used-cars-dallas

man, this is a steal.

the 5.9 is a beast of an engine, excellent mileage and this one is barely broke in.

2004 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT
Exterior: Blue
Interior: Gray
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: 5.9L (360) HO I6 CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL ENGINE
VIN: 3D7LU38C94G154277
Stock #: 154277
Mileage: 156,105 miles
Our Price$19,999



http://www.texasmotorcars.com/inventory?SearchString=truck

Thanks for the help I will look at it now

You definitely need a diesel if you plan on towing a bass boat. I've seen hop try to do it in his f150....it wasn't pretty.

My 2013 F 350 gets 16 empty, 11-12 with 22' CC boat, and 9 ish hauling real loads. It has 35 x 12.50 tires and a front replacement that takes some away from the milage. I don't drive fast, so those numbers are hand calculated at speed limits.