Some Interesting Real World Testing Findings (MPG)

So as some of you know I work for a medium sized commercial contractor. We recently put GPS/real time diagnostics in our trucks. I check the data every day and after 1500kms of driving I'm already shocked at some of the reports.

Most shocking is all our half ton level trucks equipped with V8s are just crushing our V6 equipped trucks. This is all GM right now so talking 5.3L V8s vs. 4.3L V6s. I guess they always tried to order V6s because they were a $1000 or so cost savings and because rated fuel econ was higher. Looking at the numbers it seems the combination of modern V8 tech (cyl shutdown) and the potential our trucks are just a little too much weight when fully loaded with crew and tools is what's causing the difference. Works out to a 3L/100km difference or about $5000 in additional fuel cost over the anticipated hold for the trucks.

Figured I'd post it up here for any guys considering a base level work truck or fleet vehicle. Your mileage may vary of course.

We have 4 news Rams coming in the next few months, some with 3.6L 8 spd and some 5.7L with 8 spd. Will be interesting to see the mileages on those.

Oh ya, we have tonnes of real time info on driving dynamics, habits, as well as ability to associate costs with those like how much idling trucks are costing us. Could very well have Fords one day, if they price right.

^Fords I doubt would be tough enough for your fleet duty bud......I mean “military grade” can only do so much.....

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Originally Posted by Ponyryd

^Fords I doubt would be tough enough for your fleet duty bud......I mean “military grade” can only do so much.....

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LOL. I was thinking high roof transits for the service division. We got a couple Promasters coming to try out. We do still have the 99 F550 V10 flat bed and 09 F250 CCLB crew hauler, the 250 is probably going bye bye soon tho.

Gotcha, that makes sense. The Promaster vans are okay as long as they don’t get overloaded.....they’re a bitch to work on though. I really miss the old big vans from Ford/Gm/Chrysler

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Originally Posted by Ponyryd

Gotcha, that makes sense. The Promaster vans are okay as long as they don’t get overloaded.....they’re a bitch to work on though. I really miss the old big vans from Ford/Gm/Chrysler

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The Savana 2500s we run right now are at the age where rust is a real concern, plus the mileage they get is downright terrifying. Did the math with our fleet consultant, we should be well under the weight limit with what we plan to stock the vans with. We are doing a 5 year hold on fleet right now, so hoping they are relatively reliable in that span.

So far the V6 Ram with the 8spd are proving to be super nice work trucks. No power complaints, getting about 1L per 100km better than the next truck, and lets face it the Ram just looks goooood.

Also, I have a renewed respect for the Triton V10. We put a flat bed on our 1999 V10 F550 chassis a while back and shes been workin steady since. That truck is literally not fazed by anything. 100lbs on the deck or over 4000lbs, no fucks given, 10mpg, just sends it.

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Originally Posted by Laffs

So far the V6 Ram with the 8spd are proving to be super nice work trucks. No power complaints, getting about 1L per 100km better than the next truck, and lets face it the Ram just looks goooood.

Also, I have a renewed respect for the Triton V10. We put a flat bed on our 1999 V10 F550 chassis a while back and shes been workin steady since. That truck is literally not fazed by anything. 100lbs on the deck or over 4000lbs, no fucks given, 10mpg, just sends it.

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You mean getting 1L/100km better than the hemi? Or vs. other brands?

Than the other brands. No Hemis in the fleet, my personal truck is a 5.7 but not the same usage and driving so hard to use it a comparison.

My sons 2500 Transit Mid roof v6 , 15L/100 combined , compared to my E250 V8 22-25L/100 . :( Both trucks carrying relatively the same weight .

Sorry about your MPG but that gives me hope, our high roofs are scheduled for mid august delivery to replace the aging Savana 2500s