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.