Poolmonkey
Well-Known Member
I was having fun trying to keep it on while deer hunting in the mountains last month…driving like Brad K on fuel milage strategy
Ram Heavy Duty Forum
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MDS question
- Thread starter Hangman
- Start date
This is true. If it annoys you for that reason then there’s really nothing to do but shut it off, or crank up the music!Ok Ok..... I still don't like the low rumble and vibration and no amount of saving gas is going to change that.
Just moved to a 2023 Tradesman 2500 Crew with the 6.4 Hemi from a 2109 1500 Laramie Quad 5.7 Hemi (don't ask) and the difference is amazing. In the 1500 the transition from MDS on to off to on is 100% unnoticeable! In the 2500 it is amazingly noticeable and annoying. The only thing I can figure is that they added damping to the frame of the 1500 to cancel these vibrations that haven't been engineered into the heavy duties. I was worried something was amiss but since everyone feels it I will adjust. Hoping it becomes less intrusive as the drivetrain breaks in.
From what I understand, the 2500s have frame dampening, too. I could be wrong, but it seems I've read that somewhere on these forums.
[Edit] just found this on the 'ole Internet: https://www.autoweek.com/news/auto-shows/a1714556/2019-ram-2500-heavy-duty-1000-lb-ft-torque-here/
"The V8-powered Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups will also get frame-mounted vibration dampers, like the Ram 1500, to keep unwanted engine vibrations from bleeding into the cabin."
I'm assuming it's the same for later years.
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Everything but 2022, where they were removed due to parts shortages.
Pasta4lnch
Well-Known Member
I thought I would get used to the start/stop in my wife's Durango. I can't explain why, it just feels weird. I don't like it, but I like turning it off every time I'm in the car less so I usually just try to ignore it. As for the lag in that car - its a non issue as I still pause because it's weird lol, so if it does lag its offset by my pause. My MDS 3500 has finally come in - picking it up in a day or so. I have a long highway commute to work so I am going to give it a fair shot...we shall see.
Pasta4lnch
Well-Known Member
Sooo was thinking of this thread. I'm cleaning out my 1500 to trade in for a 3500 and I found the window sticker. Lo and behold the 5.7 in my 1500 has MDS. I honestly never even knew. Now that I do, there is definitely nothing on the instrument cluster that lets me know its engaged. I don't feel it kick on or off...so I guess thats a testament to how it works. Lol!
Dave01
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My 2015 Durango had MDS, no dash light or indicator. I could feel it when it engaged, just a slight added vibration, but if not paying attention I might not notice. In normal drive mode it didn't engage much at all, if I pushed the eco mode button it kicked in much more often, but I never drove in eco mode. The MDS in the 6.4 2500 is significantly more noticeable, there's never a time it engages that you don't know it is on, regardless of dash indicator.
Pasta4lnch
Well-Known Member
Ah ok - well the 6.4 is in my 3500 so I guess I will definitely notice it...
fwiw, the 5.7 in my 1500 is my first V8 and certainly the first w any of these power saving features...
fwiw, the 5.7 in my 1500 is my first V8 and certainly the first w any of these power saving features...
Nothotdog
Member
I don't notice it too much at lower speeds. I do notice if I am going up an incline and it hasn't yet shut off.
On my dash (and I'd assume other newer HDs have it), it will light up a green "ECO" symbol when it engages (on the lower right).
The only time I really noticed it being pronounced was on the highway going up a slight grade, where I needed some higher RPMs to maintain speed but I suppose it wasn't enough to make it shut off.