Lary0071
Well-Known Member
I strongly disagree, and that should be fine.... But I bought the 2019 2500 Hemi/3.73 to pull my 14K fiver when desired. The truck does so perfectly.
But at the same time, the truck is a leisure vehicle that is garaged most days of the week, but my wife and I use this like many may use a sports or luxury car. Her and I have our daily drivers, but when we go out or take a trip we jump in the 2500 that is well optioned and comfortable and take our most expensive and fancy vehicle. While it does tow the fifth wheel now and again, I desire to also waste as little money as possible on fuel cost. If you could buy a truck that does the job you want and get more fuel economy while not working, why would you not pick it? I would.
Where the "I bought a truck, MPG does not matter" thing may be real and not internet bravado is where you bought the truck with the intent to do "work" with it as it's primary use. In that case the function over form attitude of desiring the very most work worthy build while disregarding the cost of consumables. Like a diesel owner not caring about annual fuel filters, DEF, cost of diesel, $11,000 engine upgrades and likely increased warranty as well as out of pocket repair costs. That guy likely cares more about his contracting business moving excavators multiple times a week and having the most work capable vehicle.
Folks like many of us have the HD line of trucks because we occasionally have a real need for something more capable that a half ton, but we may also be far more often commuting in these trucks and using them for leisure activities. In this case, lower consumable costs and lower maintenance costs place value on the less costly and less needy gas trucks. And if 3.73 gears does not inhibit your intended limited use work, and if 3.73 gears can give you a slight nudge in economy and leave more money in your pocket.... It is a valid argument.
For my 3-4 fifth wheel trips a year, 3.73 gears will pull just fine. I can pull a dump trailer or equipment a few times a month with 12K to 20K lbs behind me just fine. I've never felt that I was in a drag race up a mountain side while dragging trailers. Heck, back in 96 I had an F350 with a 351ci engine that I pulled a 14K lb trailer with. On some steep climbs on the road I would stop and drop to low range.... Trust me, the 3.73/6.4 Hemi is an insane animal compared to that turd! And getting 12-14 MPG is okay, but if it could get 13-15 it would be better. 15-17 would be even better yet! I like to spend money (a limited commodity) where and when I desire. I am cheap as heck in some aspects and frivolously spendy in other aspects. That allows me to pick and choose how to get what I want. Saving gas money when applicable is one way to be thrifty if possible.
Too much good info here. Is that 12.5 an average unloaded mix of city/hwy? That is kind of what I average now with my old Tahoe. I think when I would go on a trip though of all highway, it would be more 16-17 so if this ends up being somewhere in between those two numbers for highway driving at 70mph, I will be happy.