Long-Term Ram Gets How Many MPG?
I'm reading the long term report on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4 (Aug. '10). You claim you got about 13 mpg towing a 9,000-pound trailer. Your long-term numbers in the article included a test-best tank of 17.56 mpg, and a worst tank of 10.05mpg. That would put the average tank of gas at just under 14 mpg (believable), but there is no way that truck gets 13 mpg towing 9,000 pounds. My 2001 Ram 4x4 with the 5.9L gas engine gets about 8 mpg pulling 6,000 pounds on flat ground. It would be nice to get 13 mpg pulling 9,000 with the gas engine, but I doubt it's true.
Jeffrey Semrow
Tucson, AZ
Sean P. Holman replies: We did indeed record about 13 mpg (highway) on that tank of fuel where we were testing different settings of the truck's electronics while towing. We only towed at about 55 mph, used cruise when appropriate, and did not select Tow/Haul mode for that particular tank of fuel. When Tow/Haul is not selected, MDS (four-cylinder mode) still activates, which is where we saw the fuel savings. Granted, that mode is not as nice to tow with as Tow/Haul selected (which gives better engine braking, shift points and control over the transmission). Also keep in mind that this towing was done from Los Angeles to San Diego on a very flat section of Interstate 5 at sea level. Your mileage will vary-this was a best-case scenario for our road conditions and weather, and we were trying to see what the truck was capable of delivering.
Elves We Love. Trolls, Not So Much
In his "No-Drill Cargo Storage" (Aug. '10), Gary Wescott mentions "a special silicon sealant" which shows a tube of E6000. E6000 is neither silicon (a black crystalline element used for microchips, etc.), nor silicone (a synthetic material used for grease and rubber). Nor is it marketed as a sealant-its manufacturer describes it as an "industrial adhesive." And considering that it's available at most craft, hardware, parts, and department stores for less than $5 a tube, it hardly qualifies as "special." Furthermore, neither E6000 nor anything else known to man can "prevent any possibility of rust or corrosion."
I liked the rest of the article, but it might as well say the basket is made of unobtanium refined by Keebler elves.
Steve
Memphis, TN
Wants Chevy To Build a Power Raptor
Is there any way to tell GM that we want a solid-axle 3/4-ton Chevy again? Dodge has the Power Wagon. Ford has the Raptor. I want Chevy power in Power Wagon form.
Joe in WI
Sounds great to us, but we doubt it's going to happen, considering that GM disbanded its high-performance division in 2009. But we'll pass along your wishes to them whenever we get the chance.