How many miles per gallon does a 1995 Ram 3500 get?
For a 1995 Ram 3500, expect roughly 12–18 miles per gallon depending on engine and configuration, with diesel models typically at the higher end on highway driving.
In 1995, Dodge offered two main powertrains in the Ram 3500: a gasoline 5.9L V8 and a turbocharged Cummins 6BT 5.9L diesel. The mpg you see depends on engine choice, drivetrain, load, and maintenance, and the figures below reflect typical ranges drawn from historical owner reports and data.
Fuel economy by engine type
These figures cover typical ranges observed for the two powertrains in 1995 Ram 3500 trucks. They can vary with transmission, 2WD vs 4x4, weight, and driving conditions.
Gasoline engine (5.9L V8)
The following figures are approximate and reflect common setups of that era (2WD or 4x4, automatic or manual).
- City: 12–14 mpg
- Highway: 16–18 mpg
- Combined: 14–16 mpg
These numbers illustrate that gasoline Ram 3500s were generally less efficient in city driving, with somewhat better highway performance on average.
Diesel engine (Cummins 6BT 5.9L)
Diesel figures typically show stronger highway efficiency and solid overall economy, especially at steady speeds.
- City: 15–18 mpg
- Highway: 20–22 mpg
- Combined: 18–20 mpg
Diesel-powered Ram 3500s commonly reach higher highway mileage, though city results can vary based on load and traffic conditions.
Other factors that influence mpg
Actual fuel economy depends on a range of variables beyond the engine itself. The following factors can swing mpg by several miles per gallon.
- Drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4) and axle gear ratios
- Transmission type (manual vs automatic) and gear selection
- Vehicle weight, payload, and towing duty
- Maintenance status (air filter, fuel system, tire condition)
- Tire size, inflation, and rolling resistance
- Driving style, speed, and terrain
- Engine wear, age, and overall condition
Understanding these factors helps explain why two 1995 Ram 3500s with the same engine can show different mpg readings.
Summary
The 1995 Ram 3500’s miles-per-gallon vary considerably by powertrain and configuration. Gas models typically fall in the 12–14 mpg city and 16–18 mpg highway range, while diesel models commonly achieve about 15–18 mpg in city driving and 20–22 mpg on highways, with higher highway efficiency under steadier cruising. Real-world mpg depends heavily on load, maintenance, and driving habits, so treat these figures as benchmarks rather than exact specifications.
How many miles per gallon does a Ram 3500 diesel get?
A Ram 3500 diesel's MPG varies significantly, but generally ranges from about 15–17 MPG in combined city/highway driving and 17–22 MPG on the highway for an unloaded truck. Towing a heavy load can drop fuel efficiency to around 8–12 MPG. Factors like the rear axle ratio, model year, and specific configuration (e.g., dually vs. single wheel) all play a role in the final MPG.
Factors that influence MPG
- Driving conditions: City driving and stop-and-go traffic will result in lower MPG than highway cruising.
- Towing and hauling: Towing heavy loads significantly reduces fuel efficiency, dropping it to an estimated 8–12 MPG, according to Reddit users.
- Rear axle ratio: A higher axle ratio (e.g., 4.10) results in lower highway MPG compared to a lower ratio (e.g., 3.42), which keeps engine RPMs lower at cruising speeds.
- Model year: Newer models may have different transmissions or engine tunings that impact fuel economy. For example, the 2025 model's new transmission is noted for its efficiency.
- Configuration: Dually models and other heavier configurations will generally have slightly lower fuel economy.
Expected MPG examples
- Highway: Around 17–22 MPG unloaded, depending on speed and axle ratio.
- City: Around 15–17 MPG.
- Towing: Approximately 8–12 MPG while towing heavy loads.
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Is the 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and comfort to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 771 out of 1313 of owners (59% of them) rank the 1995 Ram 3500 five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1995 Dodge Ram 3500.
What year to stay away from RAM 3500?
You should avoid the 2003 and 2006 Dodge/Ram 3500 models due to specific issues like dashboard cracking in the 2003 and HVAC/suspension problems in the 2006. The 2013 Ram 3500 should also be approached with caution due to frequent recalls and known issues, particularly the "death wobble".
Years to avoid
- 2003: Known for a cracked dashboard and faulty Engine Control Module (ECM). It is also associated with higher-than-average repair costs.
- 2006: Has a reputation for suspension problems, including the "death wobble," and HVAC system faults.
- 2013: Has a high number of recalls and is particularly known for "death wobble" issues.
Potential issues to look for in other years
- First-generation models (pre-2003): Prone to rust, electrical problems, and unreliable speedometers/odometers.
- 2007-2018: While many consider the 6.7 Cummins in this range to be reliable, be aware of potential issues like the CP4 fuel pump failure that can occur in later models.
- 2023: Some owners have reported problems with fuel pumps and turbos.
General advice
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who specializes in diesel trucks to check for common problems, especially in older models.
- When considering any used truck, check for maintenance records and ask the owner about any major repairs.
How many miles per gallon does a 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel get?
MPG 16 to 20 empty. 12 to 15 towing.
