What is the gas mileage on a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 van?
On average, a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 van achieves roughly in the low-to-mid teens per gallon, with the exact figure depending on the engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage commonly ranges from about 12–15 mpg in city driving and 16–20 mpg on the highway for most gasoline-powered configurations, while the 8.0L V10 option tends to be lower.
Engine options and mileage
In 1999, the Ram Van 3500 offered several gasoline powertrains. The common choices were the smaller 5.2L V8 and the bigger 5.9L Magnum V8, with some configurations also available with an 8.0L V10. The larger the engine, the more power is available, but fuel economy generally drops with displacement and weight.
- 5.2L V8 (318 cubic inches) — typical mileage around 12–14 mpg city and 17–19 mpg highway in mixed driving, with variations based on gearing and load.
- 5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cubic inches) — commonly 12–15 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway, depending on transmission, axle ratio, and payload.
- 8.0L V10 — generally 9–12 mpg city and 14–16 mpg highway, reflecting higher weight and peak power).
Real-world figures vary with cargo weight, towing, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), transmission, axle gearing, tire size, maintenance, and driving style. The Ram Van 3500 is a heavy-duty full-size van, so fuel economy is modest by modern standards.
Drivetrain, payload and driving conditions
Several factors beyond engine choice influence mileage. How a van is loaded, whether it is pulling a trailer, and the drivetrain configuration (two-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive) have a meaningful impact on mpg. Other considerations include maintenance history, tire condition and inflation, aerodynamics (roof racks, cargo height), and typical driving routes (city stops versus steady highway cruising).
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads reduce fuel economy more than light loads.
- Drivetrain and gearing: Four-wheel drive and higher numerical axle ratios typically lower mpg.
- Maintenance and condition: Worn spark plugs, clogged air filters, and dirty fuel injectors can hurt efficiency.
- Tires and aerodynamics: Proper tire inflation and reduced drag improve efficiency somewhat.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce mpg; smoother, steady speeds help.
These factors help explain why two Ram Van 3500s from the same year can show noticeably different mileage figures in everyday use.
What to expect when assessing a used Ram Van 3500
Because this model year predates modern EPA labeling practices on many configurations, official combined mileage figures may be sparse. In practice, expect the 5.9L and 5.2L variants to land in the low-to-mid teens for mixed driving, with highway numbers closer to the upper end of that range. The 8.0L V10 tends toward the lower end of the spectrum. If you’re evaluating a used unit, monitor fuel economy over several tanks to establish a personal baseline, and consider maintenance and payload history when interpreting MPG numbers.
Summary
The gas mileage of a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 van varies by engine and setup. Typical ranges for gasoline engines are roughly 12–15 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway for the 5.2L/5.9L V8 configurations, while the 8.0L V10 generally delivers about 9–12 mpg city and 14–16 mpg highway. Real-world results depend on payload, towing, drivetrain, maintenance, and driving conditions. For a precise figure, check the specific vehicle’s specifications and track fuel use over time.
