dwhite

If you had to do it over again...would you get the 600 or 555....all other things being the same.

plowtruck

dwhite:

I had a 600 on order. After reading numerous threads on fuel efficiency, I opted to cancel my order, and find a left over 2004 on the lot.

The 2004 is a bit louder and you get more of that diesel exhaust smell. It also seems to shift a little harder than the 600 I drove (both 6 speeds).

However, the fuel mileage with only 500 miles on the engine is already 19 highway, and 16 around town (using computer only - I have not filled it yet). I expect to gain another 2-3 mpg with break-in, and a cap. I love my truck. It is wonderfully smooth, quiet, and powerful. I can't wait to tow.

Boss

I have no experiences with the 600, but I love my 555.

So far I only have about ~5700miles.

I was averaging about 16.5 to 17, but my last tank I got 18. So it just keeps going up. (all hand calculated)
My driving is 70/30 (hwy/city)

Exhaust smell in cab is still a problem though...Even though I sealed the cowl and hood, it helped, but exhaust still finds a way in the cab.....oh well...
Boss

HighTen

So far my 600 has been treating me really well. The sound and power are great. Also, my mpg hasn't been as bad as other people. With 300 miles on the truck (all highway), the computer says 19.1 mpg. No hand calcualtion yet. If I'm doing this well, I think there's hope for those with really low mpg!

hoot

555 no smells and mileage up to 17-18 average.... 400 miles on it.
I do have the driveline roughness at around 1800-2000 rpm and 60-70 mph

Venom617

Im 15.6 M.P.G on my new 2004.5 600. Its an Auto on top of that and 50/50 city/highway driving. I really noticed you can not go by that comp at all, its just for giving a rough ideal of what your M.P.G really is.

I went to my sisters house over the weekend and took the highway and a majority of the way that comp bounced between 19-20 MPG.

I would bet that most people that have bad mileage have a 4:10 gear ratio. Then again I am an auto and those 6 speeds should be doing better.

70 MPH equals about 1900 RPM with an auto and the 3.73 rear. What kinda of RPM's are you six speeds hitting at that speed.




2004.5 2500 600 4 door LWB 4X2 3.73 Rear Auto

plowtruck

Six speed is just over 2000 rpm at 70mph. It hits 2000 at about 69mph. That is with the 373. I didn't find out until after buying the truck, that the automatic actually has a taller gear than the 6 speed. Does't seem right, except for the fact that the 6 speed is made for towing, and the top gear is probably perfect with a load.

Venom617

Wow really surprised, I thought it would be better than a auto.

what is your MPG?

Teddroe

My dealer had one of each so I could of had either one. I choose the 600 and am not sorry I did. I had an 03 gas suckin HEMI so the 15.6 I'm getting is a real treat.
The only problem I have is the vibration at 70mph. But I'm sure they will come up with a fix.

cr25ovet

i got 13.6 mpg today with my 555. drove between 70 and 100. sorry was in a hurry but there was nobody on the road so i didn't put anyone in danger. truck is a 3500 4x4 dually

RockRoverAA

555...21 avg. commuting to/from work 70 mile round trip...Major construction going on for 30 of said miles that keeps my speeds under 55mph.

6400 on the clock. No bombs yet (), no topper.

--D

dwhite

Thats what I thought.

LRAmberson

555 Better to BOMB, but they are starting to be short in supply, 17mi average at 75 pulling 5k in equipement.

sbutter

I'm in California so the 555 is not an option for me. However if it had been an option and it was cheaper, I would have been all over it for no other reason then purchase price.

I'm getting about 12.7 around town, lots of stoplights. I'm not upset about it.

I got 16mpg (hand calc'd) on my last road trip of about 370 miles. 25% city, 75% highway. I tend to have a lead foot when I'm not sitting in traffic so i'm usually over 70mph.

A previous road trip (when I was below 1000 miles on the clock) I managed 17 - 18 on the computer but i keept speeds 65 - 70.

I've only got about 1700 miles on mine so far, I love driving it and dispite the $2.15 price for diesel I'm not upset about the mileage I'm getting with so few miles on my truck.

I'm going to see if I can find a car trailer to rent/borrow for a day so I can tow something heavier then my Samurai to help with break-in. I should get close to 6000lbs with trailer + Rodeo.

-Sam

BiggRigg600

If I had to do it all over again, I'd get the 555/6spd... the fuel mileage difference is way too big and I'd easily sacrifice 20hp/45ftlb for an additional 7-8 mpg