On this blog, we do a lot of research regarding specific questions about different cars. Today we’ll look at the RAM 1500 and answer what kind of gas this car requires. To find the answer, we’ve gone through the owners’ manuals of the RAM 1500 that were produced in 2013. Here’s a quick answer:
RAM 1500’s built between 2013 – present day with a 3.6L V6 engine are designed to use high-quality unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87. The 2013 – 2015 6.4L V8 also uses gasoline with an octane rating of 87. 5.7L and 6.4L V8’s produced from 2015 onwards use 87 or 89 octane rating, where 89 is preferred. The 6.2L engine in the 1500 TRX uses gasoline with an octane of 91. The 3.0L EcoDiesels use No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur (Climatized) diesel fuels.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we go into more detail about the kind of gas or diesel you should use for your specific type of RAM 1500. We’ll also discuss if different types of gas are better or worse for the durability of your engine and its performance. Finally, we answer some other questions about the fuel requirements of 1500. Read on!
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Also read: The Expected Mileage Of A RAM 1500
Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type
2018 – Present
The 2018 – present-day RAM 1500 with a 3.6L V6 is designed to use high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Premium gasoline is not recommended in this engine because it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline. The 5.7L V8 engine is designed to use high-quality unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 89. RAM recommends the use of 89 octanes for optimum performance. The 6.2L engine in the 1500 TRX should use premium gasoline with an octane of 91.
The 2018 – present-day RAM 1500 with a 3.0L EcoDiesel is designed to use Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur Climatized diesel fuels. Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
Also read: 12 Common Problems Of A RAM 1500
2015 – 2018
The 2015 – 2018 RAM 1500 with a 3.6L V6 is designed to use high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Premium gasoline is not recommended in this engine because it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline. The 5.7L and 6.4L V8 engine is designed to use high-quality unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 89. RAM recommends the use of 89 octanes for optimum performance.
The 2015 – 2018 RAM 1500 with a 3.0L EcoDiesel is designed to use Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur Climatized diesel fuels. Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
2013 – 2015
The 2013 – 2015 RAM 1500 with a 3.6L V6 or 6.4L V8 is designed to use high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Premium gasoline is not recommended in these engines because it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline. The 5.7L engine is designed to use high-quality unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 89. RAM recommends the use of 89 octanes for optimum performance.
Also read: The Oil Type, Weight, And Capacity Of A RAM 1500
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Besides regular/conventional gasoline, there’s a wide variety of gasoline/diesel that’s available on the market today. For many of these, RAM has indicated whether 1500 can have this kind of gas/diesel or not. Let’s take a look.
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is a newer type of gasoline that is designed to burn more cleanly than conventional gasoline. This means it reduces smog-forming and has less toxic pollutants. RFG is specifically used in areas of the United States where air quality is a problem.
RAM recommends the use of reformulated gasoline for all RAM 1500s that were produced since 2013. According to RAM, reformulated gasoline will provide excellent durability and performance of the 3,6L, 5.7L, and 6.4L engines and all their parts.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
In many cases, fuel suppliers also provide oxygenated blends of gasoline. One of the most popular mixes is regular gasoline with ethanol. E-85 is a common example, where 85% of ethanol is mixed with 15% of regular gasoline. Cars that use this mixture normally have lower miles per gallon but reach higher horsepower and torque numbers.
RAM strongly advises against using oxygenated gasoline blends with an ethanol percentage of 10% or higher in the 2013 – 2015 RAM 1500. RAM also advises against gasoline with an ethanol percentage of 15% or higher in the 2015 – present-day RAM 1500. However, some 3.6L V6 1500s produced between 2013 – 2018 are compatible with E-85.
If you want to know if your vehicle is compatible with E-85, you can identify this by looking at the fuel cap or one of the badges on the car. Suppose you see one of the symbols below, then your car is indeed compatible with E-85.
If you want to use E-85 or gasoline, it’s recommended that you do not constantly switch or mix these fuels in your car for a better drive- and usability. If you do, please take the necessary precautions:
- you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when refueling
- you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for a period of at least 5 minutes
Even when taking these precautions, you may still experience these (normal) symptoms:
- When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations are followed. - Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate drivability issues that may be caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPAR® Injector Cleanup or Techron may be used. Click here to find Techron on Amazon.
Gasoline With Added Materials
Some types of gasoline have added materials such as detergents, corrosion, and stability additives. This makes sure that the engine stays in its best condition while also providing the longest lifespan. Dodge recommends these so-called Top Tier fuels for all Dodge Chargers. You can find a station that serves these types of gasoline at toptiergas.com.
Furthermore, fuel additives, which are now being sold as octane enhancers, are not recommended for all RAM 1500s. Most of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not the manufacturer’s responsibility.
Gasoline With MMT
Gasoline with MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline because it reduces spark plug life and reduces emission system performance. RAM recommends using gasoline without MMT for all generations of the RAM 1500.
Please note that MMT levels are not always indicated on fuel pumps. If you want information about MMT, you should ask the supplier or the gas station.
Biodiesel
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specification D975 is recommended for use with your diesel engine in the RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel. If the frequent operation with Biodiesel blends between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the maintenance schedule is subject to shorter intervals. The oil and filter change, along with fuel filter replacement, is subject to shorter intervals when operating your engine on biodiesel greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater than 20%. There are no unique restrictions for the use of B5.
There are several limitations when using biodiesel between 6 – 20%. These include:
- more frequent fuel filter change intervals. Fuel filter replacement intervals should be every second
oil change, and must not exceed 16,000 miles (25,750 km). - oil and filter replacement intervals must not exceed 8,000 miles (12,900 km) or six months.
- The engine may suffer severe damage if operated with concentrations of biodiesel higher than 20%.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?
In the owner’s manual of the RAM 1500, it’s said that hearing a slight knocking sound from the engine is not a cause for concern and completely normal if you’ve used the right kind of fuel. If you hear a loud knocking noise, you have to stop the car immediately and visit a dealer. In this case, you’ve likely used gasoline with a lower octane number.
If you use gasoline with a lower octane number, this will intensify the knocking sound and cause the car to stall or hesitate when driving. Using this kind of fuel in your vehicle may void the New Vehicle Warranty.
Does The RAM 1500 Have A Good Gas Mileage?
2018 – Present
The 2018 – present-day RAM 1500 with a 3.0L EcoDiesel has a combined MPG of 24 – 26. The 3.6L V6 has a combined MPG of 19 – 23, and the 5.7L has a combined MPG of 17 – 19. The supercharged 6.2L has the lowest combined MPG between 12 – 13.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.0L | 24 | 26 |
| 3.6L | 19 | 23 |
| 5.7L | 17 | 19 |
| 6.2L | 12 | 13 |
2015 – 2018
The 2015 – 2018 RAM 1500 with a 3.0L EcoDiesel has a combined MPG of 22 – 23. The 3.6L V6 has a combined MPG of 19 – 20, and the 5.7L has a combined MPG of 15 – 17. The 6.4L has the lowest combined MPG between 13 – 14.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.0L | 22 | 23 |
| 3.6L | 19 | 20 |
| 5.7L | 15 | 17 |
| 6.4L | 13 | 14 |
2013 – 2015
The 2013 – 2015 RAM 1500 with a 3.0L EcoDiesel has a combined MPG of 22 – 23. The 3.6L V6 has a combined MPG of 19 – 21, and the 5.7L has a combined MPG of 15 – 17. The 6.4L has the lowest combined MPG between 13 – 14.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.0L | 22 | 23 |
| 3.6L | 19 | 21 |
| 5.7L | 15 | 17 |
| 6.4L | 13 | 14 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A RAM 1500?
The 2013 – 2018 RAM 1500 Shortbed has a standard tank size of 26 gallons or 98 liters. The Longbed has a capacity of 32 gallons or 121 liters. The 2018 – present-day RAM 1500 Shortbed has a standard tank size of 23 gallons (87 liters) with 26 gallons (98 liters). The Longbed has a capacity of 33 gallons or 125 liters.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A RAM 1500?
On average, it will cost $72,38 – $81,82 to fill up a RAM 1500 Shortbed produced between 2013 – present. It will cost $100,70 – $103,85 to fill up a 1500 Longbed produced in the same time period. Filling up a RAM 1500 is the cheapest in Mississippi, where you’ll pay $63,83 – $72,15 to fill up a Shortbed and $88,80 – $91,58 to fill up a Longbed. California is the most expensive with $101,06 – $114,24 for a 1500 Shortbed and $140,61 – $145,00 for a 1500 Longbed.
Sources
- Autoevolution.com
- Owners Manual 2014 RAM 1500
- Owners Manual 2017 RAM 1500
- Owners Manual 2021 RAM 1500
- Owners Manual 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
- Fueleconomy.gov/Ram2014
- Fueleconomy.gov/Ram2017
- Fueleconomy.gov/Ram2021
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
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