Fuel economy is a strange thing. Yes, this era of Dodge trucks are HORRIBLE on gas, nevermind the 4WD and 5.9 engine!

70 mph doesn't help either.

But here's a curious observation I have made- I currently have a 1996 GMC Suburban 4x4 5.7 automatic. I get 15-17 everyday with it commuting to work (which is spot-on for the EPA on this truck). I also had a 1995 Yukon 4x4 5.7 automatic- virtually identical trucks other than Vortec/no Vortec and about 12" of length. It got 19.7 in daily commuting! Go figure! LOL!

If it makes you feel any better, my 97 Dakota 2WD V6 got 17-18 mpg on my daily commute.