Going from 2500 6.4 to 1500 5.7 questions

Iron Outlaw · Aug 24, 2017

Im a self employed construction contractor and use my 6.4 hemi powered ram for work. I've been offered a great opportunity with a position at a local production facility. If I take the job I'm going to be driving about 80 miles a day. I will no longer need a heavy duty 4x4.

What kind of fuel mileage difference am I looking at if I make the switch. My truck now gets 15-16 at BEST on the highway and usually around 11-12 around town. I would probably get a 2x4 as I wouldn't need the 4x4 and it would save money on monthly payments.

I love my truck but a softer ride and better mpg would be nice. Not sure what I will do yet.

huntergreen · Aug 24, 2017

If you get the 8 speed and 3:21 gear ratio, I would guesstimate approximately 2 to 3 mpg. Don't overlook the the V-6 Pentastar engine. Give a test ride.

barr0208 · Aug 24, 2017

if you are driving 60 miles a day you may want to look at a eco diesel it has very high fuel mileage a good 10 miles per gallon or more than a gas truck v6 included

unxpctd · Aug 24, 2017

If you're only going to use it for the drive back and forth I would agree...look into the eco diesel.

If you're going with the 5.7 Hemi get the 3.21 gears like was mentioned.

Good luck with your choice..and congrats on the new job!

Skubasteve! · Aug 24, 2017

Went from a 15 eco to a 15 hemi. On my 20 mile each way daily trip to work, I averaged about 24-28 in the eco, and about 17-19 in the hemi. If you're traveling that much, and not hauling anything, try the v6, or the ecodiesel.

Iron Outlaw · Aug 24, 2017

Truthfully if I'm only gonna get 17-19 highway instead of 15-16 it doesn't make sense to trade for a hemi. Maybe an economic but I haven't seen one for sale anywhere.

I don't want the v6. I know they are good motors but I'm just too old-school.

unxpctd · Aug 24, 2017

If you're going to have to spend a bit more for gas...just look at your raise you're hopefully getting...if the cost of the vehicle is that much more...then just stick with your current vehicle.

Extra gas cost vs. new vehicle cost

I had a Pentastar V-6 in a 2014 Durango that I had for work...good engine..no issues..but I personally wouldn't want one in a larger/heavier truck. My opinion only.

mtofell · Aug 24, 2017

I thought these newer 1/2 tons got a lot better MPGs than high teens on the highway. I'd have to think you'd be looking at least a 5mpg increase. Of course, that's largely based off of what I read on internet forums.... so??

Being a commuting contractor myself in a 6.4 I've often considered this exact swap if I no longer hauled a huge 5th wheel. The better ride of the half ton would be a HUGE bonus to me. Have you checked out the F150 Ecoboost? A buddy just got one and it's a really nice truck. I think he's getting mid-20s on the highway. If staying with Ram the Ecodiesel would seem to be a perfect fit.

theviking · Aug 24, 2017

Or keep the truck and buy a Skat Pack Charger as a daily

They get pretty good mileage for what it is.

Iron Outlaw · Aug 24, 2017

mtofell said:
I thought these newer 1/2 tons got a lot better MPGs than high teens on the highway. I'd have to think you'd be looking at least a 5mpg increase. Of course, that's largely based off of what I read on internet forums.... so??

Being a commuting contractor myself in a 6.4 I've often considered this exact swap if I no longer hauled a huge 5th wheel. The better ride of the half ton would be a HUGE bonus to me. Have you checked out the F150 Ecoboost? A buddy just got one and it's a really nice truck. I think he's getting mid-20s on the highway. If staying with Ram the Ecodiesel would seem to be a perfect fit.

I thought they did too. If it's that small of a difference I'll keep the big gas guzzler. I figured it up and going with the 5.7 will save me less than$100 a month on fuel, but I will me starting over on a loan. I was thinking it would save more than that.

If I went Ford I'd go 3.5 and the guys I know with then get 20 highway if they are lucky. The 2.7 makes me nervous.

zrfraser · Aug 25, 2017

I have a 1500 with the V6 and travel upwards of 150 miles a day with a mix of city driving and highway I average 23.5 MPG (hand calc). Its a 2015 QC 4x2 with 3.21 gears. If the truck is a commuter vehicle and occasional home depot hauler then the V6 is great and cheaper than the HEMI and ECO offerings. However, the resale value isn't as high so keep that in mind if you trade and sell vehicles a lot.

EDIT: Just saw where you said your didn't want the V6, so take what I just said with a grain of salt.

Iron Outlaw · Aug 25, 2017

I guess i should throw in I'm keeping my dump trailer for weekend projects and I tow a bass boat alot. I just don't think the v6 is good for that. Not hating on the motor.

TerraNewf · Aug 25, 2017

I had the Pentastar in my 15 Outdoorsman and loved it. I would still buy that motor but it wasn't available in the new trim level I purchased. I'm hooked on the Hemi now though. lol

baum · Aug 25, 2017

i also agree with ^^ .. I also had a v6 in my '13 outdoorsman. At the time if i could have got my larame in a v6 i would have. My truck is a family vehicle. i have only towed 2 times in the last 2 years

DannyMK2 · Aug 25, 2017

Iron Outlaw said:
I guess i should throw in I'm keeping my dump trailer for weekend projects and I tow a bass boat alot. I just don't think the v6 is good for that. Not hating on the motor.

dump trailers behind 1500's are sketchy. keep the 2500 and buy a beater.

Farmer Fran · Aug 25, 2017

I get 20.x mixed driving in my 2017 Larry crew cab 4x4. Easy on the go peddle

Ratket · Aug 25, 2017

DannyMK2 said:
dump trailers behind 1500's are sketchy. keep the 2500 and buy a beater.

What he said-
Look for a cheap Honda or something, or a dart, Lots of variables in this equation- The best thing it to look at it from a financial stand point, u don't want to loose money so is a trade worth it? My farther in law has like a 06 Buick Regal-
Car looks nice but that damn thing gets 32mpg.. stuff like that or older camerys can be had for like 3-6k and u just use it to commute. I wouldn't buy a diesel truck just to commute in. Your a smart guy, what are you leaning towards?

Iron Outlaw · Aug 25, 2017

I'm leaning towards keeping it. The quicker I get it payed off then it really doesn't matter the mpgs. After crunching numbers it doesn't make as much sense. Plus I can still pull whatever I want and have my 4x4 if needed. And I agree, loaded dump trailer is really too much for a 1500.

Eased · Aug 25, 2017

Keep the 2500 6.4L :Good or Bad:

geissbuhler1 · Aug 25, 2017

Like others have said, keep the 6.4 and buy a beater to commute. Saves miles on the truck and depending how on the price of the car, it'll pay for itself in gas savings!

Going from 2500 6.4 to 1500 5.7 questions

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Junior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page