He never asked if he could tow that much behind a 1500, did he? No. He asked people's opinion of those who own a 6.4 2500 and any issues or things they have encountered. So your talk of a 1500 is irrelevant, again. He stated clearly he'd rather have a 2500 to tow that weight. The 6.4 is far from gutless, not sure how you come to that conclusion. Because a 5.7 in a 1500 is faster?
clh1220 The only reason I compared the 5.7 to the 6.4 is to compare the engines in the same platform. Of course the 5.7 won't feel as powerful but given the weight the 6.4 does a better job and is a significant difference, despite producing similar numbers. That's the only reason I compared it. Again, he was asked why a 2500 and not a 1500, he answered. Simple, end of the 1500 talk.
It's quite simple guys, he didn't ask for 1500 opinions. The title states that. I'm sure he's well aware of the towing capacity of a 1500 and what can or can not be done.
Ahh.. you're one of those, not to worry, I can educate everyone. For one, I gave an opinion on the 2500, I compared it to a better truck for what he wanted, hence my opinion.
for two, I compared the motors, and I was correct, as I said, facts > opinion. Let me explain below, in detail since you're confused.
2016 Dodge ram 1500 - Weight - 5,160 ( average between trims )
2016 Dodge ram 2500 - weight - 6,800 ( Average between trims )
Those averages are on big horn CREW CAB models.
2016 Dodge ram 1500 5.7 HP / TQ - 395HP / 410lb-ft
2016 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 HP / TQ - 410HP / 429lb-ft
That gives the 6.4 the upper hand by 15HP, and 19 ft-lb.
The difference in weight between the two is : 1640 pounds.
All things considered, the power to weight ratio of the 5.7 and 6.4 is listed below.
2016 Ram 1500 5.7 - 0.077HP per 1LB of weight
2016 Ram 2500 6.4 - 0.06HP per 1lb of weight
2016 Ram 1500 5.7 lb-ft - 0.079lb-ft
2016 Ram 2500 6.4 lb-ft - 0.063lb-ft
Has NOTHING to do with being faster as you're feeble mind seems to think. The truck has less power per pound, always will. now, when you're towing the weight, I can go into power per pound on that too.. guess who wins? Yes, the 1500.
He asked for an opinion, he got one, a very solid, mathematically sound one.
You're welcome.
EDIT : During posting this, the OP said " I appreciate all the input. A half ton is out of the question for me at this point. My dad has a 2012 Ram 2500 crew, 8' bed with the 5.7. It makes regular 7 hour trips up to Wisconsin with his similar trailer setup. It has enough motor to do what it needs to do. He has been a Ram Man since I can remember, do the 17's have the same transmission as his? ", so clearly he wants it for the frame / chasis, not the motor, in which case, my argument is moot. Still, its important to educate some of those who don't understand math.