Do I need to get a RAM 2500?

[RandomRam]

I was in the same boat as you - needed a 2500, went back and forth on engine choice before going with the Hemi. Turbo Diesels make an incredible amount power and do so while getting more miles per gallon than an equivalent gasoline engine. They are also expensive to repair and expensive to operate.

You made a solid choice. The 6.4 is a stout engine and designed for this type of use. A 10k toy hauler does not require a diesel. Don’t fear the RPM. The ECM will keep the RPMs from getting dangerous.

 

[Ron Basile]

Now you can take that extra $9k and invest! Buy now while the stock market is low.

 

[SeventyGTX]

I went throught the same dilema to tow our 9995 GVWR 5th wheel, gas versus diesel. We have a LOT of mountains here in Nevada with long grades. Our previous Class C gasser was screaming near redline to hold 35 mph up some of them. When we got the 5th wheel, I had an 07 5.9 Cummins but thought about going to a 6.4 gas. I test drove a 6.4 2500 and could tell it just didn't have the torque I needed.

Ended up getting a 6.7 Cummins which is awesome towing in the mountains, not just because of the incredible torque, but also the exhaust brake. I rarely need to touch the pedal brakes even going down long grades. It is amazing. Then of course there is the fuel mileage, 10-12 towing in mountains vs the 7 mpg of our motorhome with my Jeep Liberty toad.

Our 5th wheel is advertised as half-ton towable. But I couldn't imagine towing it in these parts with a gasser. Flatlands or rolling hills would probably be fine though.

 

[Arctic Taco]

You made a good choice. I have towed with older gas rigs- 3/4 ton and 1 ton, as well as my current antique 01 CTD, also a stint towing with a 94 CTD 1 ton tow truck. It has always been difficult to find a tow rig that does everything well.
The new rig should prove capable towing what you have, as you are learning, the gas engine generates it’s torque at higher rpm. I have no experience with the newer 6-8 sod auto transmissions, however more gears will keep your engine in the sweet spot towing.
My towing experience with the CTD powered truck, both manual 5 sped & 6 sped, city traffic sucks with a manual diesel, but it shines pulling loads in the hills the 6 spd rules there for me. I bought the 01- wanted an older 12 valve, bank financing said nah- to drag things around, it excels at this task, not as shiny on the town stuff. So enter a Toyota for town stuff.
LSS- once you get used to the truck you will love it’s capability and versatility, newer trucks can live in bot( the car and truck worlds. Older ones end up being more specific and that isn’t bad either.

Enjoy the trip and watch out for the other nitwits- you’ll do just fine.

 

[Garry71]

I a 2012 1500 with the 5.7, loved the truck, put air bags on it, and it pulled are 24ft 5500lbs trailer really well, had a couple of issues with it(mechanical) traded up to a 2015 2500 with the 5.7, pulls phenomenal, great truck. In retrospect I wish we'd have gotten the 6.4, same gas mileage but more torque.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Engine doesn't have a whole lot to do with tow capacity. Transmission, cooling, axle, differentials, frame... have more to do with it.

You should be looking at payload capacity, not just tow capacity, when deciding what truck meets your needs. You will frequently run out of payload before tow capacity. Everything in the truck (you, passengers, cargo, etc) AND the tongue weight are part of payload. That can add up real quick.

Exactly!...lack of payload is why I sold my 2017 crew cab ecodiesel that I really loved, it had a payload of 1540 lbs.
After hooking up my trailer with a hitch weight of 850.lbs I didn't have enough capacity left to take what I needed in the truck.
I bought a new 2019 6.4 2500 with a payload of 3470 lbs. and I love it.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Not sure why you think the 2500 has less towing capacity...my towing capacity on the 6.4 2500 is 14, 970 lbs. and that is with the 3.73 gearing, if you went to 4.10 you could max out at around 16,300 lbs. depending on your configuration.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

As others have said, you made a good choice with the combination of your trailer and 6.4 2500...it is much beefier in the frame, suspension and brakes. and you won't get the 'pitch' that is worrying you, that most likely is from the trailer just basically pushing you around, it happened with me in my 1500 Ram but has not happened at all with my 2500.

 

[J1367]

It's all about axle ratio on the 1500s. I was in the same boat didnt realize my current ram 1500 had the 3.21 axle ratio only rated for 8000lbs. The 3.92 axle ratio (only $125 factory option) tows almost 12000lbs. Look for a 1500 with the 3.92 axle ratio and your good to go. My trailer is about 7500lbs all in and I've got zero issues.

Cheers

 

[jejb]

I went to the dealership on Friday, quite distressed. I spoke with the fleet manager and explained to him my concerns. He said “here’s the keys go out and drive it.”

I drove it and was quite impressed with the power and acceleration. I then drove my 1500 and there is a significant difference, more than I expected. So I decided that the 2500 with a hemi would be fine. Because the hitch needed adjusted I had to wait in untill Saturday to tow with it

I drove from St. George Utah to Cedar city. This route has many steep uphill segments. Of course, there are many routes that have much deeper grades but this would be a good test of average

The truck was stable with no sway and no significant pitch. I was quite pleased with the handling.

Level: 65 miles per hour: 2100 rpm

Uphill : 70 miles an hour: 4500 RPM

I wish I had a chance to chill with a diesel to compare.

I do not to drive faster than 70 miles an hour when toeing, unless I need to pass someone, so the HEMI has the power and torque to do this.

It seems that was is bothering me is the high rpm, although I suppose the engine can handle 4500 RPM for a long time

As with everything, this is a compromise. I want a gas powered truck that tows like a diesel powered truck. And that is just not possible, although I really don’t know why. Why can’t a gas engine be designed and built with more torque?

So, my conclusion is that my 2500 with the hemi does what I want it to do. It just does it a higher RPM than I prefer.

The trailer weight during this drive was about 600 pounds less the the operational weight because I have not loaded my motorcycle

The screaming gas motor in a 3/4ton was the reason I recently went back to diesel. We got a larger trailer and it was just working way too hard on our Ozark Mt roads and interstates. I know working the tranny and motor that hard over time was just going to lead to big repair bills.

I was able to test drive with my trailer before buying. I just took their used trucks for a couple of days. The CTD was exactly the laid back, easy towing experience I was after.

My recommendation would be to not push the Hemi any harder than you have to on the climbs. Back it down to a place where it's not screaming its guts out but still holding a decent mph. I hope it works well for you in your planned visits to all the parks!

 

[Tommy lee]

I have a 2019 RAM 1500 limited with a 5.7 HEMI.

It has done quite well towing a trailer with a weight of about 4000 pounds.

I exchanged that trailer for a toy hauler that has a dry weight of 7000 pounds. I will carry my motorcycle which has a weight of 594 pounds.

Thus, the operating weight of the toy hauler could end up being 8500 to 9000 pounds. While this is below the towing capacity of the 1500 it is near the limit.

When towing the lighter trailer the truck was stable and steady. With the new trailer it seems to have more movement. It does not sway, because I have sway bars, however, there movement in pitch.

As we know, the 2500 is an expensive truck, I don’t want to put out the expense if I don’t need to.

1. Am I putting my truck, and myself, in a dangerous situation by towing near the maximum limit?

2. What do you think is causing the pitch movement? Could this be related to the hitch?

3. The 2500 comes standard with a 6.2 hemi, as I recall. Although this engine would result in less towing capacity, it would be adequate for my purposes. What is your opinion on the HEMI verses the diesel?

You are exactly in the same situation where I was last year.
I was looking at RAM 1500 limited, but then realized that the limited trim has only around 1200~1300lbs payload because of the added options.
with 1300lbs payload, you already have 400lbs for your family members, that leaves you only 900lbs.
Adding the motor cycle, it brings down available payload to 300lbs.
Basically, you won't have enough payload for your trailer's tongue weight which usually goes around 12% of the trailer weight. (8500lbs * 12% = 1020lbs)

that being said, you will need at least 2000lbs payload for your setup. (1020lbs tongue weight + motor cycle 600lbs + family members 400lbs)
That's why I ended up with RAM 2500 Cummins

1. Am I putting my truck, and myself, in a dangerous situation by towing near the maximum limit?
Yes, it's well over your truck's payload capacity..

2. What do you think is causing the pitch movement? Could this be related to the hitch?
There are many factors; Weight balance of your trailer, Wind, your Tow Truck weight, wheel base of your Tow Truck..etc..
A very expensive hitch such as Hensley or Pro Pride hitch can help eliminate the risk, I actually bought Pro Pride..no white knuckle, sway, what so ever.
I appreciated that I had it when I did a full emergency brake

3. The 2500 comes standard with a 6.2 hemi, as I recall. Although this engine would result in less towing capacity, it would be adequate for my purposes. What is your opinion on the HEMI verses the diesel?
6.2 Hemi, you get more payload because 6.2 Hemi is lighter than 6.7 Cummins. (Hemi gets about 900lbs more payload than Cummins in the same trim)
It's more than adequate for your set up, it can easily pull 8500~9000lbs trailers.
But, if you live in a hilly area, Diesel definitely works great. That's why I went with Cummins.

Hope this helps!

 

[Moparfanatic21]

the 2500 is your calling but before you give on a Diesel, test drive both! If you go diesel you will never go back to gas, JMHO!

If you are getting up around 9000lbs you are getting into 2500 territory. Don't care what the piece of paper says a 1500 "can" tow a 2500 will do it much easier and safer. Now if you are just towing that weight 5 miles down the road twice a year, sure stick with the 1500.

As far as gas/diesel? I'll never own another HD truck with a gas engine but that's me. Lots of fear/hate/false information for diesels on here so not going to go down that rabbit hole....

.

See I'm not a fan of diesel, tried them 5 times. I'm the opposite I won't buy a HD truck unless it's gas maybe it has something to do with diesel being over $6 a gallon where I'm at and gas is only around a buck something

 

[leroys73]

I have a 2019 RAM 1500 limited with a 5.7 HEMI.

It has done quite well towing a trailer with a weight of about 4000 pounds.

I exchanged that trailer for a toy hauler that has a dry weight of 7000 pounds. I will carry my motorcycle which has a weight of 594 pounds.

Thus, the operating weight of the toy hauler could end up being 8500 to 9000 pounds. While this is below the towing capacity of the 1500 it is near the limit.

When towing the lighter trailer the truck was stable and steady. With the new trailer it seems to have more movement. It does not sway, because I have sway bars, however, there movement in pitch.

As we know, the 2500 is an expensive truck, I don’t want to put out the expense if I don’t need to.

1. Am I putting my truck, and myself, in a dangerous situation by towing near the maximum limit?

2. What do you think is causing the pitch movement? Could this be related to the hitch?

3. The 2500 comes standard with a 6.2 hemi, as I recall. Although this engine would result in less towing capacity, it would be adequate for my purposes. What is your opinion on the HEMI verses the diesel?

My short answer is the same answer I gave myself. I did not need a RAM 2500 4x4 Longhorn edition with 6.4 (I did need a crew cab) with a camper shell. However, after over 15 years of waiting and 40+ years since MY last new vehicle, I bought what I wanted. I am not sorry after two years except when I wash and wax it. Damn, it is big.
I did not want a diesel.

 

[blkjeeptj]

I'm late to the party, that's how I roll. I have an '03 1500 4x4 crew cab, and I've pulled an 18' car trailer with my '98 Wrangler on it for years, all over the mountains of Colorado and Utah. It is not one of my favorite things to do. On level ground (not much around here), it does fine. It handles the curves without any problem. Climbing these mountains is where it becomes un-fun. I will be buying a 2500 soon, and it will definitely have a Cummins. There is no substitute for the raw pulling power of a diesel. I'll keep the '03 for my unloaded highway trips however. In 200,000 miles that old hemi has never given me a minute's trouble.

My 2 cents: I love my Hemi Ram, and will pass down to one of my kids when I'm gone.
The diesel has always been my dream, just because of its ability to pull amazing loads without a sweat. If you're not pulling heavy very often, and you are careful
on curves and especially on braking when you are pulling, I highly recommend
Hemi... just not over the Cummins.

 

[jejb]

maybe it has something to do with diesel being over $6 a gallon where I'm at and gas is only around a buck something

Where are you located? Here in Arkansas, diesel is $1.69. Still higher than the $1.19 price per gallon of regular, but the increased fuel mileage makes up for the gap, and them some, in most situations.

That is something I hear people talk about a lot though, the cost of a diesel over gas. There is no question that is true. But it's not about what is cheapest to me. It's about what will do the job the best. If I have to pay more to get the pulling power I'm after, such is life. You also get some of that difference back when you go to sell it too.

 

[dexter]

I went to the dealership on Friday, quite distressed. I spoke with the fleet manager and explained to him my concerns. He said “here’s the keys go out and drive it.”

I drove it and was quite impressed with the power and acceleration. I then drove my 1500 and there is a significant difference, more than I expected. So I decided that the 2500 with a hemi would be fine. Because the hitch needed adjusted I had to wait in untill Saturday to tow with it

I drove from St. George Utah to Cedar city. This route has many steep uphill segments. Of course, there are many routes that have much deeper grades but this would be a good test of average

The truck was stable with no sway and no significant pitch. I was quite pleased with the handling.

Level: 65 miles per hour: 2100 rpm

Uphill : 70 miles an hour: 4500 RPM

I wish I had a chance to chill with a diesel to compare.

I do not to drive faster than 70 miles an hour when toeing, unless I need to pass someone, so the HEMI has the power and torque to do this.

It seems that was is bothering me is the high rpm, although I suppose the engine can handle 4500 RPM for a long time

As with everything, this is a compromise. I want a gas powered truck that tows like a diesel powered truck. And that is just not possible, although I really don’t know why. Why can’t a gas engine be designed and built with more torque?

So, my conclusion is that my 2500 with the hemi does what I want it to do. It just does it a higher RPM than I prefer.

The trailer weight during this drive was about 600 pounds less the the operational weight because I have not loaded my motorcycle

You didn't tell us a few things:

1. What differential gears did you get?
2. Did you get the 5th wheel package?
3. What weight distribution hitch did you get?
4.What is the length of your trailer? - There are limits.
https://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/shopping-guides/national-park-rv-length-restrictions

 

[murderman]

The 2500 is most definitely better suited to the load you are pulling versus your previous 1500, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the 6.4 as well.

Even though I didn't need the CTD to pull my 10,500# GN and it is more expensive to both purchase and maintain, the relative effortlessness of towing with the truck makes it worth it to me. A year and a half into it, and the ridiculous amount of torque when the turbo spools up continues to put a big smile on my face whether empty or towing. The exhaust braking performs excellently for a variety of conditions including both towing and in bumper-to-bumper traffic in a major metro area when not towing.

I am at a time in my life where I place a greater emphasis on having cool toys that are fun to drive versus what is the most practical. This is my first diesel, and I can admit that they are certainly not the best option for everyone.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

This morning I watched a video of a 2500 ram with a hemi tow a 7200 pound travel trailer. The truck struggled. Constantly downshifting with high rpm and low speed. I felt sick as I watch the video. It seems I’ve made another expensive mistake.

A few days ago, I went to the dealer he found the truck I wanted with everything I wanted with a gas engine, it was a few hundred miles away. so, he dad it delivered and I’m supposed to pick it up today. Financing has been done and the paperwork signed.

Am I obligated to keep the truck?

maybe the video was of an older 2500 with the 5.7 and six speed? otherwise it just doesn't make sense to struggle...My trailer is 6500 lbs. dry, easily 7500 lbs. loaded and my 2019 2500 6.4 tows it like a dream, that new 8 speed is a game changer.... compared to my 2017 ecodeisel it is like night and day....you will not have a problem!

 

[Sandevino]

maybe the video was of an older 2500 with the 5.7 and six speed? otherwise it just doesn't make sense to struggle...My trailer is 6500 lbs. dry, easily 7500 lbs. loaded and my 2019 2500 6.4 tows it like a dream, that new 8 speed is a game changer.... compared to my 2017 ecodeisel it is like night and day....you will not have a problem!

There are VERY FEW videos on youtube of 2019+ 2500's with the 6.4 and 8-speed towing anything. Most of these videos with the 6.4 are 2018 and older models with the 6 speed transmission. The TFL guys messed up when towing with their 2018 model as they locked out the gears and forced it to stay in 2nd or 3rd gear.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Where are you located? Here in Arkansas, diesel is $1.69. Still higher than the $1.19 price per gallon of regular, but the increased fuel mileage makes up for the gap, and them some, in most situations.

That is something I hear people talk about a lot though, the cost of a diesel over gas. There is no question that is true. But it's not about what is cheapest to me. It's about what will do the job the best. If I have to pay more to get the pulling power I'm after, such is life. You also get some of that difference back when you go to sell it too.

WOW!...that is cheap gas and diesel...here in Californistan regular is $2.65-$3.00 and diesel is $3.00-$3.50...taxes are a killer and we probably have some of the worst roads in the nation.