Confused: 2500 Hemi or Diesel

[Shady]

My stock '05 CTD 3500 SRW would not get 20 mpg empty, downhill with a tailwind, and it got 11-12 pulling my lightly loaded 7x14 box trailer. That is some amazing mileage you are getting. I will add that I am NOT bashing the Cummins. I loved the truck, and I would gladly own another if my needs support it again.

You do know that their is a significant difference between the 4th gen diesels and your 05? The egt deletes are absolutely necessary on the 3rd gens. A very poor designed emission system that killed mileage, power, and shortened the life of those trucks. I see no reason to do it on my truck, even after the warranty is expired. You buy and live as you choose. I'll stick with my unicorn.. Lol

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[mtofell]

If you use 15% for the pin weight a 16K GVWR would mean 2,400 pin weight, then add in the 5th wheel hitch - the 2500 can handle that.

15% is a little light for a pin weight estimate. The two I've had are right around 20% or a hair more. When planning, conservative folks tell you to go 25% as some can get that high.

And other payload all adds up super quick. My 5th has a "dry" pin weight of 1800# and I'm right at my 3000# payload max when ready to roll:

200# more pin weight between "dry" and loaded
275# hitch
500# of people above the anorexic driver figured into the rating
200-300# of gear in the truck - this one always amazes me. It never seems like I have much of anything in the truck but it adds up quick.

Of course, the biggest one is people in the truck so if you don't travel with a full family you have some more flexibility.

 

[smcken2973]

Great Information and good advice. Thanks everyone. I would like the diesel, especially since they are on clearance right now and not as much difference in price. BUT, I don't want to be in another bind with payload like I am now. I am sure the diesel could handle it but I am one of those guys like just likes being inside all of the numbers. If I end with a 9-10,000 lb fifth wheel I will be over the diesel payload,correct. Sounds as if the 6.4 could handle the 9-10,000 and still be inside the payload numbers. So, am I thinking correctly about this?

One other question, what is the difference between the Heavy Duty 6.4 and the Mid Duty 6.4. Thanks again for all the help.


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[drittal]

Having gone from 2500 Hemi to 3500 diesel I can tell you the ride difference isn't all that much and you can air down the tires without getting the TPMS warnings like on the 2500. At least that is the case with my 2013, I think the 2016 are the same.

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[Ram444]

You people are... Are you trying to say a Ram 2500 diesel can't safely pull your 16000# camper and the gasser will?? Somebody needs to back away from the bong...

 

[smurfs_of_war]

Great Information and good advice. Thanks everyone. I would like the diesel, especially since they are on clearance right now and not as much difference in price. BUT, I don't want to be in another bind with payload like I am now. I am sure the diesel could handle it but I am one of those guys like just likes being inside all of the numbers. If I end with a 9-10,000 lb fifth wheel I will be over the diesel payload,correct. Sounds as if the 6.4 could handle the 9-10,000 and still be inside the payload numbers. So, am I thinking correctly about this?

One other question, what is the difference between the Heavy Duty 6.4 and the Mid Duty 6.4. Thanks again for all the help.


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I didnt even know there was a heavy duty and mid duty 6.4 in the 2500?

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[drittal]

You people are... Are you trying to say a Ram 2500 diesel can't safely pull your 16000# camper and the gasser will?? Somebody needs to back away from the bong...

No, no 6.4 hemi is rated to tow 16k.

However, the 6.4l 2500 has 8-950lbs more payload to stay within GVWR when towing. Most CC hemi will have 2900-3200 available payload vs the 6.7l 2100-2300.

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[dexter]

15% is a little light for a pin weight estimate. The two I've had are right around 20% or a hair more. When planning, conservative folks tell you to go 25% as some can get that high.

And other payload all adds up super quick. My 5th has a "dry" pin weight of 1800# and I'm right at my 3000# payload max when ready to roll:

200# more pin weight between "dry" and loaded
275# hitch
500# of people above the anorexic driver figured into the rating
200-300# of gear in the truck - this one always amazes me. It never seems like I have much of anything in the truck but it adds up quick.

Of course, the biggest one is people in the truck so if you don't travel with a full family you have some more flexibility.

I agree with being conservative - 20% is the national average. This is a good calculator for people to understand the dynamics.

The take away is that the advertised tow ratings have nothing to do with real world towing.

RV Tow Check | Towing Capacity Calculator

That is why I went with a 2500 even with this small trailer - I'm going to full time in it.

ORV | Creek Side 21RBS

I recommend you look into their 5th wheels - extremely well made - they sell into the Canadian market for 4 season camping.

http://outdoorsrvmfg.com/glacier-peak/

 

[dexter]

Great Information and good advice. Thanks everyone. I would like the diesel, especially since they are on clearance right now and not as much difference in price. BUT, I don't want to be in another bind with payload like I am now. I am sure the diesel could handle it but I am one of those guys like just likes being inside all of the numbers. If I end with a 9-10,000 lb fifth wheel I will be over the diesel payload,correct. Sounds as if the 6.4 could handle the 9-10,000 and still be inside the payload numbers. So, am I thinking correctly about this?

One other question, what is the difference between the Heavy Duty 6.4 and the Mid Duty 6.4. Thanks again for all the help.


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Use this calculator
RV Tow Check | Towing Capacity Calculator
http://www.ramtrucks.com/assets/towing_guide/pdf/2016_ram_2500_towing_charts.pdf

 

[RubberFrog]

You want to tow a fifth wheel. Get the 6.4 heavy duty with a long bed.

I wanted to tow heavy, so I chose a diesel and and a 36' TT.

 

[THETANK]

can I suggest a tent as it will save you a ton of dough. What you say???

 

[dexter]

can I suggest a tent as it will save you a ton of dough. What you say???

I have to agree.

I had a Casita for 10 years. I paid 16,000 for it and sold it for 11,000. I pulled it with a Dakota 3.9L

I've noticed that the larger the TT the less time people use it. It is just too much work to go anywhere.

Where does the space go as the TT gets larger - bedroom (where you really only need a bed) bathrooms and seating area - I see them with 3 sets - dining seats, sofa and recliners. All great if you have a crowd but most TT are used by only 2 people.

http://casitatraveltrailers.com/

 

[Mega-Hemi]

Having gone from 2500 Hemi to 3500 diesel I can tell you the ride difference isn't all that much and you can air down the tires without getting the TPMS warnings like on the 2500. At least that is the case with my 2013, I think the 2016 are the same.

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Didnt your 2500 have the light load button? That should allow you to air down your rear tires without getting the warning.

 

[drittal]

Didnt your 2500 have the light load button? That should allow you to air down your rear tires without getting the warning.

No, the 2015 does not have a light load button.

I may have confused you as I went 2015 2500 to 2013 3500.

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[Skrap]

If you use 15% for the pin weight a 16K GVWR would mean 2,400 pin weight, then add in the 5th wheel hitch - the 2500 can handle that.

Everything I've researched is that I better count on a 20%+ pin weight. ON the 16K that is 3200 lbs. I will only own a Mega Cab unless there is no other way around a weight issue. The 2500 MC Diesel can't handle thing near 3200# pin weight, legally. The 3500 MC Diesel 6.7 will give me approx 4100 lbs of payload capacity which should be able to carry any 5er we could afford. WOuld rather not go DRW either unless absolutely necessary.

 

[dexter]

Everything I've researched is that I better count on a 20%+ pin weight. ON the 16K that is 3200 lbs. I will only own a Mega Cab unless there is no other way around a weight issue. The 2500 MC Diesel can't handle thing near 3200# pin weight, legally. The 3500 MC Diesel 6.7 will give me approx 4100 lbs of payload capacity which should be able to carry any 5er we could afford. WOuld rather not go DRW either unless absolutely necessary.

See post 28.

 

[tjfdesmo]

You do know that their is a significant difference between the 4th gen diesels and your 05? The egt deletes are absolutely necessary on the 3rd gens. A very poor designed emission system that killed mileage, power, and shortened the life of those trucks. I see no reason to do it on my truck, even after the warranty is expired. You buy and live as you choose. I'll stick with my unicorn.. Lol

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Ummmm, no, my '05 was a common-rail 5.9. The early 6.7's(mid year '07???)started with the 6.7 with heavy EGR, etc.

 

[Ruiner]

Just get a diesel. They're better in almost every way.

 

[Shady]

Just get a diesel. They're better in almost every way.

Ummm, yeah, that's true. But the 05 compared to a 16? Apple's and oranges... You could check in a couple of other forums where Ram diesel owners are more prevalent and see what we're getting with our 4th gens... or not... You don't have to believe me.. I really don't care.

Ummmm, no, my '05 was a common-rail 5.9. The early 6.7's(mid year '07???)started with the 6.7 with heavy EGR, etc.

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[tjfdesmo]

Ummm, yeah, that's true. But the 05 compared to a 16? Apple's and oranges... You could check in a couple of other forums where Ram diesel owners are more prevalent and see what we're getting with our 4th gens... or not... You don't have to believe me.. I really don't care.



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1. I did not say that I did not believe you. I said it was amazing mileage and compared it to my old '05.

2. I have been a TDR member for 11 years. Your towing average is +/- 2 mpg better than many SCR trucks are reporting. Again, I am not denying your mpg, just saying it is outstanding.

3. You're right, I don't care