Educate me

[mountainlion]

Hi guys. New to the forum. I’m in the market for a RAM diesel truck that will be used primarily used for towing a travel trailer. Looking at the
2500. Budget is up to 60-65000.

What years should I avoid. (I do not want a truck with the CP4 so I guess 2019-2020 is out of the picture)

My travel trailer is 29 feet/9000lbs.

What rear ends and transmissions are recommended?

 

[OC455]

If you want a diesel then go to a 3500. The payload for a 2500 with a diesel is low compared to a 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi. All the 2019-2021 has the CP4 fuel pump on the diesels. I understand they are revising the CP3 for the newer 2022s. I would wait for the MY 2022 to come out if you are worried about the fuel pump and wanting a diesel.

Honestly, a 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi will handle a 9k lbs trailer especially if you get the 4.10 gears.

 

[chris1126]

Hi guys. New to the forum. I’m in the market for a RAM diesel truck that will be used primarily used for towing a travel trailer. Looking at the
2500. Budget is up to 60-65000.

What years should I avoid. (I do not want a truck with the CP4 so I guess 2019-2020 is out of the picture)

My travel trailer is 29 feet/9000lbs.

What rear ends and transmissions are recommended?

i have a 16 and a 17 2500 both w 6.4. 16 has 373 and 17 originally had 373 which i pulled TTs with both. the current TT is 9450 dry. pulls fine. im happy w a 6.4.

 

[jejb]

If you want a diesel then go to a 3500. The payload for a 2500 with a diesel is low compared to a 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi.

Agreed. The Cummins is heavy, so it impacts the 2500's "on paper" payload. In reality, the 2500 is almost as capable as the 3500. Only difference is springs, available dually and motor/tranny options. But some folks are concerned about possible legal liability issues if the go over the 10K payload limit. The 3500 eliminates that concern.

Honestly, a 2500 with a 6.4 Hemi will handle a 9k lbs trailer especially if you get the 4.10 gears.

If you live in fairly flat terrain, I'd agree. But in my experience, the driving experience is far superior in mountainous terrain with the Cummins. Just so much more relaxed. I've had some of each in 3/4 tons, and just prefer the low rpm, low effort pulling in the mountains.

 

[crash68]

All the 2019-2021 has the CP4 fuel pump on the diesels. I understand they are revising the CP3 for the newer 2022s. I would wait for the MY 2022 to come out if you are worried about the fuel pump and wanting a diesel.

The OP has the suspect years of a CP4.2 correct at '19-'20. That CP4.2 was also highly modified by Cummins for the engine and only got a bad rap by name.
'21s have what appears to be CP3 but that too had to be redesigned by Cummins to get higher injection pressures out of it.

 

[HEMIMANN]

+1 on all these guy's advice.

Welcome to the most knowledgeable and friendly Ram Forum on the web.

 

[OC455]

'21s have what appears to be CP3 but that too had to be redesigned by Cummins to get higher injection pressures out of it.

I thought they had not made the revision yet on the 21's...my bad. Thought I remember there being a whole thread here about it. I thought that was why folks that were interested in getting a Cummins HD were waiting until MY2022.

 

[crash68]

I thought that was why folks that were interested in getting a Cummins HD were waiting until MY2022.

The wait for the '22 model is the possibility of 8 spd behind the Cummins. Nothing has really be announced but stuff like that is usually announced at the Texas Truck show(which has been cancelled for this year).

 

[mountainlion]

Thanks for the input. Very much appreciated. As I live in Washington state every camping trip involves high mountain passes, I think diesel is the way to go. (Sometimes two passes/day.) I do understand the increased cost for diesel maintenance/repairs. But hopefully a newer truck will not have any major breakdowns in the next 4-5 years.

My tongue weight is 1300 lbs. If I can find a truck with that offers 2300 lbs payload I’m happy.

The CP4 is most probably not a common problem. But when it goes it is an expensive repair that might not be covered by warranty or insurance. I’m sure any trace of water and or contamination would result in a big repair bill.

I read somewhere that RAMS DPF are more sensitive for plugging than Ford because RAM does not use DEF fluid. Is that true?

I also read that Allison transmissions would be a better choice for towing?

What rear end gear ratio would you recommend?

 

[OC455]

The wait for the '22 model is the possibility of 8 spd behind the Cummins. Nothing has really be announced but stuff like that is usually announced at the Texas Truck show(which has been cancelled for this year).

Too bad they cancelled the show, I looked forward to seeing all the new goodies online....

 

[HEMIMANN]

No, not true. Cummins was a leader in DEF dev. I was at Cummins then. All Cummins engines use DEF. The debate in the 2000's was to go back to advanced timing and add DEF, or stay with Tier 3 ******** timing and more filtration. Allison is not the answer for Ram - there is a move afoot to outsource to China. Don't go there. Stay with the AISIC

 

[OC455]

Thanks for the input. Very much appreciated. As I live in Washington state every camping trip involves high mountain passes, I think diesel is the way to go. (Sometimes two passes/day.) I do understand the increased cost for diesel maintenance/repairs. But hopefully a newer truck will not have any major breakdowns in the next 4-5 years.

The CP4 is most probably not a common problem. But when it goes it is an expensive repair that might not be covered by warranty or insurance. I’m sure any trace of water and or contamination would result in a big repair bill.

I read somewhere that RAMS DPF are more sensitive for plugging than Ford because RAM does not use DEF fluid. Is that true?

I also read that Allison transmissions would be a better choice for towing?

What rearend gear ratio would you recommend?

Everything I've seen personally, they use DEF.

As said before, waiting to see what transmission Ram goes to for the diesel engines in the new model year would be. I think people are hoping for a couple of extra gears vs. what the AISIN transmission or 68rfe will have. New Ford's with the Powerstokes have a 10speed transmission and I think that people are hoping for more than 6 gears.

4.10 optimal, 3.73 sufficient. But if you go with the diesel, from I can see you only get 3.73 gear ratio. Unless you go to a 3500 and a dually/long bed/mega cab....

 

[crash68]

@mountainlion the older Ram CTD('07-'12) used a DPF without a SCR(what the DEF is sprayed into). Nowadays all the diesels have both the DOC/DPF and SCR in the exhaust. As for them plugging, idling the truck for extended periods can cause that in any DPF.
A lot guys seem to like the Aisin behind the CTD but it's only a 6 spd. Whether Ram goes with a ZF or Allison is yet to be seen, I'm guessing it will the ZF as there have been reports of increased production demand numbers from the manufacturer. I've seen HDs with ZF test mules. If the Allison is actually made by them it to should be comparable to the ZF behind the CTD.
If your buying a new CTD, the rear axle ratio of 3.73 will take you into the 20K territory, unless you need a dually there's probably no need for 4.10

 

[jejb]

I read somewhere that RAMS DPF are more sensitive for plugging than Ford because RAM does not use DEF fluid. Is that true?

No, not true. Ram Cummins uses DEF also.

I also read that Allison transmissions would be a better choice for towing?

If I had the choice, I'd probably pick Allison over any other auto tranny. I have had a couple over the years, still have one in our diesel pusher RV. Like them a lot. But in reality, as long as you're not hotting up the motor, they are all good trannies these days. I'm also very happy the 6 speed in my 18 2500 CTD.

 

[Gr8bawana]

But in reality, as long as you're not hotting up the motor, they are all good trannies these days. I'm also very happy the 6 speed in my 18 2500 CTD.

^^^Bingo^^^This is 100% correct. I have the same 6 speed in my 2017 and have had ZERO problems.
I think probably 99% of the guys who claim they have trans problems are cause by hot-rodding and tuning. These transmission were designed for the power these trucks have in stock form and they perform as designed. Add tuning and power and all bets are off as to how long the trans will last.

 

[dhay13]

At 9000lbs and 1300lbs tongue weight you should be ok with a 2500 but will be cutting it close depending on family size, etc. I towed my step-sons 2021 Grand Design Imagine 3250BH that weighed 9300lbs and had 1100lbs tongue weight (CAT scale verified) and my truck with 720lbs of people in it was at 9100lbs with a 6.4. My payload is 2973lbs. If I had the Cummins I would have been right at about my max GVWR. That being said, our boat weighs 8900lbs (CAT scale verified) and this spring I went up a 1 mile hill that was about a 6-7% grade. I was almost stopped at the bottom and had no trouble at all maintaining 45MPH up the hill. But I get that the Cummins would handle the larger grades that the 6.4 might struggle with.

Here is my truck with the 3250BH behind it

 

[Gary Berling]

Hi guys. New to the forum. I’m in the market for a RAM diesel truck that will be used primarily used for towing a travel trailer. Looking at the
2500. Budget is up to 60-65000.

What years should I avoid. (I do not want a truck with the CP4 so I guess 2019-2020 is out of the picture)

My travel trailer is 29 feet/9000lbs.

What rear ends and transmissions are recommended?

Good luck finding a deisel for 60-65 with lower miles. 2020 2500 are going for 75 new in the upper 80’s.

 

[dhay13]

Good luck finding a deisel for 60-65 with lower miles. 2020 2500 are going for 75 new in the upper 80’s.

Depends on where you are I guess. My son just bought a 2021 2500 Big Horn Night Edition Cummins. Mostly loaded with full center console with touch screen and nav. No leather, no sunroof and no sliding rear window. Pretty much every other option. Paid $68,000 brand new.

 

[tuckerdog1]

Never driven a RAM gasser, so cannot comment pro or con. The CD sure does cut into the payload on the 2500 though. I am always right at that limit. I tow a 35ft trailer with my 2500 CD LB 3.42 gears & 68RFE 6 speed. Trailer loaded comes in at just over 9K lbs and tongue weight varies, but in the 1K+ range. With the LB, that extra 20 or so inches of wheelbase make for a very stable & comfortable ride. Never came across a mountain that even came close to making the truck seem like it was working hard. The BEST part was coming down the backside of the mountain. Set that exhaust brake to kick in about 55MPH and you never even have to touch the brakes. Makes the decent a dream. Worst fuel mileage towing that trailer w 9 MPG. That was straight into a pretty stiff wind. I generally average around 12-13 MPG. My brother has the same truck, but his is a 3500. I often have payload envy. My 2500 is a slightly softer ride than his 3500. If you can swing it, I'd recommend a 3500 diesel LB.

 

[RaptorHD]

I am glad I picked up my Bighorn (2019) for 50k,, MSRP was 65k...I never pay sticker for anything!