2019 2500 6.4 or 2018 6.4?

[Mustangmike66]

I need a new truck to tow my Grand Design 2600RB from Texas to Alaska. Should I order a 2019 2500 with 6.4 and 8 spd or get a 2018 2500?


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[AFMoulton]

I need a new truck to tow my Grand Design 2600RB from Texas to Alaska. Should I order a 2019 2500 with 6.4 and 8 spd or get a 2018 2500?


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I would personally get the 18, as no one knows how the 6.4 and 8sp will hold up yet, and the bugs that could come with that set-up.

Especially if you are driving from Texas to Alaska, buy the proven platform. Get one with 4.10 gears as well, unless you have the coin to re-gear to 4.88 right away.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[sandawilliams]

I need a new truck to tow my Grand Design 2600RB from Texas to Alaska. Should I order a 2019 2500 with 6.4 and 8 spd or get a 2018 2500?


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What's that trailer weight?

 

[AFMoulton]

What's that trailer weight?

It’s GVWR is 7995lbs


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[smurfs_of_war]

The 8 speed will be awesome I am sure. Being the first year for the 8spd 6.4 combo in the HD it *may* have bugs, or it may not. I got the 8 spd on the 5.7 on it's first production (late '13) and had zero issues. So, it's a gamble. Your call. I have the 6 spd and won't be rushing to trade since it won't be that significant to me, but that's me.

If you opt for the '18, the 6 speed on the 6.4 will handle that weight easily.



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[G. Mcpherson]

The 8 spd. will give you better shift points and most likely give a bit better fuel economy. The 8 spd has been around for some time now and would think it will be good in the 2500.

 

[mtnrider]

If It was me I would go for the 2019. That 8 speed transmission is what I would be after. Yes it's new in the Ram but that transmission series has had a good reputation so I personally wouldn't be losing sleep over it.
Also re-sale value down the road. While there may only be a year difference you are jumping a generation gap (kind of) so that will weigh in on it's value.

.

 

[Mustangmike66]

If It was me I would go for the 2019. That 8 speed transmission is what I would be after. Yes it's new in the Ram but that transmission series has had a good reputation so I personally wouldn't be losing sleep over it.
Also re-sale value down the road. While there may only be a year difference you are jumping a generation gap (kind of) so that will weigh in on it's value.

.

This is exactly what I was thinking. I loved the 8 spd in my 2014 1500.


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[SyN]

The ZF 8sp is a awesome transmission: Only draw back is the Servicing!
For those who concern themselves with that type of thing.

 

[wyo2track]

Much larger loads being pulled with the 1500 and 8spd than that for quite some time. Will be no problem. Heck, RAM increased tow ratings by around 2000# for the 6.4L 2019 trucks. I'd rather have the rotary dial and shift to D rather than keeping my hand up on the column shifter regulating when the truck shifts from 1-2-3 at optimum rpm than have it fall on its face as it seems to do with the 6-spd when your taking off on a grade and a loaded trailer. And there are videos out there of guys throwing the rotary dial into Reverse or Park going down the road and the computer just says nope, sorry and all catastrophic explosions of gear sets are avoided...

 

[Mustangmike66]

Wyo2track, are you saying I should get a 1500?


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[wyo2track]

Wyo2track, are you saying I should get a 1500?


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No, I'd get the 2500 for the extra stability plus you can load up the truck bed with a bunch of other stuff and be good on payload. But that is just me. Just sayin' the 8spd has been tested heavily in the 1500. There's some long haulers out there with the ECODIESELs draggin' trailers thousands of miles every year and I don't believe there's been many problems with the 8 spd. Getting a 1500 is a totally different question. Would you rather have a 2500?

 

[Mustangmike66]

No, I'd get the 2500 for the extra stability plus you can load up the truck bed with a bunch of other stuff and be good on payload. But that is just me. Just sayin' the 8spd has been tested heavily in the 1500. There's some long haulers out there with the ECODIESELs draggin' trailers thousands of miles every year and I don't believe there's been many problems with the 8 spd. Getting a 1500 is a totally different question. Would you rather have a 2500?

Absolutely.


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[sandawilliams]

It’s GVWR is 7995lbs


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

I pull 8000 lbs. with another 1500 in the bed and the 6.4 6 speed with 3.73's handle it with no problem. Over 50,000 miles over all terrain/elevations, etc.

 

[hotkarl]

Meh. I'd get the 2018.
Oh wait, I just did...lol

I'm old school. I like the column shifter.
I like feeling the gears. The 8 speed in my Jeeps bugs me out a little.
I purposely sought out the '18 for a number of reasons. I guess either way you can't go "wrong". Only thing would be the possible new model gremlins and the price. You'll save a few dollars on an '18.

 

[theviking]

If you don't mind the looks of a 2019 then I'd lean towards that. The 8 speed gearing along with a 4.10 rear is leaps and bounds better than the 66RFE six speed ratios.

 

[loveracing1988]

The 8 speed was a game changer for the 1500's. I hate the way the 6 speed in my 2500 tows, there is just too much spacing in between the first 3 gears, I hate that 1st gear will get you almost to the speed limit too.

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[tjfdesmo]

I would most definitely get the 8 spd. I pull heavy with a 6.4, and the poor gearing of the 66RFE drives me crazy. The ZF should make a world of difference, and I would wager there may be an mpg benefit, as well, with the better gear spacing.

 

[Jeff Courtney]

I have a 2018 3500 srw with 4,10's and wish I had more speeds or lower gears. Tow everyday a 6×10 enclosed (3,000#) at 70-75mph tow mode its in /out of 6th. Avg mpg 8-10.

 

[Lucy Girl]

I need a new truck to tow my Grand Design 2600RB from Texas to Alaska. Should I order a 2019 2500 with 6.4 and 8 spd or get a 2018 2500?


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2018 HD will work just fine. Just my thoughts as that’s what I have. Love mine.