help - looking at a ram truck

[thom.ty]

This will be my first ram truck. I need advice as to the engines. Looking at 1500's 2010 - 2013, 4 wd, 4 door at a mim. the truck will be driven 70% around town, 20% highway, 10% pulling trailer of 7,500 limit. Gas milage is +/- concern.

Where I need advice is what engine is the best. I like the 5.7, i like the 3.6, my main concern is the 4.7 engine. I have read many many reviews that the 4.7 is not the best choose of an engine for several reasons. Please advise me.

thank you

 

[ExpressRules]

I'd go with the 5.7 or the 3.6. If you are not towing a lot and want to maximize fuel economy go with the 3.6. People here that tow have had some good things to say about it. If you tow a lot get the 5.7. and if you have a need for speed get the 5.7.

But no matter what anyone says here, take both out for a run. Only you know in the end what is right.

 

[Hemi395]

If gas mileage is a major concern go with the 3.6.

Otherwise the Hemi is the way to go. The power is there if you need to tow or just "need" power. Gas mileage with the Hemi isn't horrible but it isn't great around town. On the highway its pretty impressive. I just took a 500mile trip this past weekend and averaged 20mpg and that's with getting stuck in stop and go traffic for an hour.

Definitely drive them both before you make a decision.

Good luck!

 

[Andy578]

with that much city driving the 3.6 is probably best. test drive both and see what feels better. also whatever you choose i highly suggest the 8 speed

5.7 + 8 speed + 3.92 is amazing and you should drive one even if you don't want the 5.7

 

[N1ck]

I would skip the 4.7, that is what I have. While a tuner did wake up my truck a great deal it still lacks power and gets horrible mileage.

 

[HemiRoar]

skip the 4.7L, gets pretty much the same mileage as the hemi but with much less power.

 

[regularcab2500]

is any configuration with the pentastar even rated to tow 7500lbs?

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

 

[thom.ty]

regcab, 2014 dodge states 7,300 pull weight for reg cab for the 3.6

 

[Caldwell]

5.7L + 8spd + 3.92's = Done Deal... as mentioned above. This is probably one of the best power / economy combo's in the 1/2 truck segment.

 

[Jerry1984]

If you plan to tow 7500 pounds I would go with hemi and 3.92 gears.

 

[smurfs_of_war]

Even towing that weight only 10% of the time, might as well skip the 4.7 and 3.6 and shoot for the Hemi. 3.92 if possible.

 

[loveracing1988]

Keep one thing in mind, most of your suggestions say to get the 8 speed and 3.92's. That is the same answer a person gets when they ask what truck they should buy even if they will never tow anything, I'm not saying it is a bad combo but the general recommend combo is the 8 speed with the hemi and 3.92's. Have you considered the ecodiesel? Better fuel economy than the pentastar with the towing capacity to tow what you want.

 

[thom.ty]

lovracing

I agree with you as per the diesel, but I am p_ssywhipped by a non mechanical lady who only see's the price of fuel and not advantage. Thus why I am looking at a gasser and not diesel. Just being honest.

 

[loveracing1988]

I agree with you as per the diesel, but I am p_ssywhipped by a non mechanical lady who only see's the price of fuel and not advantage. Thus why I am looking at a gasser and not diesel. Just being honest.

The pentastar is a very good motor, but if you try to tow 7500 lbs with it you are going to be severely disappointed. I think 5000 lbs is doable, but 7500 pounds it will struggle to pull, it just doesn't have the torque.

 

[thom.ty]

yes sir. I was supprised with the performance of the 3.6. However, you are correct, it only makes sense to run the 5.7 especially not knowing what use I will have for the truck in the future. I get to buy a truck once. The power of the 5.7 is there and the economy is exceptable.
I currently pull a 7,500 rated open trailer for hauling antique race cars with a 95 bronco, 302. Lacks mountain driving power. I bet trailer with car does not weight in more than 3,000 lbs total, but again, someday I will want an enclosed trailer and I do travel across the US. Thank you for your input.

Thank you all for your input.