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west_tex · 11-07-2016, 07:38 PM

First post on the airforums! Wanted to say thanks for all the great information I found on this site when making decisions about my TV and airstream. I still like to read about different setups so I thought I would add my first impressions on the 2500 with the big HEMI.

I bought the 2500 for the specific purpose of towing a 25' International. I previously owned a 1500 Ecodiesel. I loved everything about that truck with the exception of the 1300# payload. Had no idea to check payload till I began reading this forum. With 4 passengers, contents, bed cover, etc. I decided I should upgrade to a 2500. I just assumed I would end up with the cummins, but after test driving the HEMI I preferred it as an everyday driver.

After two trips with the airstream, here are a few observations:

Gas Mileage: Averaging 15 MPG CITY/HWY not towing, can hit 18 MPG on highway. Averaging 10 - 12 MPG towing a 25' International.

Likes: Handles really well. The 6.4 doesnt seem to be straining at all. If anything it is almost too quiet. Still prefer the Ram electronics and Uconnect system over all others.

Dislikes: Truck sits up really high and requires a large receiver drop. Although I have a 31 gallon tank, I have yet to add over 26 gallons to the tank even though the low fuel light is on. This seems to be a common complaint among RAM owners.

Isuzusweet · 11-07-2016, 08:06 PM

At 10mpg you have 50 miles left based on a 5 gallon reserve.......I'd say that's a low fuel warning situation!

I wouldn't fool with that if I were you.

While diesel lovers will decry your decision to go HEMI, you will save lots of money over the long haul with lower maintenance costs and less down time in the garage.

Why did you feel you needed a 3/4 ton to tow a 25 ft? Wouldn't a 1/2 ton done the job?

Cheers
Tony

SpletKay06 · 11-07-2016, 09:42 PM

Good thing you bought it specifically for towing those 6.4 get terrible fuel economy.

Bruce B · 11-08-2016, 04:26 AM

Hi West Tex,
Welcome to the forums!
As you see, people do not always read your posts but if the subject is tow vehicle, hitchs or tires, they will comment...
Great truck by the way. I have a friend who drives a 2500 gasser and loves it.
My one disappointment with my Ram 2500 has been a buggy Nav radio. Seems that some of them work great and some, like mine, need some remedial help.
It has been changed once and still has some issues. Hopefully, they get it fixed as the rest of the truck is simply amazing!
Enjoy your new truck!
Bruce

GettinAway · 11-08-2016, 04:53 AM

Hey west_tex, sounds like a good set up to me. I get about the same mileage with a 1/2 ton Toyota. I don't have running boards, and it's a good step up on the tundra. I'm guessing you have to have them on the 3/4 ton. How's the ride empty, compared to the 1/2 ton? Also, I'm assuming both trucks were crew cabs, with short beds.. Is the overall length the same? Just wondering how they compare when getting into a parking spot.
Thanks,
Jeff

Naper · 11-08-2016, 05:08 AM

Looks like all makes of 3/4 ton pickups are getting taller. Not sure why. The only complaint I have with my 2017 F250 is its too tall. 4" taller than my 2012 at the hitch. The tail gate, when down is above my waist. (ok so I am a short a--) Makes it difficult to lift in heavy stuff like a generator. When set up for towing the hitch ball is now lower than the trucks centre of gravity. Doesn't seam to have any effect.

Bruce B · 11-08-2016, 05:20 AM

One of the options my 2500 has is the rear air suspension. It has a nifty feature that allows for a reduced rear ride height when towing. It is still tall but it is a couple of inches lower to the ground when you activate the feature.

Someone asked about parking. Look at turning diameters for the truck in question. There are big differences!
Bruce

Countryboy59 · 11-08-2016, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpletKay06

Good thing you bought it specifically for towing those 6.4 get terrible fuel economy.

Awesome truck, drove one when I was shopping. My Ford gets the same mileage, love it for commuting!

crispyboy · 11-08-2016, 05:46 AM

Congrats on your new truck! That combo should work out just fine. Did you get the air suspension or regular suspension?
Yes I will agree that all the manufacturers make their trucks sit much too high. I'm sure it has to do with frame strength. All 3/4 ton and up trucks have massive frames now to that they can handle the towing/hauling weights that were once left to medium duty trucks. If I ever purchased a new truck I think I would get a full Kelderman air suspension under the truck that has a kneeling feature for loading/unloading of people or cargo.

west_tex · 11-08-2016, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GettinAway

Hey west_tex, sounds like a good set up to me. I get about the same mileage with a 1/2 ton Toyota. I don't have running boards, and it's a good step up on the tundra. I'm guessing you have to have them on the 3/4 ton. How's the ride empty, compared to the 1/2 ton? Also, I'm assuming both trucks were crew cabs, with short beds.. Is the overall length the same? Just wondering how they compare when getting into a parking spot.
Thanks,
Jeff

The 3/4 ton came with the running boards, but it is still a big step for my wife and kids. I am tall so I can get away with it a little bit better!

The ride empty is better than what I was expecting. I go down some really rough roads so everything is a bit more exaggerated when I hit potholes, rocks, etc. with the larger truck. Truck is longer than my 1500 crew cab. I had the 5'7" bed on the 1500 and the 2500 came with the 6'4". Parking is more difficult, but it helps that I live in the land of trucks so most places are accommodating.

west_tex · 11-08-2016, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Congrats on your new truck! That combo should work out just fine. Did you get the air suspension or regular suspension?
Yes I will agree that all the manufacturers make their trucks sit much too high. I'm sure it has to do with frame strength. All 3/4 ton and up trucks have massive frames now to that they can handle the towing/hauling weights that were once left to medium duty trucks. If I ever purchased a new truck I think I would get a full Kelderman air suspension under the truck that has a kneeling feature for loading/unloading of people or cargo.

I went with the regular suspension, but the air suspension would come in really handy. I might look at making that upgrade at some point down the road.

gypsydad · 11-08-2016, 08:48 AM

From West Tex: "I bought the 2500 for the specific purpose of towing a 25' International. I previously owned a 1500 Ecodiesel. I loved everything about that truck with the exception of the 1300# payload. Had no idea to check payload till I began reading this forum. With 4 passengers, contents, bed cover, etc. I decided I should upgrade to a 2500. I just assumed I would end up with the cummins, but after test driving the HEMI I preferred it as an everyday driver. "

I have been looking also at the new 1/2 T trucks; the RAM 1500 with Hemi, does not have enough payload for me, which, I assume, is why he chose the 2500?? I do not want a 3/4 T if I can help it. I tried the new configuration ordering form for the F150 but could not get it to size up above 1450 payload with SuperCrew, EB, 4x4, short bed. I worked with the "chat line", and they told me the calculator is broken, but I could get to 10,700 tow capacity with 2060 payload with my configuration, including HD tow and 36 gal tank. The 2017s are starting to come in with EB and 6 speed, but will have to wait for the 10 speed till sometime in December, I am told. Will be interesting to see the specs from owners once they are out and compare.

IAMGLG · 11-08-2016, 12:57 PM

I have pulled a new (2004) fully loaded International CCD 28 on two Wally Byam caravans to Alaska (total 9 WB caravans) and all over the USA and Canada with (first) a 2001, "1500" Suburban and then a 2006 Cadillac ESV with the SUV's fully loaded as well. Both have had "the wrong rear end", the "wrong engine", 4 speed transmissions, and on and on. Both have gotten over 50,000 miles on them pulling the trailer and each have over 200,000 miles on them.....not one issue of engine or transmission overload ever. Why someone has to buy a truck with a huge engine diesel or otherwise to pull a 21 footer or a 25 footer , a 28 footer or whatever escapes me. Maybe they're going to use it to pull a plow for the spring planting. Airstream has been manufacturing trailers to fit car's capabilities for years in case you haven't noticed, no need to buy a "puller" that will pull two Airsteams at once.

west_tex · 11-08-2016, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAMGLG

I have pulled a new (2004) fully loaded International CCD 28 on two Wally Byam caravans to Alaska (total 9 WB caravans) and all over the USA and Canada with (first) a 2001, "1500" Suburban and then a 2006 Cadillac ESV with the SUV's fully loaded as well. Both have had "the wrong rear end", the "wrong engine", 4 speed transmissions, and on and on. Both have gotten over 50,000 miles on them pulling the trailer and each have over 200,000 miles on them.....not one issue of engine or transmission overload ever. Why someone has to buy a truck with a huge engine diesel or otherwise to pull a 21 footer or a 25 footer , a 28 footer or whatever escapes me. Maybe they're going to use it to pull a plow for the spring planting. Airstream has been manufacturing trailers to fit car's capabilities for years in case you haven't noticed, no need to buy a "puller" that will pull two Airsteams at once.

Not my intention to label anything "wrong." I am glad to hear of your trouble free experiences and hope they continue. Based on what I have seen on the highway and reading the forums, I am sure the 1500 could pull a 25' with no issues. Based on the number of passengers, gear, etc. for my situation I was just more comfortable with upgrading.

Riverdrifter · 11-08-2016, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpletKay06

Good thing you bought it specifically for towing those 6.4 get terrible fuel economy.

It would make an interesting calculation to see when the fuel cost increase (remembering that often diesel is more expensive than gas) equals the extra cost of the Cummins. I haven't done it lately but did once and it was well over 100,000 miles. Factor in DEF and the supposed increase in maintenance on the new diesels. BTW I have a Duramax 3500 as well as a 1500 Ram 5.7. Between those two the fuel consumption is almost identical (dual tires really decrease fuel economy) and I pull my 30' Serenity with either one and both do a stellar job of pulling very comfortably.

Gneiss Guy · 11-08-2016, 04:53 PM

Concerning the parking problems with 3/4 ton trucks, the biggest problem I see is with parking garages and the height of the vehicle. I know it is not always easy to park an extended cab or crew cab, long-bed truck in many congested parking lots, but it is impossible to park a 3/4 ton 4x4 in many garages. My F 250 4x2 will barely fit under the "bar" at most garages. I have seen 4x4s denied access to some garages. It's something to consider.

tjdonahoe · 11-08-2016, 08:33 PM

800 miles on new 17 ram 2500 ,6.7 empty road trip , is 20.5 mpg, oil costs, $850 life time oil changes 2 / year, with the 31' classic a close guess will be 13.5 - 14.5 at 63 mph.....3.42 gears..

VernDiesel · 11-08-2016, 09:36 PM

I thought the 17 HD Hemis were going to get upgraded to the 8 speed. Having worked the crap out of the 8 speed it would be a great improvement. Would have measurably picked up the mileage.

Countryboy59 · 11-09-2016, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gneiss Guy

Concerning the parking problems with 3/4 ton trucks, the biggest problem I see is with parking garages and the height of the vehicle. I know it is not always easy to park an extended cab or crew cab, long-bed truck in many congested parking lots, but it is impossible to park a 3/4 ton 4x4 in many garages. My F 250 4x2 will barely fit under the "bar" at most garages. I have seen 4x4s denied access to some garages. It's something to consider.

I avoid those anyway. You can tell who parks in parking garages by the many dents and door dings on their vehicle. When I go to the airport or downtown I take the car I don't care about.

Elbo · 11-09-2016, 07:47 AM

Just wait until you see the cost just to change plugs in a 6.4. at 35,000 miles, and please don't tell me you can go 100.000 without changing plugs. Because that long you might face having to change the heads. Been there, know that for a fact. There go's your savings by staying away from diesels that can go over 200.000 miles with nothing but oil changes.