2015 Ram V6 Pentastar 8 spd

[Jackcat2]

Anyone towing about 7000 lbs with the V6 Pentastar and 8 speed in the new Ram 1500? Curious about real world experience. I understand about the payload issues and how where one is towing affects performance. The torque multiplication with the gearing of the 8 speed is phenomenal and a potential game changer. Tow rating is just under 7500 lbs in the model I'm looking at.

[SteveH]

Not towing with one, and really have no first hand experience, but search for the threads by MStephens who tried to use one in a Chrysler 300, and was unsuccessful because of overheating. Hopefully they have cured that problem by now.

[Jackcat2]

Thanks for the response. The pentastar v6 and 8 spd is quite a combo, but I think at my weight the v8/ 8 spd.is the better option. The payload is really crucial, we travel very light, within the truvks specs, but if I go with the Ram I'll install some beefier springs to level the truck out . Had some bags rupture once, won't go that route again.

[Hootgibson]

I know this is an older thread but I thought I would share my experience now that I've done my first mountain trip with Ram Pentastar V6 4X4 with the 8 speed transmission. I was searching before I did this trip and didn't find real world experience.

I was surprised how well this pulled my 27FB which was loaded to approximately 6700LBS. I was able to pull every grade at the speed limit with the exception of Red Mountain Pass, Ouray County, CO (7% grade) and McClure Pass, Pitkin County, CO (8% grade), where I dropped to 33 MPH (40 MPH speed limit).

The real story was gas mileage, averaging 12.4 miles per gallon over a 2200 mile trip through Colorado, Utah and California. Highway mileage without the trailer is 23 MPG with my truck because it has the Outdoorsman package with more aggressive tires. It's hard to justify the costs of the ego diesel.

The real game is tongue weight, I carry nothing in the truck bed except for chairs and a fly rod. Everything sits underneath the back table and I don't use the the storage under the bed for anything other than a picnic basket.

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[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by Hootgibson

Everything sits underneath the back table and I don't use the the storage under the bed for anything other than a picnic basket.

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Be careful not to lighten the tongue too much. You want to maintain some weight up there.

[VernDiesel]

Hoot that is really good to read about the Pentastar/8 speed. Real weight & a TT on an actual trip through the mountains. I had been looking for such. Is it a 3.92 gear truck?

We have both posted on some of the same Ram 1500 threads before. You know I wish manufacturers would do away the disservice called suggested maximum payload and focus people on safety via axle weight & CVWR.

Lol I don't know about ego diesel. Those with ego would want Hemi horsepower or Cummins torque. I just needed a workhorse for moderate weight economy towing & longevity. So the ED fits my needs best. Really the EPA will kill the V8 & it will be the Pentastar & ED that survive with a turbo Pentastar to take the Hemi's place. Only at the point the turbo Pentastar won't be 80 percent of the 1500 sales like it is now.

My truck would likely have returned fuel economy with that trailer on that trip in the 15s & 27ish hwy with an AT tire. Naturally it would take the grades easier as well but warming up in the winter or no emmissions problems from short commutes that would be the Pentastar & more. I have no doubt you picked the right truck for your overall use and I am glad to have an actual tow report to refer to.

[dlkershaw]

I have the pennstar v6 with the 8 speed trans in a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 22fb Bambi....we traveled 2600 miles this summer through NJ. Pa. Maryland, and WV. Averaged 16 mpg, in the mountains of WV. Handled the hills well and the paddle shifters were great for downhill grades (8 - 10 %).....I felt comfortable driving at 60mph on interstates and 45-50 mph on the intermediate roads.....very impressed with the engine trans set up. I have been a jeep owner for years with no plans to change.

[Hootgibson]

Mine is set up with a 3.55 axle ratio.

[SteveH]

Hoot, might I ask where that picture was taken?

[Hootgibson]

The picture was taken just outside of capital reef national Park about three weeks ago.

[kltk1]

Originally Posted by Hootgibson

The picture was taken just outside of capital reef national Park about three weeks ago.

Sorry to revive an thread folks but I’m trying to gather some more information for my situation. I have a 2016 RAM 1500 4x4 QC, 3.55 with the Pentastar V6 and HootGibson story is very encouraging. We really like the FC 25FB but a little concerned that our vehicle wouldn’t be up to the task. Can anyone else with experience towing a 25’ or larger AS with a Pentastar share your experiences? RAM 1500 experiences would be especially helpful. Thank you.

For reference, I purchased my truck a few years ago and was able to secure a lifetime, unlimited mile warranty through FCA before they stopped the program. As such, I’d rather not have to buy a new tow vehicle unless towing with what I have would prove unsafe.