Help Deciding On 2016 RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi

[jonnie3]

That's very good payload for a half ton. Unfortunately, tongue weight on my trailer is 1000 pounds, add in a camper shell at 200 pounds and five adults at another 800 pounds, and that's where you run out of payload. No room to even put a six pack of soda in the back.

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

My 2015 Ram Crew Cab, 4x4, Cummins, Big Horn Package has a door labeled 2089lbs capacity.

Kelvin

Yep the diesel engine takes away a lot of payload.

Maybe your should look at a 3500 series truck. I think the gas version 2500 is only about 400lbs better than the Cummins.

Kelvin

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . I too looked at the 1500 Ecodiesel, & may do that next year. I think however the problem may be finding a dealer with a mechanic who is capable on that Italian diesel. . . my experiences (a few years ago) with Dodge dealers were terrible ! Regards, Craig

[BoldAdventure]

Kelvin might be on to something with a 3500. Even with two adults + two kids a 27ft Airstream and camping gear we were never over the GVWR or GAWR on our 1500. Are you using a WD hitch?

Granted we didn't use a Cap.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by jonnie3

Yeah I heard something about a 2 1/2 inch shank was needed. Are you able to lower your tailgate when you're hitched?

There is a 2 inch to 2.5 inch adapter included with the new truck. I found that my 2 inch Equalizer shank has a lot of play in the adapter. I'm ordering a 2.5 inch shank from Equalizer today.

Also...I rotated my AS's power jack so that the controls face the side. It allows me to put the tailgate down when hooked it.

[Lance M]

Before buying a RAM 1500, I test drove a few RAM 2500s as well as the competitor's 3/4T offerings. I did not like the spongy steering feel of the 3/4T trucks. That is just how they are.

[interstateflyer]

I test drove four 2500s last fall before ordering my 2500 6.7 diesel. I noticed a steering input difference from my 1500 hemi. I'm pretty sure that some dealers tend to air the truck tires up "soft" for a more comfortable test drive.

I received an email from my truck the day after I brought it home. It told me that my air pressures were out of spec. The fronts were at 60 and rears at 70. I run them at 70 and 78 when towing. Steering is improved at 70psi in the front.

[jonnie3]

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Kelvin might be on to something with a 3500. Even with two adults + two kids a 27ft Airstream and camping gear we were never over the GVWR or GAWR on our 1500. Are you using a WD hitch?

Granted we didn't use a Cap.

Yes Im using an Equalizer WD hitch. My current Tundra has a payload of 1335 lbs (Crew Max, 4X4, Snugtop). Took it to the scales loaded with my typical cargo, with my wife and myself in the seats. I was 500 lbs over my GVWR and 130 lbs over my rear axle GAWR. Sounds dangerous to me. I love my Tundra but I love my family more. Thanks

[Kilroy]

Thanks for thread. Im in market for truck now. Been looking for comparison of hemi and diesel.

[Bill M.]

Pulled a lot of miles with a Dodge 2500 diesel and carried a bit of stuff in the bed. I have never felt heavily loaded. If you go over payload on one it might sag another 1/4 inch. Our 25' adds 800b to the truck weight when hitched with the WD bars tight. It might take the bumper down 1 inch without the bars. If you are carrying a motorcycle or something there might be an issue. It is the mega cab with a short bed and a low cover. 2 of us and a 30 lb dog.

[MIFC]

Originally Posted by jonnie3

Yes Im using an Equalizer WD hitch. My current Tundra has a payload of 1335 lbs (Crew Max, 4X4, Snugtop). Took it to the scales loaded with my typical cargo, with my wife and myself in the seats. I was 500 lbs over my GVWR and 130 lbs over my rear axle GAWR. Sounds dangerous to me. I love my Tundra but I love my family more. Thanks

Jonnie, I have a Tundra as well that I haven't had a chance to weigh in full trim yet with our 25' FC. Which trailer do you have?

My first run this spring will be to the local CAT scale.

I'm still mulling the eventual replacement and change my mind every day as to the front runner, and of course, gas vs diesel.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Kilroy

Thanks for thread. Im in market for truck now. Been looking for comparison of hemi and diesel.

I visited a Dodge/Jeep dealership last week in Austin; while waiting for daughter's jeep to be delivered, I got to talking with the "truck expert" who said he has been selling Dodge for 19 years...I asked about the 1500 echo-diesel...he said it is a great little engine, but would not get it if pulling a 25+ foot Airstream or planning any loads approaching 6-7K total, as it would likely be at limits of that engine/truck combination. He likes the new Nissan 1/2 ton (5/8's ton?) with the Cummings...said same guy who did the Echodiesel for Dodge is now at Nissan and that he was hired to get the best diesel in a half ton so they could go after that market...his opinion...
Will be interesting to see how these all look in a year or two with you'all feedback!

[Plan-B]

Jonnie3,

I took delivery of a 2016 Ram 2500 4WD Crew Rear Air with a Cummins last Friday. Already racked up 750 miles. I took a 365 mile interstate trip today. I do not experience what you are describing. If you have not owned a 3/4 ton before, don't try to compare with any 1/2 ton. They are not the same animal in any respect. Maybe if I had not owned three 3/4 tons before I might be saying or experiencing your sensitivity to what you are feeling.

I can say this, my Ram 2500 hands down is the best driving 3/4 ton I have ever owned by a long shot. This is my first Ram 2500 too.

[Andrew T]

Hi Jonnie

Compared to your Tundra the front suspension of the 2500 Dodge has a rather primitive straight axle with massive un-sprung weight and an old fashioned steering box. This is why it has very little steering feel and tends to wander. You will likely get used to the wander but it will always be trickier to handle in a quick maneuver.

If you are looking for safety your Tundra is better than the 2500 in almost every respect. In an evasive maneuver it is capable of staying upright in much more drastic maneuvers, stopping distance is shorter as well. I really would not worry at all about being 130 pounds over the rear axle capacity as that will never cause a problem. You can apply just a little more pressure to the torsion bars and easily bring it within spec. As well you are well under your tire capacities.

If you look at other trucks on the road you will see many work trucks that are sitting low, these trucks are all well over the axle capacity, often by several hundred pounds yet do you see trucks all around with broken axles or suspension parts? Obviously there is plenty of overbuild.

If you feel you absolutely need to have more capacity the F150 with the HD payload package will give you independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and a lower centre of gravity than you have now.

Just some things to consider.

Andrew T

[BoldAdventure]

You can always add an aftermarket steering stabilizer to the front axle.

[tjdonahoe]

How do you compare a 2500 ram with 6.7 cummins with a tundra with a 5.7? Well the tundra isn't even in the same ball park, about like comparing the 5.7 chevy with a duramax.......

[Bruce B]

I have a lot of respect for Andy but I believe his assessment of the Rams steering is a little extreme. After an adjustment period, I find the steering of my 2500 to be very nice. Not as quick, no question...but it has lots of steering feel and it is easy to drive...
I'd also argue that safety is not always about a zig or a zag... I found that driving the Ram 2500 home (1000 towing miles in a long day) I was more relaxed and thus more attentive. That is arguably a safer state of being to drive in.
My 2500 feels just more comfortable and relaxing to drive than my F-150 ever did under the same conditions.
I'm not out here to drive aggressively...

No disrespect to Andy, he has mastered the art of tow vehicle/trailer set up for enhanced handling but I believe that there are other factors that bear consideration...
Bruce

[jonnie3]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Yep the diesel engine takes away a lot of payload.

Maybe your should look at a 3500 series truck. I think the gas version 2500 is only about 400lbs better than the Cummins.

Kelvin

Comparing the same 2500 build (SLT Mega cab) the Cummins option reduces payload by 900 lbs compared to the 6.4 Hemi. Diesel does increase the towing capacity by about 3000 lbs. I need payload if I bring my wife and my sons family. 6 seats needed. Thank you.

[jonnie3]

Originally Posted by MIFC

Jonnie, I have a Tundra as well that I haven't had a chance to weigh in full trim yet with our 25' FC. Which trailer do you have?

My first run this spring will be to the local CAT scale.

I'm still mulling the eventual replacement and change my mind every day as to the front runner, and of course, gas vs diesel.

I have a 2015 25FB FC. Im short changed on my Tundras payload for several factors; 200 lb shell, 50 lb rubber bed mat, Crew Max, and 4X4. I wish I had paid more attention to the payload cap and GAWR. Everyone is much more concerned with towing capacity, but thats only a small part Ive found. Maybe if I were doing an occasional short trip camping every once in a while it wouldn't concern me much. But Im retired and like to get out all over the country on a pretty regular basis. And Diesels are too heavy for my payload needs. The RAM 2400 Cummins takes away about 900 lbs of payload over the 6.4 Hemi. And costs over $7000 more. Im not interested. Hell Im only towing a 7000 lb trailer. What more do I need in terms of an engine.

[jonnie3]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Jonnie

Compared to your Tundra the front suspension of the 2500 Dodge has a rather primitive straight axle with massive un-sprung weight and an old fashioned steering box. This is why it has very little steering feel and tends to wander. You will likely get used to the wander but it will always be trickier to handle in a quick maneuver.

If you are looking for safety your Tundra is better than the 2500 in almost every respect. In an evasive maneuver it is capable of staying upright in much more drastic maneuvers, stopping distance is shorter as well. I really would not worry at all about being 130 pounds over the rear axle capacity as that will never cause a problem. You can apply just a little more pressure to the torsion bars and easily bring it within spec. As well you are well under your tire capacities.

If you look at other trucks on the road you will see many work trucks that are sitting low, these trucks are all well over the axle capacity, often by several hundred pounds yet do you see trucks all around with broken axles or suspension parts? Obviously there is plenty of overbuild.

If you feel you absolutely need to have more capacity the F150 with the HD payload package will give you independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and a lower centre of gravity than you have now.

Just some things to consider.

Andrew T

I will be camping with my wife, son, daughter in law, and two grand kids. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that much weight in my Tundra. Im already 500 lbs over GVWR and that would go up another 500+ lbs with my sons family and all their stuff. Im definitely going 3/4 ton. But I do appreciate your comments. Thanks