Help Deciding On 2016 RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi

[jonnie3]

Hello, Im looking for some help/advice. Thinking of purchasing a 2016 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi gas engine. I test drove one and thought the steering felt like it wanted to roam a bit side-to-side on the highway although the alignment was dead on. Seemed like I had to keep focused on steering more than I was used to. Maybe because just a different feel for me. (Note: I tried two vehicles and they both felt the same). Could this become more of a problem if towing in high winds? Im towing a 25FB with tongue weight, hitch and all, right at 1000 lbs (That drastically cuts into the payload of my current 1/2 ton). Any advice would be greatly appreciated as Im almost ready to make a commitment on this truck.

[Bruce B]

I'll jump in here. We just purchased a 2016 Ram 2500 and I know exactly what you are talking about. These trucks have a recirculating ball type steering box. If you have been used to a lighter trucks rack and pinon steering system (as I was, having owned a 2010 F-150 for the past 6 1/2 years) the Ram will seem strange at first.

I knew what it was and I also knew I'd adjust to it pretty quickly. We drove the truck just over 2000 miles in the next week, 1000 in one day while towing. Our towing began in Wilmington NC, went through some Blue Ridge highway, across Newfound Gap,included lots of narrow lane, high speed, road construction (with broken road surfaces) and we even experienced a bunch of wind, tail and cross wind...
After the first day,a day spent just putting some driving miles on the truck before towing, I never thought about the different feeling steering again!

Our truck feel as though it is on rails when towing our Airstream. We use a Hensley so I know that helps but the truck handles beautifully.

I've read a post somewhere here in Air Forums where someone did not like the same steering system in there GMC Heavy Duty truck and really missed the rack and pinon in their 1500 so obviously the difference is real but again, after a day, I forgot about it.

My guess is that you will adjust and never think about it again!

[crispyboy]

Also keep an eye on the front tire pressure. These are heavy trucks and not enough pressure will make the front end squirm. No less than 65 lbs for my truck in the winter and 70 lbs when towing. You could also be experiencing some new tire squirm. As Bruceb said recirc ball doesn't compare to rack and pinion.

[slowmover]

One of the reasons my diesel dodge is 2WD is IFS plus rack & pinion.

Agreed that tire squirm will lessen in a few thousand miles.

Tire pressures should remain inside the vehicle manufacturer guideline from low to high. The tire may have a greater range.

Also, the the TV seems slow to react to input (amount and duration) shouldn't automatically be cause for concern. Long wheelbase, and a long distance to the trailer wheels means the rig is slow, anyway.

Set the WD hitch on a CAT Scale, leave TT tires to sidewall max, and use the hitched/WD applied numbers to find the best "low" TV tire pressure setting (that won't rise 10% or more in an hour of driving).

The "ideal" setting is probably close to this.

Better shocks (KONI FSD), polyurethane antiroll bar bushings, and a rear Panhard Rod are the direction to go for better feel from the steering.

Tires on a 4WD one ton that is towing deserves to be from the Michelin LTX or Bridgestone Duravis model lines (same for 2WD even if the result isn't as dramatic).

[KJRitchie]

I have a 2015 Ram 2500 but with the Cummins. 20" Firestone TransForce tires. I haven't noticed any steering issues. I keep my front tires at about 70lbs. Of course the diesel is heavier so the springs must be different than the gas models. Check your tire pressures are even.

Kelvin

[Siegmann]

I noticed a big difference in road feel when I first got my RAM with the rear coil springs. They describe it as a "more compliant ride" compared to the leaf spring setup. Felt strange at first. Now I love it.

[tjdonahoe]

When I first drove my 07 dodge I noticed how quick it turned and how tight it turns, I now like it...

[mcomeaux]

Have you looked at the 1500 series Dodge with the Diesel Engine?
After buying my 2016 2500 which I'm happy with a friend of mine
got the 1500 with the diesel which is smaller engine but great mileage.
Tows his trailer fine as well. Not sure how it would do with my 27' Cloud?

[BoldAdventure]

I've noticed a difference in the 2500 vs the 1500 myself. But I suspect going from IFS to a real solid front axle is part of that. Reminds me a little bit of a Jeep.

The vehicles have different suspension dynamics so the feedback is going to be different from what you are used to. Like going from a Corvette to a Pick up truck. Once you get used to the feedback they're stable. But the feedback from the axle vs IFS is different.

We just upgraded to a 2015 2500 Ram Powerwagon Laramie; we also have the 6.4 Hemi as it's the only engine offered with the Powerwagon.

[jonnie3]

Thank you for Sharing your experience. That definitely makes me more comfortable about making my decision. How do you like the height of the truck with regards to your hitch work?

[jonnie3]

I was make sure tire pressures are exact. It is a much beef your truck that I'm used to driving, but you're probably right in that I was used to the rack and Pinion. Thanks for your reply.

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by jonnie3

Thank you for Sharing your experience. That definitely makes me more comfortable about making my decision. How do you like the height of the truck with regards to your hitch work?

I find my Ram 2500 too high but I'm getting used to it. I have an Equalizer hitch and decided to upgrade to the 2 1/2" shank since my 2" was too short. Had to get the longest one so I could drop the hitch head down closer to the height of the trailer coupler.

Kelvin

[jonnie3]

Wow Great technical advice. I always set my cold tire pressure to the label in the doorjamb pressures. how can I determine went to deviate from this?

[jonnie3]

I know those diesels are pretty heavy. The only reason I'm going with a hemi is so I don't lose 1000 pounds of payload capacity. Thank you for your input.

[jonnie3]

Cool, makes me more comfortable making a decision on this truck. Thank you

[jonnie3]

Yet yes, I noticed it has a pretty decent turning radius. Thank you

[jonnie3]

I have a half ton now, but unfortunately all half tons are limited by their payload capacity. I actually wish I didn't have to buy a new truck, but I'm already over my GVWR as well as my GAWR. Thank you

[KJRitchie]

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

Kelvin

[jonnie3]

I'm sure you're right. I absolutely love the 2500. Thank you

[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?