Any opinions on 2015 RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi 4X4 and 12.5K loaded 5er?

[Inthewind]

I've been reading a lot of the posts here about TV selection. I'm curious as to any opinions (and I know there are a lot of them out there! ) or major issues on pulling with a RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi 3:73? Its a mega cab, 4X4 with the OEM tow package, a B&W companion and a Reese Airborne Elite Sidewinder.

Manufacturers max tow is 12,250, max payload is 2900.

Our in-bound 5er is as follows:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight, 10325
Dry Hitch Weight, 1995
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, 12750

So, bottom line, are we setting ourselves up for failure with this pairing? I've been considering trading to the same truck but with the 6.7 Cummins, but that only brings my max tow to 14,550. Next up in choice is a 3500 SW, which ups us to 16,800. So, is it worth it? Are my concerns valid or unwarranted? Trying to be safe but also don't want to dump more $$ if we don't have to.

Any comments/suggestions are appreciated!

[mtdawg]

I'm not a mechanic, but I think the weight issue would be less of a concern than the engine and transmission durability. Additionally, I'm guessing fuel efficiency would be less than ideal.

Jim

[klassic]

I can only add that a diesel is meant for hauling. Once you've pulled that much weight with a diesel, you won't need to ask that question again.

[Inthewind]

Originally Posted by mtdawg

I'm not a mechanic, but I think the weight issue would be less of a concern than the engine and transmission durability. Additionally, I'm guessing fuel efficiency would be less than ideal.

Jim

Fuel efficiency is part of the cost of doing business afaik, so not really our concern. We're mostly concerned if we're pushing the limits using the TV for the weight of the 5er.

[klassic]

Are you sure you have the right numbers? What year are you talking about.
I don't see why there is such a big difference between the 2500 and 3500 diesel max towing weights.
They should be the same ... It's the same drivetrain.
Unless your looking at 2 different rear ends.
14500 seems rather low.

Edit... Sorry I see its 2015.
I don't know where you got your numbers from ?
2015 crew cab 6.7 Cummins 2500/3500 max towing 17150 lbs

[RedHorse1]

The CAT Scale will show you what the axle weights are. The difference between the drive axle weight and Rear GAWR will be a rough estimate of the Max pin weight you can add before maxing your rear axle. Divide the max pin weight by 0.25 and you get an estimate of the Max trailer weight your TV should pull.
Our 5th weighs 12700# and we have 3020# on the pin. We are under our max limits with our 350. The 6.4 hemi is a gasser, right? The diesel while having more torque will also be heavier than a gasser and prolly have a smaller payload as a result. Same story with 4x4 vs 2x4.
The CAT Scale is your friend.

[tularockstar]

Please be forewarned that my response will be somewhat biased, but we too, have compared the RAM 2500 gas engine to diesel. And, hands down, the diesel won us over. Mileage wise, we're getting about 12mpg when towing our 29.5 BHDS. Compared to gas engine, one would hope to get 9 or 10mpg. Plus, with our Cummins diesel, we get 800 lbs of torque and love passing up other rigs going up the hill--while maintaining about 1,800 RPM! We love our RAM 2500 diesel and will never go back to a gas engine!

Originally Posted by Inthewind

I've been reading a lot of the posts here about TV selection. I'm curious as to any opinions (and I know there are a lot of them out there! ) or major issues on pulling with a RAM 2500 6.4 Hemi 3:73? Its a mega cab, 4X4 with the OEM tow package, a B&W companion and a Reese Airborne Elite Sidewinder.

Manufacturers max tow is 12,250, max payload is 2900.

Our in-bound 5er is as follows:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight, 10325
Dry Hitch Weight, 1995
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, 12750

So, bottom line, are we setting ourselves up for failure with this pairing? I've been considering trading to the same truck but with the 6.7 Cummins, but that only brings my max tow to 14,550. Next up in choice is a 3500 SW, which ups us to 16,800. So, is it worth it? Are my concerns valid or unwarranted? Trying to be safe but also don't want to dump more $$ if we don't have to.

Any comments/suggestions are appreciated!

[3'senough]

I don't think there will be much question in your mind after one pull with the gas version. It is just a better overall experience with a rig in your size range.

2500 vs 3500. Go with the 3500 SRW as the spring pack will be larger.

2015 SRW 3500 4x4 CC LB 6.7 with Aisin and 3.73 specs are 4330 pay, 16,860 max tow
2015 SRW 2500 4x4 CC LB 6.7 with 68RFE and 3.42 specs are 2110 pay, 17,020 max tow

You need to pay more attention to the payload vs max tow as the pin will make the truck sag and put you well over your payload. The Diesel will subtract payload due to total vehicle weight.

2500 has the airbag options with coils to, but not sure if that is all models or an option.
3500 is leaf springs.

[2son5er]

Hmm, you dont have a lot of Margin with that configuration. I have a 2015 RAM 2500 crew cab, 6.4l gasser, 2wd. But specifically ordered it with the 4.10 rear end which adds a bunch more to the tow specs (15,400 max) and cargo specs ( 3300lbs max)

Oh, I tow a 2011 Eagle Super light, which has similar figures to your trailer specs and have NO complaints at all. Yep, the diesels pass me on the really big hills, but being retired my clocks only have little hands. No longer rushing to get anywhere :-).

[goducks]

1st ask yourself how much stuff you'll put inside the 5er. If you only load 1200-1500lbs like most do then you'll be under the tow rating.
Here's the catch. If you jump to the CTD then you loose 800+lbs of payload. Most 2500 CTDs are around 2100lbs for CCC. You now have enough CCC with the Hemi.
So its up to you if you want to be close on the tow rating and under on CCC, or well under the tow rating but over on CCC.
If it were me I'd keep what you have. If you have deep pockets then trade/sell and get a 3500 CTD. If you tow mostly on the flats then I'd stick with the Hemi and 4.10s. MTNs need the CTD with that heavy of a 5er. Just really depends to on how much you camp. 5-6 times a year isn't worth loosing a bunch of money on trading in IMO.

[Inthewind]

First, thanks to everyone for the input. I'm really enjoying this community and all of the knowledge being shared, so thanks again.

So, the question has become moot after the weekend and some shopping around. In the end we traded in and went with a 2016 3500 Lonestar CC 4X4, 6.7 Cummins with the AISIN trans, OEM Tow package and short box. We got a fantastic deal on the trade, in fact coming in $2k over what we expected and then got some fantastic rebates etc. Does anyone know about a little thing Dodge does if you have a current lease? They rebate you an additional $1000! We have a Toyota lease on a Corolla and the finance guy surprised me when he asked me if we had any leases and then told me about the extra $$! All in all it was well worth it for the piece of mind and now we not only aren't close to the edge, we have room to grow should we ever want to!

Ultimately we are planning on becoming FTers within the next 2 years with our home base being southwest corner of Colorado near Telluride. So those facts and with all of the mountain hauling we will be doing were all factored in to the investment.

As soon as the 5er gets here I'll take some pics of our setup.

Again, I can't say thanks enough for the responses.

[klassic]

I really think you made the right choice!
Especially if you plan on full timing

[tuckerdog1]

Going to the 6.7 3500 was the correct thing to do. No walking the fence on payload issues now.

[3'senough]

You're going to love that truck! Congrats!

[Big1]

With the 2015/16 with the 4.10 gears you will get 3100 lbs payload and 15,500 of towing, now will the diesel row the easier yes and the new 6.4L will row it to and at the end of the day you will get there. You will get better mileage with the diesel.

People have been get great mileage in the 6.4L, so I'd you are towing often, about three + time a year the 6.4L will do or if you row a lot the diesel will be the best ideal.

[Big1]

Never mind I see you made a discussion, were pics.

[Inthewind]

Heres a few pics of the new BEAST!

Hope the attachments work.

[Big1]

Wow, man that is sweet, and I love it, congrats and I bet it a joy to drive, true my wonder, that is the blessing of the Lord.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by 3'senough

I don't think there will be much question in your mind after one pull with the gas version. It is just a better overall experience with a rig in your size range.

2500 vs 3500. Go with the 3500 SRW as the spring pack will be larger.

2015 SRW 3500 4x4 CC LB 6.7 with Aisin and 3.73 specs are 4330 pay, 16,860 max tow
2015 SRW 2500 4x4 CC LB 6.7 with 68RFE and 3.42 specs are 2110 pay, 17,020 max tow

You need to pay more attention to the payload vs max tow as the pin will make the truck sag and put you well over your payload. The Diesel will subtract payload due to total vehicle weight.

2500 has the airbag options with coils to, but not sure if that is all models or an option.
3500 is leaf springs.

Per the chart I have from Trailer Life, Both have the 3.42 rear end.

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by norty1

Per the chart I have from Trailer Life, Both have the 3.42 rear end.

Correct, I was looking at the gas versions as a comparison to the OP's 2500 and put in the wrong config. 3.42 is the only SRW config in a Cummins 2500 or 3500. DRW or gas versions give you more rear options.

Sorry for the typo.