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Old 11-06-2015, 09:11 PM   #1
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Thoughts on Ram 2500/3500 with 6.4 Hemi

I am looking at possibly upgrading from my F150 Supercrew Maxtow. I love my truck and for a half ton does pull well but its just really very close to its maximums with any cargo and passengers. If my trailer weight about 700lbs less, probably wouldn't even be considering a swap.

I have checked out all 3 flavors of the 3/4 and 1 tons, and have decided against a Diesel as its my daily driver and adds significant weight taking down payload (especially in a 3/4 ton) and the extra cost of both fuel and the truck from the start.

Of the 3, I am leaning towards the Ram mainly due to dimensions, Ram is the only one that will fit in my garage like my F150 145" does now. I have been researching the 6.4 Hemi that came out in 2014, would appreciate any real world experience and advice here, HP and torque curve look more favorable on paper than the 5.7. Any bad experiences with this engine? Any bad experiences with RAM in general in later models? I found 1 used truck that had the top end rebuilt under warranty at under 36000 miles due to a valve problem, cant say that instills a whole lot of confidence, but realize it may be a needle in a haystack as well.
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Old 11-07-2015, 07:53 AM   #2
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I hear nothing but good things about the new Hemi.
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Old 11-07-2015, 09:41 AM   #3
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Cant speak to long term observations, as my RAM 2500 6.4L is only 6 months old. But so far it has met every one of my expectations. Like you, my decision to stay with gas was driven somewhat by the fact that it is my daily driver. Ordered the vehicle new to get the configuration I wanted, then went RV shopping to match RV to the trucks capability. The 6.4 matched with the 4.10 rear end has perforned well, including thru some pretty hilly regions here in the southwest. Getting 8-9 mpg pulling and a bit over 15 mpg as a daily driver. Works for me :-)
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Old 11-08-2015, 10:23 AM   #4
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So far mine has exceeded all of my expectations. I have yet to pull our TT with it, but I have pulled/ hauled plenty of other heavy loads and it performed flawlessly. My mileage is all over the map but combined I get 13.6 mpg (30% highway 70% city per fuelly) and that's fair for a 3.5 ton rolling work bench. I have hand calculated a best trip of 18 mpg highway although it normally sits around 15-16. The 6.4 will scoot when you stab your foot into it and the power deliver is smooth unlike the 5.7 which abruptly wakes up once the rpms get up there.

Second Hemi now, thouroughly impressed. The only other piece of advice I can offer is to be prepared- these engines are loud outside of the cabin. Inside is fine but they are pretty talkative.

I have a '14 2500 6.4 Limited with the rear coils and 3.73
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Old 11-11-2015, 09:07 PM   #5
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I am happy with mine. Two long trips this first year to th Michigan UP and Colorado and it did well. Won't pull like a diesel but I didn't want a diesel.
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Old 11-11-2015, 09:30 PM   #6
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Bought mine last July when I upgraded the travel trailer. I bought off the lot but, got everything I wanted. I went with he 3.73 since I'm in south Texas and rarely deal with major hills. Truck has right at 20K on it now (higher than I though it would have at this point but, I love driving this thing!).

I've had ZERO issues or problems. Other than a nail going through the passenger rear tire (which was covered replaced by the dealer for free because I had about 200 miles on it), every expectation I had has not only been met, but exceeded!

I've towed right at 8K total, both short trips and recently returned from an 1,800 mile trip. Travel trailer comes in right around 7,100 pounds when loaded to camp and the truck pulls/tows extremely well. I set the cruise at 62/63 and enjoy the ride. Average mileage has been between 9 and 12 when towing depending on wind more than anything. Without the trailer I average 15/16.

Plenty of power, actually more than enough. Getting up to speed even when pulling the trailer is not a task. Pulled through the hills in Alabama last month and she did great. Downshifted but never felt like it was overworking, only optimizing the pull/tow. We had 5 adults in the truck too, loaded to camp for 6 nights and still averaged right at 10mpg for the trip.

Ride is firm, but not too firm. Lots of power, decent mileage for a 3/4 ton. Interior is plush to say the least... excellent in my opinion and meets or exceeds all my needs. Towing and hauling (I've had a full pallet of grass in the bed, pulled 8,000 pound flat trailer plus the camper) is outstanding and handling is very good for a 3/4 ton truck. Coils are nice in the rear and I get little if any sag when loaded (unlike my 1500 which would squat very bad).

Truck is listed in my signature below (as well as the trailer). I've been very happy with the truck and would buy the exact truck again if doing it all over again.
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Old 11-12-2015, 08:05 AM   #7
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I've heard nothing but great things about this truck/engine combo as well. We only tow 4 to 5 times a year and was considering making the switch back to gas from diesel. Went down to the local Dodge dealership and the only 3/4 tons they had were with the Power Wagon setup. These gas trucks, both with the 6.4 hemi were priced at $56 and $57k. Whew! Beautiful trucks but I'll be sticking with my paid for F-250 for a while.
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Old 11-12-2015, 06:14 PM   #8
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I have a 2015 Ram 3500 with the 6.4 Hemi with 3.73 rear and 4X4. Just towed home my new Eagle 338rets today from Pennsylvania to Long Island NY. Dry weight is 9200 lbs and using a Blue Ox hitch. Plenty of power, didn't care about fuel mileage. Excellent truck.
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Old 11-13-2015, 08:16 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE View Post
I've heard nothing but great things about this truck/engine combo as well. We only tow 4 to 5 times a year and was considering making the switch back to gas from diesel. Went down to the local Dodge dealership and the only 3/4 tons they had were with the Power Wagon setup. These gas trucks, both with the 6.4 hemi were priced at $56 and $57k. Whew! Beautiful trucks but I'll be sticking with my paid for F-250 for a while.
Gotta watch the power wagons too. The higher trimmed ones are showing payloads of around 1000lbs. Less than a lot of half tons.

Same frame, axles, etc as a 2500 but with really compliant suspension.
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Old 11-13-2015, 09:34 AM   #10
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I've had my 2015 2500 with 6.4 Hemi w/3.73 since late April and have put about 8K miles on it. Bought it new from dealer stock, but I would've built it the exact same way, even the color. I LOVE this truck! I got the Tradesman package with almost all the options offered in that package, and it's better equipped than my GMC SLE was, so I'm happy there, and it's 4x4, so that's great.

Since the Tradesman is "stripped down", it has over 3K payload, so I'm happy there. Fuel mileage is okay, I'm getting about what everyone else here is getting; 9-12 towing and 15-16 mixed, but then I didn't buy it necessarily for fuel economy. It's nice to get up to around 18 or better cruising down the hwy. Power is plentiful and I've never had a problem towing my trailer, or any other problems.

Interior space is incredible, and I don't even have the Mega Cab. It's nice to be able to put two normal sized adults in the back seat with my son's car seat in the middle and have room to be comfortable. We sometimes have to get back there in transit and feed him or whatever, and it's nice not to be cramped while tending to his needs. The ONLY thing I kind of wish my truck had was a 60/40 split rear bench. The underseat storage is nice back there, but I can't get to it (except to reach in under the seat) if my son is strapped in. Even that is a VERY minor gripe and hasn't caused any real actual problems so far.

Trailer is '14 28BHBE and comes in probably around 8K-8500 at the most fully loaded ready for a longish trip. So I'm way under my maximum capacities, and that gives me all kinds of warm and fuzzies.

As others have said, if I had to do it over again, I would get the exact same truck. I will also echo that you have to watch the Power Wagons. Those are neat trucks, but not great for pulling and hauling.
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Old 11-15-2015, 03:01 PM   #11
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I ordered a 2016 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4/4 with the 6.4, 4.10 gears, Laramie, ram box, bed lights, bed cam, air ride suspension. Ordered it in sept. Delivery date is sometime this week. I am crazy excited and nervous to get it. Always been a cummins guy. Hoping it arrives this week. Will let you know my experiences.
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Old 11-27-2015, 09:14 PM   #12
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Thanks all, your information was helpful. Just picked up a '15 2500 Laramie with the 6.4 this week. Loved my previous truck (F150 Ecoboost SCREW), but I think this one is gonna be much better and safer towing long distances and in mountains. My only complaint is the thing is HIGH! I am 5'4" and it feels like climbing into a tractor, Running boards are gonna be a definite must.

Cant want to try it out towing next spring!
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Old 11-27-2015, 10:48 PM   #13
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Wow, don't forget to post some pics when you do get it guys.
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Old 11-27-2015, 10:55 PM   #14
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My neighbor has a 6.4 hemi and really likes it. He claims the power and mileage is a lot better than his old Chevy 6.0.
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Old 11-27-2015, 11:26 PM   #15
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Yeah I have being heard great things about the 6.4L myself and I'm trying to trade my 2014 2500 5.7 hemi in for a 2016 2500 6.4L, will see how it goes.
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Old 11-28-2015, 09:27 AM   #16
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Pictures as requested



Jayco RV Owners Forum - jsallman1's Album: Photos
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Old 11-28-2015, 09:53 AM   #17
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Nice!
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Old 11-28-2015, 03:51 PM   #18
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I can't speak for the 6.4L, and I thought I saw a request for any issues with the older Hemi's. Anyway, I have a 2004 with the 5.7 Hemi. Manual 5 spd transmission. My gas mileage is what I consider fair for a 2500, and I do get better mileage than the guys with the automatic transmissions. Payload and power have never been an issue.
I have 225,000 miles and do the usual 30k service recommendations myself. When it came time for the 100k 'tune up' and the 120k drive train servicing, I took it to a dealership (first time the spark plugs and wires had ever been changed and that's per the manual). I did the same when I crossed 215K.
If I had anything bad to say about the RAMs, that would be that every time I end up having to take it in to a shop, its going to cost $1000 minimum.

My wife and I have been considering purchasing a newer model with a 6.4L. We recently looked at a Power Wagon; It would suit our needs very well as it is a purpose made truck for off roading. With a factory lift, electronic lockers in the differentials, electronic sway/torsion disconnect for added axle travel, and the factory included winch, they are quite the truck. Yet, we wonder if we should spend that kind of money because we may not use the truck to the fullness of its capability.
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Old 11-28-2015, 07:30 PM   #19
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Awesome, that is very nice and thank you for the pics I would love to have the Laramie but I will be happy with the Big Horn. So what gears did you get, the 3.73 or the 4.10 either will work for me anyway and what size wheel did you get, the 18' or the 20'?
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Old 11-28-2015, 07:48 PM   #20
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I can't speak for the 6.4L, and I thought I saw a request for any issues with the older Hemi's. Anyway, I have a 2004 with the 5.7 Hemi. Manual 5 spd transmission. My gas mileage is what I consider fair for a 2500, and I do get better mileage than the guys with the automatic transmissions. Payload and power have never been an issue.
I have 225,000 miles and do the usual 30k service recommendations myself. When it came time for the 100k 'tune up' and the 120k drive train servicing, I took it to a dealership (first time the spark plugs and wires had ever been changed and that's per the manual). I did the same when I crossed 215K.
If I had anything bad to say about the RAMs, that would be that every time I end up having to take it in to a shop, its going to cost $1000 minimum.

My wife and I have been considering purchasing a newer model with a 6.4L. We recently looked at a Power Wagon; It would suit our needs very well as it is a purpose made truck for off roading. With a factory lift, electronic lockers in the differentials, electronic sway/torsion disconnect for added axle travel, and the factory included winch, they are quite the truck. Yet, we wonder if we should spend that kind of money because we may not use the truck to the fullness of its capability.
You have to watch the trim level in the Power Wagons- the usable payload on some of the higher trimmed models make them all but worthless as a tow vehicle (on paper- real life says they are just fine)

I have seen a couple power wagons in the Laramie trim with barely more than 1000lbs payload.
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