RAM 2500 opinions

[imarobot]

I currently own a 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn and am thinking of replacing it with a 2500 crew cab, model year 2023-2025 with the 6.4L gas engine, not the diesel.
Right now, I would just like some inputs from people that have or have had one of these, and what they think of it – problems, likes, dislikes, that kind of thing. Would you buy another one?
I am not looking for comparison with other makes for right now, I just want feedback on this truck.
Thanks

 

[jyoutz]

I currently own a 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn and am thinking of replacing it with a 2500 crew cab, model year 2023-2025 with the 6.4L gas engine, not the diesel.
Right now, I would just like some inputs from people that have or have had one of these, and what they think of it – problems, likes, dislikes, that kind of thing. Would you buy another one?
I am not looking for comparison with other makes for right now, I just want feedback on this truck.
Thanks

I have this truck with the Cummins diesel. It’s the best truck I’ve ever owned.

 

[Botamon]

I also have an older 2500 with the Cummins diesel. But I have some very good friends with, if memory serves me correctly, a 2019 2500 with the 6.4 hemi. They love it - it has been trouble free at nearly 100,000 miles now.

 

[GeoHorn]

I have a ‘24 Ram 2500 Limited. It has the 6.7 Cummins. The ONLY thing I don’t like about this truck…. is i WISH it had the 6.4 Hemi.

I also have a ‘15 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. It has 185K+ miles on it. I PREFER to drive it for my Daily-Driver.

We only take the Cummins on long trips pulling the Airstream while camping.

I’ve had no problems with the Cummins. It’s just that engine is worrisome because of the emissions and that grid-heater. (I’ve disconnected the grid-heater at the powering-relay because even down to freezing temps that engine fires up immediately without any heat. When the truck is out of warranty… I’ll delete that item completely using a blank/empty intake plate.)

 

[jyoutz]

I have a ‘24 Ram 2500 Limited. It has the 6.7 Cummins. The ONLY thing I don’t like about this truck…. is i WISH it had the 6.4 Hemi.

I also have a ‘15 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. It has 185K+ miles on it. I PREFER to drive it for my Daily-Driver.

We only take the Cummins on long trips pulling the Airstream while camping.

I’ve had no problems with the Cummins. It’s just that engine is worrisome because of the emissions and that grid-heater. (I’ve disconnected the grid-heater at the powering-relay because even down to freezing temps that engine fires up immediately without any heat. When the truck is out of warranty… I’ll delete that item completely using a blank/empty intake plate.)

View attachment 176253 View attachment 176252

That Cummins grid heater is awesome when the temperatures get to the minus degrees F. I will take my Cumins over any gasser motor any day.

 

[imarobot]

I have previously had a Silverado 2500 Duramax when I had a 5th wheel toy hauler. Loved the diesel but had a lot of issues with the emissions crap. When I sold the trailer, I also sold the Silverado. After all the problems I had with it, and I really had no need for it, I decided to go with the Ram 1500.
My tractor doesn't have all the diesel emissions junk on it, and I don't want it on my truck either.
I appreciate all the inputs regarding the Cummins, but I'm not going that route.
I am now looking into getting a 14K dump trailer. I will be towing around 10K lbs max and even though my 1500 could pull it (rated for 12,700 lbs towing I think), I'm thinking a 2500 would be a better choice-more torque, beefier transmission.

 

[GeoHorn]

I have previously had a Silverado 2500 Duramax when I had a 5th wheel toy hauler. Loved the diesel but had a lot of issues with the emissions crap. When I sold the trailer, I also sold the Silverado. After all the problems I had with it, and I really had no need for it, I decided to go with the Ram 1500.
My tractor doesn't have all the diesel emissions junk on it, and I don't want it on my truck either.
I appreciate all the inputs regarding the Cummins, but I'm not going that route.
I am now looking into getting a 14K dump trailer. I will be towing around 10K lbs max and even though my 1500 could pull it (rated for 12,700 lbs towing I think), I'm thinking a 2500 would be a better choice-more torque, beefier transmission.

I have a 10K Dump trailer…and I can AGREE with your judgement on towing. My 1500 had real difficulty because the suspension simply cannot handle the proper tongue-weight of such a trailer. I even had air bags under the rear of that 1500…. but it was still in-adequate. ALSO…. towing is not the problem…. STOPPING is the Very Real Problem with a 1500.

The Ram 2500 is a Robust Towing-Machine for Certain! (and I agree that for pure pulling-power…the Cummins is a Magical Power! It can PULL!) The 2500 also has a robust suspension to handle such heavy loads.

 

[Botamon]

I have to agree with GeoHorn. The limitation of a 1500 is not the engine or tranny. It's that soft, cushy suspension that makes it so nice to drive down the road empty. Put a lot of weight on a trailer behind it and the tail begins to wag the dog. Been there, done that!

 

[BAP]

We have a 2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn with the 6.4L Hemi and 3.73 rears. We tow a 32’ fifth wheel camper and a 18’ equipment trailer with it. Bought it used in 2022 with 32,000 miles on it. It has been a great truck. Easily pulls the trailers. The only thing I wish at times is that it had the 4.10 rears when pulling hills on local roads at 30-35 mph so that it was easier to hold speed without it shifting back and forth. I put on airbags from Timber Grove Enterprises. The reason I did was not so much keeping truck level, but to widen out the suspension stance for better handling. The coil springs are inboard of the frame and these airbags mount outboard, replacing the bumper stops. Makes a lot of difference on the windy roads around here.

SHOP — Timber Grove Enterprises, LLC

All Air Suspension Products

timbergroveenterprises.com

 

[dirtydeed]

not apples to apples but my 6.4 has been reliable. I have one in the older gen Ram but it is a cab/chassis. They are detuned in cab/chassis and you can really feel it especially with the 6 spd trans despite having a 4:44 rear and it's really thirsty (7 mpg towing and maybe 10 empty). I wish that it had the 8 speed.

The 6.4 in a 3/4 ton with the 8 speed speed would be a nice combination and should tow well. If I were to replace my F-150, it'd be for an F250 with the 7.3 for sure.

 

[imarobot]

Speaking of gas mileage, and I hate to see the results, but what can be expected with and without towing?

 

[Bmyers]

I don't have a Ram, but I have Ford F250 6.7 powerstroke HO. I went from pulling with a Ford Expedition to this and what world of difference, you don't even notice the trailer behind you.

Since my towing isn't all that frequent, I wonder when I go to replace this truck (if I ever replace the truck) if I shouldn't go with a gasser just because of the maintenance cost of diesel engine.

Fuel economy, my digital display typically shows 20.2 miles per gallon when not towing. If I'm towing, it drops the mileage down to 10 to 11MPG. The one thing I really notice is when I tow it seems to want to drink the DEF like a drunk on last call at the bar.

Overall, I can say I have been very pleased with the 3/4 truck and I think you would be happy with one also as long as you have a use for it.

 

[Botamon]

Speaking of gas mileage, and I hate to see the results, but what can be expected with and without towing?

My friends get about 17 mpg empty. But that's here in Nevada where the speed limit is 80 mph. Towing (usually just a trailer with a vehicle on it, or a small horse trailer) I believe she told me about 10 mpg.

 

[lynnmor]

There is a Ram in my extended family, the owner is going nuts trying to find a tailgate to replace the failed fancy one that flips every which way. Seems Ram made a number of different part numbers and availability is a real issue.

 

[jyoutz]

There is a Ram in my extended family, the owner is going nuts trying to find a tailgate to replace the failed fancy one that flips every which way. Seems Ram made a number of different part numbers and availability is a real issue.

Should be a dealer parts item. Probably won’t find it in a junkyard.

 

[jyoutz]

My friends get about 17 mpg empty. But that's here in Nevada where the speed limit is 80 mph. Towing (usually just a trailer with a vehicle on it, or a small horse trailer) I believe she told me about 10 mpg.

And that is where the Cummins shines. The MPG drop off from towing is negligible for a diesel compared to a gasser V8.

 

[hedgerow]

I currently own a 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn and am thinking of replacing it with a 2500 crew cab, model year 2023-2025 with the 6.4L gas engine, not the diesel.
Right now, I would just like some inputs from people that have or have had one of these, and what they think of it – problems, likes, dislikes, that kind of thing. Would you buy another one?
I am not looking for comparison with other makes for right now, I just want feedback on this truck.
Thanks

I have a buddy that went from diesel pickups to Dodge 2500 and 3500 with the 6.4 gas engines, ten in total. They have had good luck with them. Most are hooked to gooseneck trailers all the time livestock or flat bed. They ranch and have a ag business also, seed, chemicals and ranch supplies. Him and his dad just lately bought two Ford 350 with the 7.3 gas for there personal trucks and are liking them as well. I have run the Ford 6.2 gassers in F-350's since 2011 and have had zero issues. I average about 12.5 towing and empty with mine.

 

[jyoutz]

I have a buddy that went from diesel pickups to Dodge 2500 and 3500 with the 6.4 gas engines, ten in total. They have had good luck with them. Most are hooked to gooseneck trailers all the time livestock or flat bed. They ranch and have a ag business also, seed, chemicals and ranch supplies. Him and his dad just lately bought two Ford 350 with the 7.3 gas for there personal trucks and are liking them as well. I have run the Ford 6.2 gassers in F-350's since 2011 and have had zero issues. I average about 12.5 towing and empty with mine.

I can tow my gooseneck trailer with steers or a fifth wheel trailer with my Dodge 2500 with Cummins and get 18 mpg consistently. About 20 mpg without towing. This is where diesel engines really show their value. Also for resale value.

 

[imarobot]

So, disregarding the diesels and other makes, what should I expect towing and not towing?

 

[BAP]

So, disregarding the diesels and other makes, what should I expect towing and not towing?

I live in the hills along the Connecticut River Valley of Western NH. We tow a lot in both NH and VT. On I-91, I-93, I-89 and many, many state roads around the states. We get 7-9mpg on average towing, more on flatter tows, and 15-17 running around town. It’s a 5 mile, uphill climb of 700 feet elevation from the valley floor to home, that burns gas. Yes, you will get better mileage if you live in a flat state, NH and VT are definitely not flat. You will also get better mileage if you are doing a lot of highway speed driving. We don’t do a lot of general highway driving empty because we take the wife’s Subaru for that. I like the 6.4 because a lot of my around town trips are only 6-10 mile trips and can be weeks before I go further with it. It has plenty of power for my use.