Ram 2500 with 6.4 Hemi for 5th wheel

Is the 6.4 even on the dealer lots yet. It appears you cannot get the 6.4 with a 4.10 gear ratio. I don't think 4.10 is as important with the gears on the 6 speed compared to the 5 speed in the past.

The neighbors I was referring to were at CG's. Last I knew an 03 7.3 is 21st century tech. As were 8.1 GMs, and 30 valve V10 Fords.

Horsepower is horsepower and torque is torque!Im sure the 6.4 hemi would tow 10,000lbs without a problem. I tow a 13,000lb 5er with a 6.4L powerstroke diesel because thats what I wanted as a tow vehicle. I've towed 9-11,000lb trailers with a gasser, I just dont feel comfortable hearing the engine scream a lot of the time, and using more fuel to pull said weight. On the other hand, a gasser's initial cost and maintenance is far cheaper! It all comes down to what works for the OP. Both engines have their perks and downfalls, I like my diesel because it just feels made for the job, but then again, thats why there are different models to choose from......different strokes!

bucky wrote:
What it has to do with the OP's original question is that you shouldn't be afraid of a gas engine.

My last 3 TV's were 454 gas, 7.3 diesel, and 454 gas and they all pull the same.

A gasser is cheaper by far to fix,

and you don't get the stink eye coming in after 6PM. Or from the neighbors at 6AM.

When was the last time somebody had a 14 page thread about being stranded somewhere in Kansas because nobody knew how to fix their gasser?

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Not be "afraid" = true!.:C

Last 3 TV's all pull the same = OK - but with "caveats" for how equipped, etc..:h

"A gasser is cheaper by far to fix" = depends on what repairs are required..:@
The reply to your post (Bubba & the shade tree) about 20 year old gassers (vs newer) being easy to fix is true - and *also* applies to diesels!.:S
(I replaced 3 injection pumps on the IH 6.9 diesel in my '85 FERD - no big deal).

"Stink eye" = you have lousy neighbors - or had a very noisy diesel.
Or maybe your neighbors have "other issues" with you?.:@

The "14 page thread" =
1. Back to a gasser is cheaper to fix.
Unfortunately, the non-shade tree "mechanics" (dealers included) now only know how to throw parts at what computer read-outs tell them, whether it's a gasser or a diesel.
Also, unfortunately - the parts they throw *frequently* don't solve the problem - resulting in more (usually unnecessary) parts.
Finding the "right" guy is really important - and the guy with the talent may be really hard to find.
Good luck on that..:(

2. Spend some time on gas -OR- diesel forums for a specific brand and you *will* find the 14 page threads.
(Why you need to check those forums to see what problems owners are having - *before* you buy what you think is best)..:W

~

BTW - for the "off-topic" poster in re: The real "Hemi" engines.
Yes Chrysler patented the descriptive *term* "Hemi" when they first introduced the hemispherical combustion chamber engines in their OHV engines in the early 1950s.

Besides use by other mfgrs (without the patented term), "hemi" engine design (and use) goes back as far as 1905 by a Belgian car mfgr, and racing applications by Peugeot and Alfa Romeo in 1912 & 1914 respectively..;)

For the OP - buy whatever rings your chimes - but do your "due diligence" (research) on any new driveline combo - no matter who offers it.
That is best done on the respective forums for each brand.
Watch for the lengthy threads - even if they're not 14 pages, LOL!

See what problems owners are encountering, how fixed, down time and/or returns for fixes that didn't solve the problem/s.

It's your time - and your money.
Spending research time -before- you buy is free..:B


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bucky wrote:
What it has to do with the OP's original question is that you shouldn't be afraid of a gas engine. My last 3 TV's were 454 gas, 7.3 diesel, and 454 gas and they all pull the same. A gasser is cheaper by far to fix, and you don't get the stink eye coming in after 6PM. Or from the neighbors at 6AM. When was the last time somebody had a 14 page thread about being stranded somewhere in Kansas because nobody knew how to fix their gasser?

Yep, if your truck is over 20 years old you can get it fixed about anywhere. When you get up to the modern computer controlled engines, gas or diesel, bubba and his shade tree are about useless....

Ok, back to the original post. Properly set up I see no reason a Hemi wouldn't work just fine in a 2500 class vehicle. Probably run at a higher rpm cruising than the diesel due to different torque curves but that's not all bad. It's designed to run at a higher RPM than a diesel.

99's aren't quite 15+ year old tech by a few months :), but I understand your point. However, I can pay cash for those trucks. For the 4 or 5K miles I drive my truck a year, I'd rather put the leftover in my retirement accounts. When we get done with the work a day world and want to go cruising, I will be forced to step up. Who knows what will be available in 5 years.

I have towed with a V10, 6 liter gas and the last 7 years a 6.6. the diesel does not struggle anywhere and gets 3-4 better MPG`s with a heaver weight, I bet the gas motor you want is just about perfect for flats and would do great, but down the road you might want to up grade the coach and them it wont be so much fun..

I have pulled my fifth wheel (9000 to 9500 lbs loaded) with both the Hemi and the 6.7 Cummins diesel.
The Hemi was adequate, but, the 6.7 diesel was made for this application.
The diesel is more expensive to operate, but well worth the difference due to ease of towing as well as handling the load better.
The determining factor would be the percentage of heavy towing versus normal driving the vehicle would be used for.
:)

bucky wrote:
What it has to do with the OP's original question is that you shouldn't be afraid of a gas engine. My last 3 TV's were 454 gas, 7.3 diesel, and 454 gas and they all pull the same. A gasser is cheaper by far to fix, and you don't get the stink eye coming in after 6PM. Or from the neighbors at 6AM. When was the last time somebody had a 14 page thread about being stranded somewhere in Kansas because nobody knew how to fix their gasser?

Your comparing a big block gasser which are no longer available to old 15+ year diesel technology. When you come to the 21st century you will find a lot has changed.

bucky wrote:
What it has to do with the OP's original question is that you shouldn't be afraid of a gas engine. My last 3 TV's were 454 gas, 7.3 diesel, and 454 gas and they all pull the same. A gasser is cheaper by far to fix, and you don't get the stink eye coming in after 6PM. Or from the neighbors at 6AM. When was the last time somebody had a 14 page thread about being stranded somewhere in Kansas because nobody knew how to fix their gasser?

Why would someone give you the stink eye coming in after 6 PM or before 6 AM?