What does all this MEAN? TV help.
So, we bought a truck last year on a whim (Ram 1500), and then bought a rig. Didn't plan the 2 purchases out very well. Technically the 5er is within the specs of the truck....but we towed over I-70...
Forum Discussion
The reason diesels are mentioned so much is because gas engines lose so much power with altitude. As much as 30% at 10,000 feet. Turbo diesels are uneffected by altitude as high as the roads will go in the North America. The OP lives and tows in Colorado and it's all up and down and nothing like the gentle Smokies. We've towed heavy 12,000+ in both areas many times and there's a huge difference and the OP realizes it. HP max is at max RPM's and max torque (twisting the drive wheel to make it pull) is at about double with a gas engine over a diesel. Diesels max torque is at 1500 to about 1700 RPM's and max RPM's are around 3,000-3,200. An available gas engine even at sea level grades is anemic unless it's revving high compared to a diesel engine which lopes along at low RPM's and seldom even downshifts because it's already at max torque. Add in the engine braking that comes free with the diesel and it's a no brainer.
I'd skip the Ram 6.4 for many reasons and go for the Ford or a GM 6.6 D/A diesel. Resale value being one of the biggies because sooner of later the OP will want to purchase a new truck again and actually care what their present truck's resale value is. Dodge/Ram have the highest frequency of repair needed/required of the Big 3 and have had for over 30 years as reported in all the documented published records. So already you have lost in 2 ways with a Dodge/Ram and there's so much more that will cost you dearly during ownership.
Let the OP be the judge!
In Colorado, the 6.2 Ford F-250 with a 4.30 would do fine pulling their stated load however, it will rev as that's where thr torque and HP is on a gas engine and also will use more fuel when unloaded than a perhaps 3.73 due to always higher engine RPM's. Takes increased fuel to rev aan engine higher and then gear it down to multiply the available power output. Something the diesel doesn't have to do! The Ford is made in the USA and is American owned and made by Americans. Dodge/Rams and Chrysler Corp is owned by Fiat of Italy and all 2500/3500's are made in Mexico and made by Mexicans as are all Hemi engines also in them and then they are imported into the USA and Canada for selling.
I'd skip the Ram 6.4 for many reasons and go for the Ford or a GM 6.6 D/A diesel. Resale value being one of the biggies because sooner of later the OP will want to purchase a new truck again and actually care what their present truck's resale value is. Dodge/Ram have the highest frequency of repair needed/required of the Big 3 and have had for over 30 years as reported in all the documented published records. So already you have lost in 2 ways with a Dodge/Ram and there's so much more that will cost you dearly during ownership.
Let the OP be the judge!
In Colorado, the 6.2 Ford F-250 with a 4.30 would do fine pulling their stated load however, it will rev as that's where thr torque and HP is on a gas engine and also will use more fuel when unloaded than a perhaps 3.73 due to always higher engine RPM's. Takes increased fuel to rev aan engine higher and then gear it down to multiply the available power output. Something the diesel doesn't have to do! The Ford is made in the USA and is American owned and made by Americans. Dodge/Rams and Chrysler Corp is owned by Fiat of Italy and all 2500/3500's are made in Mexico and made by Mexicans as are all Hemi engines also in them and then they are imported into the USA and Canada for selling.
