I have to upgrade my Ram 1500 for a new 2500. I have limited funds so I can either afford the Ram 6.4 Hemi STL with all the bells and whistle I want or the stripped down Tradesman with the cummins. I will use the truck for towing an 8000 lb trailer. I only use the truck for towing about 10% of the time and 90% of the time it is my daily driver. Yes I would love the diesel but if I get it I can't afford to add all the cool things I want like big 8.4 radio, rear window, remote start , aluminum wheels, Nav...So who has towed with the 6.4 and what are your experiences? What do you like about it? What is you MPG when towing? If it was you, would you get the fun extras with the gas engine or the stripped down diesel?

For 8000lbs Hemi wins hands down. 800lbs more payload as well. The CTD is overkill for towing 8000lb only 10% of the time.

I'd go new Gas or used Cummins.

New Diesel, 5 year 100k mile warranty and piece of mind knowing you can tow whatever trailer you will want i n the future. Tradesman is just fine. Its not a house, you are just driving it. I will say the 6.4 Hemi seems to be pleasing alot of people though. I guess it comes down to what you are really wanting to spend your hard earned money on. Both will do the job

Fuel costs while towing may be high in the 6.4L, but relatively even while empty. Make sure you get the lower rear end with the 6.4L.Two comparisons.....My cousin has a 5.7L 2500 towing 7k lbs TT and has never once complained. He has the 4:10 rear.My father has an F250 with the 6.2L (very comparable to the 6.4). He tows a fifth wheel that's probably close to 10k loaded. He drove cross country, PA to CA and said he only wished for more power at higher elevations. He did say a diesel would make the trip easier. If you're not towing all that much, go for the 6.4L. It's a really great engine, will have plenty of power, and you'll have a nicer truck.

goducks10 wrote:For 8000lbs Hemi wins hands down. 800lbs more payload as well. The CTD is overkill for towing 8000lb only 10% of the time.I agree. If you do go diesel, it would be best to get the 3500.Jerry

Hemi 6.4 or Cummins | Good Sam Community

46 Replies

old_guy
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015
if you get the 6.4 gas you will save $7K and you can buy a nicer upgrade in a bells and whistle truck than a tradesman model
MFL
Nomad II
Feb 12, 2015
goducks10 wrote:
For 8000lbs Hemi wins hands down. 800lbs more payload as well. The CTD is overkill for towing 8000lb only 10% of the time.

I agree. If you do go diesel, it would be best to get the 3500.

Jerry
Speedogomer
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015
Fuel costs while towing may be high in the 6.4L, but relatively even while empty. Make sure you get the lower rear end with the 6.4L.

Two comparisons.....

My cousin has a 5.7L 2500 towing 7k lbs TT and has never once complained. He has the 4:10 rear.

My father has an F250 with the 6.2L (very comparable to the 6.4). He tows a fifth wheel that's probably close to 10k loaded. He drove cross country, PA to CA and said he only wished for more power at higher elevations. He did say a diesel would make the trip easier.

If you're not towing all that much, go for the 6.4L. It's a really great engine, will have plenty of power, and you'll have a nicer truck.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015
New Diesel, 5 year 100k mile warranty and piece of mind knowing you can tow whatever trailer you will want i n the future. Tradesman is just fine. Its not a house, you are just driving it.

I will say the 6.4 Hemi seems to be pleasing alot of people though. I guess it comes down to what you are really wanting to spend your hard earned money on. Both will do the job
wcjeep
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015
I'd go new Gas or used Cummins.
goducks10
Explorer
Feb 12, 2015
For 8000lbs Hemi wins hands down. 800lbs more payload as well. The CTD is overkill for towing 8000lb only 10% of the time.

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Hemi 6.4 or Cummins

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