Need advice on Ram 1500 5.7 to Ram 2500 6.4
Hello everyone
The issue I am having is pulling my 8.5x18" enclosed trailer with tools, two bikes and other stuff. My trailer is always loaded to 6000# to 7000# and pulls ok with my 2014 Ram 1500 Limited 5.7 3.92 gears with no wind. I pulled this setup from OKC to Patrick AFB, FL in Febuary with the only issue being a slight headwind from FT Worth to Houston and a crosswind on I95 from Jacksonville, FL to Patrick AFB, FL. It wasn't white knuckle but noticable.
On my return trip once I got up into the north Georgia and Alabama area with the rolling hills and a 10 to 15 MPH headwind things started to get tense. The rolling hills with the headwind really put the hurt on my 1500. My eight speed transmission generaly stayed in 5th gear going up hill and 6th going down with speeds from 60-65MPH, a few times in shifted to 4th to maintain 60MPH. For comparison my truck will maintain 70 MPH in 7th on flat ground with no wind. Anyway my drive back sucked so bad I started looking at 2500's.
I do not pull that often and want the best daily driver tow vehicle I can get. My dealer has a 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 3.73 gears that appears to be what I need. This vehicle will be used to pull my 8.5x18 enclosed from OKC to San Antonio once every two months or so (family staying here as I complete my last assignment in San Antonio), a trip to Sturges this year and short 2-300 mile trips around Texas. While I would love to have a 6.7 CTD im not sure it would be the best thing for me. First I would have a hard time moving from a limited to a Big horn or tradesman and 6.7 CTD for a 18" foot trailer?
What I would love to know is other peoples experience moving from a 1500 5.7 to a 2500 6.4 in regards to power and stability? If the difference is huge or small between the two trucks with towing?
I want to be able to tow the speed limit in all wind conditions, feel stable and not have to steer away from big rigs when they pass me, actually I don't want to be passed by every big rig on the road.
Thank you in advance for the advice and help with this.
The issue I am having is pulling my 8.5x18" enclosed trailer with tools, two bikes and other stuff. My trailer is always loaded to 6000# to 7000# and pulls ok with my 2014 Ram 1500 Limited 5.7 3.92 gears with no wind. I pulled this setup from OKC to Patrick AFB, FL in Febuary with the only issue being a slight headwind from FT Worth to Houston and a crosswind on I95 from Jacksonville, FL to Patrick AFB, FL. It wasn't white knuckle but noticable.
On my return trip once I got up into the north Georgia and Alabama area with the rolling hills and a 10 to 15 MPH headwind things started to get tense. The rolling hills with the headwind really put the hurt on my 1500. My eight speed transmission generaly stayed in 5th gear going up hill and 6th going down with speeds from 60-65MPH, a few times in shifted to 4th to maintain 60MPH. For comparison my truck will maintain 70 MPH in 7th on flat ground with no wind. Anyway my drive back sucked so bad I started looking at 2500's.
I do not pull that often and want the best daily driver tow vehicle I can get. My dealer has a 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 3.73 gears that appears to be what I need. This vehicle will be used to pull my 8.5x18 enclosed from OKC to San Antonio once every two months or so (family staying here as I complete my last assignment in San Antonio), a trip to Sturges this year and short 2-300 mile trips around Texas. While I would love to have a 6.7 CTD im not sure it would be the best thing for me. First I would have a hard time moving from a limited to a Big horn or tradesman and 6.7 CTD for a 18" foot trailer?
What I would love to know is other peoples experience moving from a 1500 5.7 to a 2500 6.4 in regards to power and stability? If the difference is huge or small between the two trucks with towing?
I want to be able to tow the speed limit in all wind conditions, feel stable and not have to steer away from big rigs when they pass me, actually I don't want to be passed by every big rig on the road.
Thank you in advance for the advice and help with this.
