New RAM HD 1000 lb-ft

RoyJ wrote:

ksss wrote:
Because Ram had to continue to increase chassis strength several times doesn't mean GM needs to. Maybe GM built their chassis with increases in mind and Ram didn't, I don't know and neither do you. If you want to move the goal posts that is fine and discuss longevity that is fine as well. The point I am making is that from a performance standpoint, the GM HD's have proved year after year regardless of what the engine ratings are they are at least competitive if they don't win outright, which they usually do. You may not think those Ike runs have value and that is fine, but it is the only venue that compares these trucks in a uniform way. I know they don't take everything into account, but I am not sure how chassis durability could ever be incorporated into them. I would imagine if they did and Ram lost that segment we would be talking about some other unmeasured segment.

No one moved the goal post - I stated from the get-go there's more tow ratings than performance.

You're the one hanging onto the idea that since GM has the most powerful engine, that obviously implies better towing capacity.

I've grossed 160k hauling B-trains in the BC rockies. I guarantee that combo would absolutely get destroyed on the Ike run. Does that mean a Pete 379 has poor towing performance?

I expect the new Ram to come in DEAD LAST in the next Ike run. Why? Because the Powerstroke and Duramax has consistently dynoed more, plus GM is getting the 9-speed. But that's my point, it doesn't mean the Ram has worse "towing performance".

Using your analogy, a 379 compared to a T800 and Western Star or Mack of similar hp and torque running the Ike or some other similar test would provide an idea on towing performance. Comparing a 379 to a class three pickups would be silly. Comparing similiar class 8 trucks to EACH OTHER would provide SOME value. It perhaps would not give all the information a buyer would want but it would be much more information than looking at a spec sheet alone.


If you want to overly define the Ike run as not totally comprehensive in towing performance that is fine. However if the Ram does come in last (and I think it will likely be 1 or 2) that does mean that Ram doesnt possess the towing ability that the best scoring truck did. Same with the GM pickup, if it doesn't win it didnt perform as well, I can accept that. Except for the subjective portion of the scoring, it is simply numbers. Faster up to 8 min is better, fewer brake applications is better. Maybe speed up a hill isnt important to you, or the effectiveness of the engine braking coming back down (although I am sure it is if you run the Rockies) but those are all general indications of a vehicles towing performance, whether you personally agree or not. If you have thoughts on a better way of testing these trucks, I would be interested in hearing it, I seriously would.


On a side note, I owned a heavy spec 379 that I ran my Circle R side dump on, 20K front, 46K rears, 444 Cummins and an Eaton 18 speed. One of my favorite trucks. The 444 wasnt that popular around here, some said they were prone to overheating but I never had an issue with mine.