Ram 1500 Diesel Towing Capacity?

brulaz wrote:


I dunno. Would bet the fairly low HP of the EcoD is the culprit.

But I agree with Don, who cares? It's only a minute or so, and if mileage is important to you and you are within it's GVWR and GCWR, the RAM EcoD is a great choice.

I didn't mention the time. Personally, I looked at the horrible slow down (speed) the truck encountered and watched how miserable the two testers were driving it!!!

So many on this very site complain and comment about power and "more truck", well this is definitely not "more truck". There are V6 gassers that blow this truck away up the same grade. This motor puts MPG ahead of all else, and if passing and up hill power is not priority to the driver...well then this is a viable option.

Also take note, the throttle was floored the whole time and RPM's generally high for a diesel. Two key points that people don't seem to care for while towing, as they perceive and assume this as straining the motor. You don't want to floor it or allow high RPM, and this will make matters even worse while towing.

It all comes down to what the driver is willing to tolerate and what their top priorities are while towing. If power isn't on top but MPG is, this is the right truck and motor combo.

My dad is still using a '99 Powerstroke and is very happy with it. I think it makes about 500 lb-ft, and it's lighter than the newer trucks, so I think it would hold up well against an eco diesel. It's pretty crude by today's standards but I bet it's the last truck he'll ever own - barely has 100k miles on the clock. He pulls a little Nash fifth wheel with it. The biggest disadvantage it has is a 4 speed tranny.

transamz9 wrote:
Back in the mid to late 90's we all thought the 3/4 and 1 tons were the towing beasts. I think FLT needs to put the ED up against a mid 90's diesel 3/4 - 1ton trucks and see how the speeds compare.

That would be an interesting test.

Back in the mid to late 90's we all thought the 3/4 and 1 tons were the towing beasts. I think FLT needs to put the ED up against a mid 90's diesel 3/4 - 1ton trucks and see how the speeds compare.

jerem0621 wrote:
Thanks Don for the reply.

Seems FCA designs the software to keep the motor motors from over- revving or something like that. Which is great... but that translates into slower speeds up the hills.

I believe that this was documented by TFL in the 6.4... Seems the ED did the same thing.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

I dunno. Would bet the fairly low HP of the EcoD is the culprit.

But I agree with Don, who cares? It's only a minute or so, and if mileage is important to you and you are within it's GVWR and GCWR, the RAM EcoD is a great choice.

Question: does the EcoD activate an exhaust brake going downhill in tow/haul mode?

Thanks Don for the reply.

Seems FCA designs the software to keep the motor motors from over- revving or something like that. Which is great... but that translates into slower speeds up the hills.

I believe that this was documented by TFL in the 6.4... Seems the ED did the same thing.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

RinconVTR wrote:
No one has posted this TFL link yet? Its worth watching for people who think these smaller diesels coming out of late are good tow machines. They are not what most assume.

These smaller diesels are good at putting up high MPG numbers and every day driving. Not so much towing, like the larger diesels. Is trading towing power for good MPG a good move? Only the owner/buyer can decide.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2015/03/2015-ram-1500-ecodiesel-ike-gauntlet-extreme-towing-video/

So lets see the Ram was only one minute slower then the Ford. Not sure why you would say they aren't "good tow machines". I would trade a little speed getting to the top of that hill to get better fuel mileage. Can you tow a larger TT with them, I wouldn't but with in it's tow rating I would take the Ram over the the other two every time.

Note, yep I work for FCA but I was buying Chrysler products long before I started to work for them. I also can buy at the EP pricing for all three. I bought one GM product didn't like it. So I went to Ford. I finally gave up on Ford after the four lemons. Started buying Chrysler products 14 so far, (picking up Mama's 2015 300S tomorrow) and we only had one that was a problem child.

Buy anything you want but lets keep it real guys. If you are going to be towing the IKE every day then the Eco-boost is probably the better choice. If you are like most RV'ers then maybe the Eco-Diesel may be the way to go.

Don

No one has posted this TFL link yet? Its worth watching for people who think these smaller diesels coming out of late are good tow machines. They are not what most assume.

These smaller diesels are good at putting up high MPG numbers and every day driving. Not so much towing, like the larger diesels. Is trading towing power for good MPG a good move? Only the owner/buyer can decide.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2015/03/2015-ram-1500-ecodiesel-ike-gauntlet-extreme-towing-video/

GWolfe wrote:

You mean all the HD trucks running around here with their mirrors out would just have to push a button to fold them in? This has always been a pet peeve of mine, maybe I'm suffering from mirror envy.

The mirrors still tilt up manually but fold in next to the window by power. I just heard from a little birdie that the next Gen Ram mirrors are going to look like the GM mirrors. :(

Don

Just a closing post on this. I was so put off by the dealer's closer that I left without buying the 2014s or a new one. But mileage was great for the roughly 125 miles I drove, which was a fair representation of my usual driving.

And those mirrors are HUGE! Way too wide to not have electric folding.

Good news is, I didn't spend any of the kids' inheritance! :B