Ram 1500 Hemi or Ecodiesel?
We’re in the market for a Ram 1500. A friend owns a Hemi and loves it. He recommends against the diesel, citing lots of problems, lack of towing capacity and poor fuel mileage. I’ve read about so...
Forum Discussion
richclover wrote:womps wrote:1320Fastback wrote:
If I were towing I would go with the Hemi. The EcoDiesel is not economical towing and uses more expensive fuel.
That’s where the diesel really has the advantage in fuel economy is when towing. I’m guessing you will see a 50% gain in fuel economy over the Hemi with a trailer behind.
My Humble Experience...
Full up towed camper, ATV in the bed of a 1999 Dodge 2500HD 5.7 l gas. 6 MPG. At best, running max 60 mph when able, usually much slower uphill. Up, down hill, avg.
Today, camped in the rain, Nebraska City, 4000 + miles into the summer road trip. Ram 2500HD Cummins towing about 7000#, 70 mph. Lie-O-Meter, confirmed with actual calculations, 10.7 mpg. No question the diesel is better for towing.
JMHO.
You must have a typo there - the 5.7L Hemi came out in 2002. Maybe you had a 360 gas (5.9L)? I had one....4-7 mpg pulling 9k 33' bumper pull RV. She was tough, but thirsty. I abused the he!! out of that thing pulling that load (flat on the floor up grades at 30 mph in the heat for several minutes) and never had an issue, but powerful she was not.
And yes, diesel is better for towing, but which truck you should buy depends on how much you tow, and how much it gets used as a family car.
