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richclover's avatar
richclover
Explorer
Jun 15, 2019

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 some of the problems.

Local dealer has eight 2018 Ram 1500 diesels still in stock and might do a great deal on a trade for our 2015 Frontier.

The trailer is a steel flatbed hauling a 4-seat UTV, GVW 3000# total, 3500# single axle and tires, trailer brakes.

Any thoughts?
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  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jun 15, 2019
    You’re in WY and this will be your “commuter” rig based on your post about your other truck.
    Look at real world mileage and how much you drive. The EcoD might pencil out for you. Living in WY means hundreds of miles in a day just going to the neighboring city and back.
    Hemi = simpler and proven
    EcoD = considerably better mileage.
    I don’t think the early EcoD issues are still around but idk, don’t follow them
  • richclover's avatar
    richclover
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2019
    A vote for the Hemi, thanks.

    As for rear coil springs, I have no problems. We’re 3200 miles from home, road trip, towing our 32’ Coleman, Ram 2500 Cummins. Tows very nicely, IMHO ;)
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2019
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    I don't care for the inboard mounted rear coils on the FCA offering at all. Cols belong on a Caddy, not a pickup truck.

    After owning a Ram 2500 with the rear coils, I disagree with you. Train cars use coil springs....

    The rear coils ride better and are plenty heavy duty. The 1500s are softer sprung than my 2500 was for obvious reasons, but your line of thought is a decade out of date.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Jun 15, 2019
    I don't care for the inboard mounted rear coils on the FCA offering at all. Cols belong on a Caddy, not a pickup truck.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2019
    richclover wrote:
    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 some of the problems.

    Local dealer has eight 2018 Ram 1500 diesels still in stock and might do a great deal on a trade for our 2015 Frontier.

    The trailer is a steel flatbed hauling a 4-seat UTV, GVW 3000# total, 3500# single axle and tires, trailer brakes.

    Any thoughts?


    Compare GVWRs, and payloads. Then make your decision. If it can't carry the tongue weight. Stay away from it

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