Forum Discussion

fugawi's avatar
fugawi
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2015

RAM 2500 - Hemi 6.4 vs Cummins - payload vs towing stability

i know there have been other threads discussing towing capabilities and other pros/cons of the Hemi 6.4 vs the Cummins TD.

I would appreciate some input on whether you would prefer to have:

1. The extra payload of the Hemi, which is 3,280 lb, or about 880 lbs greater than the 2,360 lb payload of the Cummins; or

2. The extra towing stability of the Cummins, which weighs about 700+ lb more than the 6.4.

(Both assume 2500 4x4 Crew Cab with 6'4" bed,)

Either truck will handle my trailer fine. Current trailer is 4,400 lb loaded 19' bumper pull trailer. I might end up with a 9,000 lb loaded 30' bumper pull trailer.

However, I was thinking if I ever have six passengers and gear and the tongue weight, I might be pushing the 2,360 lb payload of the Cummins. In that case the extra payload capacity of the Hemi 6.4 would be nice.

On the other hand, most trips will be well under the 2,360 lb payload of the Cummins, and the extra 700+ lbs on the tow vehicle combined with the power of the Cummins would probably provide a more stable driving experience while towing?

A third option is a 3500 with Cummins which covers both payload and towing stability. However, I would prefer the ride of the 2500 for the 90% of driving time that will be unloaded.

Any insight would be appreciated!

P..S. Do you think either 2500 setup would drive well just dropping on the 4,400 lb trailer without weight distribution or sway control.

58 Replies

  • You're towing a 4400 l. Trailer and may tow a 9000 lb trailer. Those loads are still in half ton territory.
    Won't make a difference, any 2500 or 3500 will pull it with ease. The diesel will just have more snort.
  • Gas where i live is 1.78. Diesel where i live is 2.63.

    I am all for the gas. Of course i do have a 6.4 HEMI, so i'm biased.
  • If you ever think you will what a 5th wheel, then get the 3500 SRW! Chris
  • I don't think you'd notice any difference in stability. I have driven my 2500 towing a 14,000# 5er, and been a passenger in my buddy's 2014 3500 SRW Cummins towing the same 14,000# RV 5 min later. The difference in chassis and suspension was discernible, but not unless you were in them back to back, and even then it wasn't huge.

    There is more of a difference in powertrain performance between the gas and diesel, but either would tow the two RVs you mention pretty easily.

    I was am in the same situation as you (tow only for holidays in the summer), and I chose the Hemi and haven't regretted it one minute.
  • The 2500 will give you the most stability towing. The five link rear suspension preforms better than leaf suspension. The lateral movement is greatly reduced. The question on diesel vs. gas engine is less important. The heavier engine might provide a slight increase in stability at the cost of payload. The greatest benefit is the coil spring suspension.
    MM49
  • You dont have a thing to worry about with either set up. The only reason you would need a Cummins for what you plan on towing is simply because you want it......certainly nothing wrong with that :)
  • I would go with the 6.4L Hemi and if you are concerned about power then maybe opt for the 4.10 rear axle ratio.

    I ended up choosing the Cummins (2012) and then again last year because my trailer was heavier then the specs on the 6.4L setup would allow and I really like that exhaust break going down a hill :).

    Now that said - I really don't enjoy driving the Cummins around town. It's a heavy lug and most of the time it has a problem getting out of its own way. The tuck cost more and fuel is more expensive and the MPG isn't much better than my friends 6.4L/4.10 setup. You will like the day to day driving better with the 2500 for sure and it's coil springs. If you have issues with squatting if you get a larger trailer then you can add some airbags. Even a 9000lb trailer would only put around 1100lbs on the ball. You would still have a substantial amount of payload remaining.

    So I would say go for the 6.4L Hemi get the 4.10 rear end if you're conceded with low end power and roll in the extra 7k dollars you saved.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Your choice with those loads, either will move the loads just fine, Never gave much thought to the Cummins adding stability. The Hemi will need to rev a bit more than the Cummins on a hill, maybe drop down an extra gear but will do fine with both of those loads.