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trofeo16's avatar
trofeo16
Explorer
Aug 15, 2019

Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Towing a Fifth Wheel

I'm sure this topic has been completely exhausted but wanted to specifically ask about towing a fifth with my 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi & 4.10 gearing. I currently tow a Travel Trailer (vibe 308bh). Dry weight of 7300 and loaded about 9k. I travel off long island once or twice a year to maryland at the farthest (300 Miles). Most of my camping is within 40 miles. I am considering getting a Grand Design 311BH. Dry weight of 11,300, GVWR of 13,800 and a pin weight of 2000. I know i'm good with payload but what do you think about towing a rig that heavy with the hemi?

I know that diesels tow so much better but would really like real world experiences from hemi owners. I don't tow enough or far enought o make a diesel worth while and its also my daily driver. I am also open to trading up to a 2019 with the new ZF 8 speed and would love to know how the new tranny does with a 11k-14k fifth in tow.
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  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2019
    OT a little but I towed 7300 lbs with an F150 5.4 4sp then moved to a 5.4 6sp.
    Only difference was on take off. The 6sp accelerated easier. Out on the hwy when climbing grades the 5.4 still needed the same rpms to maintain speed.
    Guessing it's the same for the 8sp vs 6sp 6.4. BIG difference will be the 1-4 gears. The 6sp is not all that friendly in the low gears. The 8sp should be much smoother.
    Worth the $$ to trade up? Not for me.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Aug 15, 2019
    Having driven a few 6 speed 6.4 Trucks and owning an 8speed 6.4 car, the difference in transmissions is noticeable to say the least. 8HP trans is a great unit.
    Worth trading up for, for low mile "local" trips? (Out here, 300 mile one way trips are "short" trips for us.) I wouldn't trade up your new truck for a new truck at the cost, but see what you can get selling your 18 first and a year end deal on a '19 might not be a big hit.

    Your truck will handle that bigger trailer fine, but it will still pull like a gasser with either trans.
  • PNW_Steve's avatar
    PNW_Steve
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2019
    I cannot directly answer your question but I will share with you my experience.

    I have been towing with Dodge 3500's with Cummins Diesels for some years.

    I recently bought a Chevy 2500 with the 6.0 gas motor to pull my 5er.... It sucks..... Anyone wanna buy a Chevy??

    I REALLY got spoiled rotten with the 1 ton Diesels. More stable towing, better brakes, much more power and much better fuel mileage.

    I get better fuel mileage towing almost 18,000# with my Diesel than I do with the gas truck empty.

    Having tried a variety of tow vehicles I have developed a very strong preference for Diesels.

    Just my (somewhat biased) $0.02 :)

    I hope someone more familiar with the Hemi chimes in.
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2019
    I had a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L and 4.10 axles. I towed a 12k (loaded) 5er that had 3 slides and was 37' long -- up, over, and through the Rockies with no issue. When I say no issue, I mean the performance was good (could hold speed or accelerate on most any grade I encountered), had no issues with overheating or even coming close (engine and trans), and it handled the payload well - which was about 2200# if memory serves (I did take it to the scales). My GCW was right around 21,000#. That combo did about 7-9 mpg and used high RPM to climb hills (4000 - 5500 RPM in some cases), but I was happy with how it performed.

    I say you'll be fine. The 8 speed would make a better performer no doubt, and a diesel would be better still.

    That said, for the type of RVing you do (short hauls), I think what you have will do fine. You will eat a ton of depreciation if you trade a 2018 on a 2019.

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