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2014 Ram 2500 6.4L Tow Review

e-light
Explorer
Explorer
Today I took my new Ram for its longest tow to date, a 350 mile trek through Ky and and the Smokey Mountains ending the day in NC. This was a good test with light to heavy rain all day, low visabilty and lots of elevation and long sweeping turns at grade. Overall the Ram performed amazingly.

The cargo was my 8000 lb travel trailer, my family of four and my 60 lb pit bull. The 6.4L hemi handled the workload with ease. On flats I was able to run 60-65 at around 2000 rpms in 5th gear. On slight grades 4th gear and 2500-3000 rpms did the trick easily. On severe grades 3rd gear at 3000-4200 rpms was the ticket. 99% of the time the truck stayed between 1900 and 2500 rpms. The low rpm torque is evident, especially coming from a Tundra that loved to rev.

The transmission is also great. In tow mode it holds gears perfectly up grade and downsifts to utilize engine braking on the way down. On severe grades I used the manual mode to hold gears up and down the slopes. I rarely had to use the brakes, only when slower vehicles left me pinned in a lane. And this was all the way through I40 and the Smokey Mountains to Ashville. Quite a workout for sure. The Ram handled it with ease.

Temperatures stayed consistent all through the trip. Coolant running 195-210, oil temp 195-215, trans temp stayed at 160-165.

I am extremely happy with my purchase. I love my truck.

A shot at the campground this evening.

2015 Cougar 339BHS 5er
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, Laramie, 6.7L Cummins
Andersen Ultimate Aluminum 5th Wheel Connection
GONE:
2014 RAM 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, Tradesman, 6.4L Hemi
139 REPLIES 139

envelopo
Explorer
Explorer
e-light wrote:
Fire Instructor wrote:
So, as you can tell from the updated sig, after more research and test drives, I went with the 6.7L Cummins. Not being sure where DW wanted to go with new 5er, didn't want to come up short on tow rating. The 17,100# that the Cummins provides gives me endless possibilities.


Good choice, it's much better to have more TV than you need than less...makes for an enjoyable ride.

I rode with my brother last weekend while he pulled his 26' TT with his 2012 6.7 Cummins. Amazing motor...seems like it doesn't even break a sweat when it's climbing.

I love my 6.4L gasser. I am extremely impressed with it. But when it's paid off I will be trading it in for a fully loaded Cummins. I've always wanted one...


Me too...in fact I just paid off my 6.4 and went right down and traded it in after one tow trip with the 6.4. The truck was excellent in many ways but after working it over the mountains I just dont want to run that way on our cross country trips after we retire next year. Going to pick up a 2015 CCSB Larimie 4WD with 6.7/auto tomorrow.
2015 RAM 2500 CCSB 4WD Laramie CTD
2011 Arctic Fox 27T Travel Trailer

RZAR66
Explorer
Explorer
ib516 wrote:
RZAR66 -- THIS ARTICLE may interest you.


That article was part of my decision making. Earlier this year I asked on here about the new Hemi but it was to early as no one own one yet. So I waited until now to get one. That article pretty much made up my mind.
2018 Ford F-350 DRW
2024 Northern Lite 10-2

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
RZAR66 -- THIS ARTICLE may interest you.
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

RZAR66
Explorer
Explorer
Just bought a 2014 3500 DRW with the 6.4 a week ago. This is replacing my 2011 F350 SRW with the 6.2. I needed a dually to haul my bigger truck camper and was going to buy another Ford when I came across my Ram. It had been sitting on the dealers lot for 8 months (for obvious reasons)so I got a great deal on it. Haven't had the TC on it yet but so far driving it to work I really like It. This is my first truck that isn't a Ford.

2018 Ford F-350 DRW
2024 Northern Lite 10-2

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
The RV was a Silverback 37BH.



Dry Hitch Weight 1,940 lbs.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 12,709 lbs.
GVWR 15,500 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity 2,791 lbs.
Exterior Length 39' 11"
Exterior Height 12' 11"
Exterior Width 96"


When we did the test towing, the owner figured it weighed around 14k.
It was loaded with all of the junk he leaves in the RV, but no water and no perishables.
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

blderman
Explorer
Explorer
ib516 wrote:
I have videos posted on YouTube of testing I have done comparing my 2014 6.4L Hemi to a 2014 Cummins in a 3500 SRW. His is the 370hp/800tq Cummins. Towing 14,000# 0-60 times were the same at 22 seconds. The RV is a 40 foot Cedar Creek Silverback 5er with a hydraulic leveling system and 4 slides.

6.4L Hemi 0-60 towing 14,000#

6.7L Cummins 0-60 Towing 14,000#

Same RV and same stretch of road used for each on the same day.

In my experience towing my RV (we used his for testing), I have found second gear to be ideal. Here's why. Accelerating, it is a big jump from 1st to second, and it does bog for a second or two. BUT, downshifting, it can shift down to 2nd at 60 mph and you're right at ~60 mph at 5000 RPM give or take, right at peak power. The truck (with 4.10s) will do just over 70 mph in second gear before it red lines and upshifts. My RV is 37', has 3 slides, and weighs about 12k. I am completely satisfied with the performance, and my last truck was a modified 5.9L Cummins.

Notice in the video of my truck towing 0-60 that it is still in second gear when I hit 60.

Ram has responded to TFL's video by saying:

"During the Silverado drive, you spoke negatively of the shift calibration. The tested Chevy was we assume hunting between 1st and 2nd gear and ranged from 5,300 rpms and 2,800 rpms, which you didn't seem to like. The Chevy revved very high up the hill for extended periods of time, over 5,000 rpms.

Ram Truck "invented" the first gear hold feature - and calibrated it - to avoid gear hunting and driving at excessively high rpms. Ike is a variable grade and we worked hard to develop a calibration that appropriately manages torque on the run and other grades.

We don't want the truck to rev high for extended periods of time and purposely hold 4,200 rpm.

Bottom line - our truck performed exactly as expected by delivering a more comfortable hauling experience, better vehicle longevity, and improved fuel economy. Time to the top of the hill is only one small piece of the driving experience and our engineers take a number of variables into consideration. Ask yourself if just over one minute is worth other negative driver inputs."


Your truck is definitely moving that load quicker than my 7.3 would. Thanks for the video
1 DW
2 DS
1 DD
Jayco 23BHS on order as of 3/19/15
2014 F150 SCREW LB 4x4 Ecoboost Max Tow (Beats my 02 7.3 PS hands down)
Can't wait for bow season!

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have videos posted on YouTube of testing I have done comparing my 2014 6.4L Hemi to a 2014 Cummins in a 3500 SRW. His is the 370hp/800tq Cummins. Towing 14,000# 0-60 times were the same at 22 seconds. The RV is a 40 foot Cedar Creek Silverback 5er with a hydraulic leveling system and 4 slides.

6.4L Hemi 0-60 towing 14,000#

6.7L Cummins 0-60 Towing 14,000#

Same RV and same stretch of road used for each on the same day.

In my experience towing my RV (we used his for testing), I have found second gear to be ideal. Here's why. Accelerating, it is a big jump from 1st to second, and it does bog for a second or two. BUT, downshifting, it can shift down to 2nd at 60 mph and you're right at ~60 mph at 5000 RPM give or take, right at peak power. The truck (with 4.10s) will do just over 70 mph in second gear before it red lines and upshifts. My RV is 37', has 3 slides, and weighs about 12k. I am completely satisfied with the performance, and my last truck was a modified 5.9L Cummins.

Notice in the video of my truck towing 0-60 that it is still in second gear when I hit 60.

Ram has responded to TFL's video by saying:

"During the Silverado drive, you spoke negatively of the shift calibration. The tested Chevy was we assume hunting between 1st and 2nd gear and ranged from 5,300 rpms and 2,800 rpms, which you didn't seem to like. The Chevy revved very high up the hill for extended periods of time, over 5,000 rpms.

Ram Truck "invented" the first gear hold feature - and calibrated it - to avoid gear hunting and driving at excessively high rpms. Ike is a variable grade and we worked hard to develop a calibration that appropriately manages torque on the run and other grades.

We don't want the truck to rev high for extended periods of time and purposely hold 4,200 rpm.

Bottom line - our truck performed exactly as expected by delivering a more comfortable hauling experience, better vehicle longevity, and improved fuel economy. Time to the top of the hill is only one small piece of the driving experience and our engineers take a number of variables into consideration. Ask yourself if just over one minute is worth other negative driver inputs."
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

blderman
Explorer
Explorer
e-light wrote:
Today I took my new Ram for its longest tow to date, a 350 mile trek through Ky and and the Smokey Mountains ending the day in NC. This was a good test with light to heavy rain all day, low visabilty and lots of elevation and long sweeping turns at grade. Overall the Ram performed amazingly.

The cargo was my 8000 lb travel trailer, my family of four and my 60 lb pit bull. The 6.4L hemi handled the workload with ease. On flats I was able to run 60-65 at around 2000 rpms in 5th gear. On slight grades 4th gear and 2500-3000 rpms did the trick easily. On severe grades 3rd gear at 3000-4200 rpms was the ticket. 99% of the time the truck stayed between 1900 and 2500 rpms. The low rpm torque is evident, especially coming from a Tundra that loved to rev.


The transmission is also great. In tow mode it holds gears perfectly up grade and downsifts to utilize engine braking on the way down. On severe grades I used the manual mode to hold gears up and down the slopes. I rarely had to use the brakes, only when slower vehicles left me pinned in a lane. And this was all the way through I40 and the Smokey Mountains to Ashville. Quite a workout for sure. The Ram handled it with ease.

Temperatures stayed consistent all through the trip. Coolant running 195-210, oil temp 195-215, trans temp stayed at 160-165.

I am extremely happy with my purchase. I love my truck.

A shot at the campground this evening.





What is the steepest grade you have gone up so far? How long was the grade? Last week I was all set to get rid of my 02 F350 7.3 Diesel and get the same truck you have. However, after watching the Ike Towing Test this weekend I was really disappointed to see how badly the 6.4 performed. Seems like 2nd gear is a big weak spot...??
1 DW
2 DS
1 DD
Jayco 23BHS on order as of 3/19/15
2014 F150 SCREW LB 4x4 Ecoboost Max Tow (Beats my 02 7.3 PS hands down)
Can't wait for bow season!

e-light
Explorer
Explorer
Fire Instructor wrote:
So, as you can tell from the updated sig, after more research and test drives, I went with the 6.7L Cummins. Not being sure where DW wanted to go with new 5er, didn't want to come up short on tow rating. The 17,100# that the Cummins provides gives me endless possibilities.


Good choice, it's much better to have more TV than you need than less...makes for an enjoyable ride.

I rode with my brother last weekend while he pulled his 26' TT with his 2012 6.7 Cummins. Amazing motor...seems like it doesn't even break a sweat when it's climbing.

I love my 6.4L gasser. I am extremely impressed with it. But when it's paid off I will be trading it in for a fully loaded Cummins. I've always wanted one...
2015 Cougar 339BHS 5er
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, Laramie, 6.7L Cummins
Andersen Ultimate Aluminum 5th Wheel Connection
GONE:
2014 RAM 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, Tradesman, 6.4L Hemi

Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Explorer
So, as you can tell from the updated sig, after more research and test drives, I went with the 6.7L Cummins. Not being sure where DW wanted to go with new 5er, didn't want to come up short on tow rating. The 17,100# that the Cummins provides gives me endless possibilities.
Fire Instructor

2022 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB

Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you for the link! That's also a great thread.... Too bad it got hijacked so many different directions!
Fire Instructor

2022 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
Fire Instructor wrote:
VERY helpful thread, Gentlemen! I really appreciate the write-ups. Trying to decide the eternal gas vs. diesel question for me, on my next upgrade. The new 6.4L Hemi may be the answer for me. Wife wants to move to a 5'er in the 33' to 35' range, so definitely going to a 2500โ€ฆ.

ib516, i'd like to get a bit more insight into why you went back to a gasser after 12 years in a diesel.

I explained it all in this thread:
JUMPING OFF THE DIESEL BANDWAGON

So far I am really happy with my choice.
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Explorer
VERY helpful thread, Gentlemen! I really appreciate the write-ups. Trying to decide the eternal gas vs. diesel question for me, on my next upgrade. The new 6.4L Hemi may be the answer for me. Wife wants to move to a 5'er in the 33' to 35' range, so definitely going to a 2500โ€ฆ.

ib516, i'd like to get a bit more insight into why you went back to a gasser after 12 years in a diesel.
Fire Instructor

2022 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB

jus2shy
Explorer
Explorer
ib516 wrote:
Yes, I noticed that too. Zero wind noise - even in a cross wind where the old truck used to get wind noise at the top of the doors.


It was probably the only positive thing they got from the Daimler-Chrysler years (that and the LX platform for the 300/Charger/Challenger). The door sealing method is almost exactly the same as I see on the 3-starred vehicles. However, Mercedes still uses that weather stripping which has some sort of cloth textile over it while our trucks still use good ol' butyl rubber.
E'Aho L'ua
2013 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 SRW |Cummins @ 370/800| 68RFE| 3.42 gears
Currently Rig-less (still shopping and biding my time)