2016 Ram 2500 6.4 cooling

[papanana1993]

I'm new at this forum thing, so if i'm doing it wrong I apologize.
We're looking at a 2016 Ram 2500 with a 6.4 gas engine. Near as I can figure, it has the standard size radiator, oil and transmission cooler. The dealership hasn't been able to show me otherwise and keep telling me it won't be a problem. There will be some occasional towing (32 ft 5th wheel) and some extended periods of idling. Just wondered if anybody had any thoughts or suggestions.

[ib516]

Blazing Zippers wrote:
Our 2016 Ram 6.4 tows great! No cooling issues at all. Over 9000 miles in heat and cold, with a 5th wheel weighing 10300 lbs.
Now, having said that---last Feb. we were driving from Fl. to North Id, and it was COLD! We were not pulling anything and ran about 75MPH. The EVIC showed the temp fluctuating from 185 to 206 degrees, constantly. Ram in Cheyenne said nothing wrong--? When the outside temps are more normal, no fluctuation at all.

I drove my 6.4L Hemi in the cold too....down to -35 or -40. The temp fluctuation was the thermostat opening and closing.

When it opens, it allows coolant to flow through the whole system. That means coolant that was in the radiator for a few minutes being blasted by cold air now flows into the engine and cools it. The thermostat then closes as it senses the engine is getting too cool for highest efficiency, and must warm up. Thermostat closes to accomplish this. Engine heats up coolant, thermostat opens and the cycle repeats. Normal operation.

[Blazing_Zippers]

Our 2016 Ram 6.4 tows great! No cooling issues at all. Over 9000 miles in heat and cold, with a 5th wheel weighing 10300 lbs.
Now, having said that---last Feb. we were driving from Fl. to North Id, and it was COLD! We were not pulling anything and ran about 75MPH. The EVIC showed the temp fluctuating from 185 to 206 degrees, constantly. Ram in Cheyenne said nothing wrong--? When the outside temps are more normal, no fluctuation at all.

[skidooman93]

The OEM cooling system for that 6.4 is great. I towed a 37ft 12klb+ 5th wheel from Minnesota to glacier and back with a 2015 Laramie 2500 6.4 last August. Temps in the 90's. Coolant temp was always 220 or below usually around 200-210 while driving ac on. Tanny temp never got above 170 even pulling switch backs from Browning to st Mary's. The cooling system is designed for that.

[dougk53]

Do not be surprised if you purchase that the coolant temps run 212-230 degrees depending on conditions. The idiot gauge on the dash won't move but looking in the EVIC display will give you a numeric reading. The OEM thermostat is 216 degrees. They are designed to run hotter. There is plenty of information concerning this on the Ram forums. Conversely I find transmission temps run lower than my 3.5 Ecoboost F150 as the Eco transmission has a thermostat that operates basically at the same temp as the coolant temperature.
Also be aware that the recommended oil is Pennzoil Platinum Plus 0-40 Synthetic due to the cylinder deactivation that works off the oil. This oil is expensive and hard to find. As much as I prefer to do my own oil the dealer charges $80 for 7 quarts ( usually runs $10 a quart), filter and tire rotation. Also this makes it easier if I ever need to make a warranty engine claim.
Good luck.

Doug

[ib516]

I pulled a 37 foot triple slide 5th wheel with mine through the Rockies and never had any issues with coolant, transmission, or engine oil temps. The 6.4L is a beast.

[dodge_guy]

Yep, the only option would be hearing and maybe a spring pkg. otherwise it’s a Ram 2500 with the 6.4. No other options that make it different.

[Devocamper]

We ordered a 3500 6.4 last fall picked our options and packages and never saw any optional cooling listed for the 6.4

[ScottG]

They don't make a heavier duty version of that power train. What your looking at IS the HD truck platform. So the difference in tow capacity will be in the gearing. All the cooling system and everything else engine related will be the same. That is a very capable and HD unit!

[spoon059]

What was the question...?

[MFL]

If you look for the GCVWR, it should indicate what towing load is safe for that vehicle. It should be capable of cooling, while towing that load without over heating.

Jerry

[goducks10]

I've never seen anything in the options list for a larger radiator. A Ram 2500 is good for 36' 5th wheels.

[donn0128]

Find the build sheet, then look at all the codes there. That will tell you exactly how the truck left the factory.