6.4 Dodge???

[jabres]

I know this has probably been posted a hundred times, but I am looking for some reviews/ real life experiences with the 6.4 Dodge motor.

I currently have a 2007 GMC 2500 6.0 gas in my landscaping/camping hauling fleet. I am looking to add another truck this time around, but thinking about trying out a Dodge 3500 with 6.4.
My GMC 2500HD 6.0 pulls camper perfect (7500#s) but when pulling my dump trailer its nothing to haul 11-12k pounds with my GMC. It does fine as I do have the 4.10 rear end, but at times struggles when I am approaching 12k or more. I am wanting to stay away from a diesel, so just wanting reviews on how much people are pulling with the 6.4's. Are they easy to work on? Easy to change belts? Plugs and Wires?
Lastly, I am looking to add an aluminum dump bet insert into the truck, and I believe it would work great with this combo

[mtofell1]

I've been running a 2500 6.4 4X4 for about 3 years and am up at around 55K miles. I tow an 11K 5th wheel out west with lots of hills and have the less than ideal 3.73 gears.

The towing is 5% of the truck's life at best. Daily driving the other 95%.

Daily driving I give the truck an A-. Towing my load I give it a C+. I suppose since I'm basically maxing the truck out at every number I could be a bit more generous with my towing rating.

Annoyances towing are all with the tranny. The gearing of the 66rfe is borrowed directly from the 68rfe paired with the Cummins (diesel) motor and are really not meant for a gasser. The gap between 1-2 is a MILE and not suited for a gas motor that makes all it's power above 3500rpms. There's kind of a no-man's land around 35-40 up a steep winding road. Your choices are wind it out in 1st @ 5000rpms or let it hit second only to slam back into first. When I get caught in this situation I usually just slow down and ride out 1st at about 30mph. The good news is the cabs on these newer trucks are insulated extremely well so you really don't hear the engine scream like with older trucks.

In the end, I'm doing everything "wrong" - max weight rating, less than ideal gears and in the mountains out west... and I'm surviving. Financially, I could afford a diesel but I just don't tow enough to justify it. I've never felt the least bit unsafe with my setup. It's just not what it could be. Compared to trucks 20 years ago I'm flying first class with a glass of champagne in my hand 🙂

[FishOnOne]

OP,
Here's a fuel economy test for the two trucks of interests.

Link

[kw_00]

normal_dave wrote:
If you're looking for the 6.4L used, it may require a long search and a longer road trip. If this one will be dual purpose (work and personal use), have you checked out a Ram Tradesman package with the 6.4L?

Dealers near me most always package them with the most necessary upgrades, and a 2500 Crew 4x4 comes in around $ 35K after rebates and discounts. (I think you mentioned 3500, but seems most 3500s are ordered with the diesel).

Example:
2017 Ram 2500 Crew 4WD 6.4L Tradesman
What's not to like?

For used Rams, this VIN lookup might help:
Ramforum VIN tool

This.... Yes I have a friend at church that picked one up just like this in white, and a long bed to boot. Got its round 36k I believe, what a deal... Anyway hope GM and Ford offer the same if they have not done so already.

[kzspree320]

normal dave - The 2017 Ram 2500 example above is almost exactly like mine. It lacks one option for those looking to tow over 10K regularly. That's the optional 4.10 rear axle ratio that only costs about $125, but can rarely be found on dealers lots. Add that and you basically have my truck which I like.

[normal_dave]

If you're looking for the 6.4L used, it may require a long search and a longer road trip. If this one will be dual purpose (work and personal use), have you checked out a Ram Tradesman package with the 6.4L?

Dealers near me most always package them with the most necessary upgrades, and a 2500 Crew 4x4 comes in around $ 35K after rebates and discounts. (I think you mentioned 3500, but seems most 3500s are ordered with the diesel).

Example:
2017 Ram 2500 Crew 4WD 6.4L Tradesman
What's not to like?

For used Rams, this VIN lookup might help:
Ramforum VIN tool

[Ron3rd]

Can't comment on the 6.4 Hemi personally but a buddy bought one about 6 months ago and loves it.

[Mmaxed]

jabres wrote:
Lol, you guys are tough!! I like the sounds of the 6.4, and I do love my 6.0 GMC at the same time. Definite going to keep my 6.0 for my one employee to run around in. My biggest concern is when I am towing 10-12k with my 6.0, there is times I wonder if its going to make it up some of the local steep hills. A good running start generally does the trick, but idk if its just because its old with 121k miles, or would the little bit of a boost between a newer truck and a slightly bigger motor, would that give me the little boost I am looking for without going into a diesel? Are guys out there pulling 12k with the 6.4 Dodges without issue? Thanks for all the responses so far!!!

The 6.4 should work well for you. I have a '15, 3500 with 4.10 gears. Pull a 14k toy hauler in the wind and mountains of Montana. When I am pulling the trailer I wish I had the diesel, but it does the job. It's when you get over over 5k in elevation that the lack of a turbo really shows. At lower elevations it is the best gas puller I have ever been around. Could be better if the gear split between 1st and 2nd wasn't such a gap. The computer nanny is also hard at work keeping you from getting all the power to the ground until about 45 mph.

Overall I am very happy with the rig. At your elevation it should have no problem with 12k in tow. Just put your foot down and let it rev if it wants to, it will do the rest just fine.

[SouthpawHD]

You guys and your catty little internet squabbles of who's got the biggest set of nuts. You guys need to get out once and a while.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Grit dog wrote:
I'm on several "motor sports" forums and I can say the oil opinions and conspiracy theories are definitely the strongest here. Good job boys!

??? who has conspiracy theories?

[spoon059]

FishOnOne wrote:
When attacked by the ram Mafia like yourself you leave me no choice but to defend myself.

That is the saddest thing I've ever heard...

I've got another choice for you to consider... stop spouting your anti-Ram nonsense in every single Ram thread. Just a thought. By the way... didn't you just attempt to insult me for being a Tundra guy a couple posts back? Kinda hard to label me as a brand loyalist when you have knowledge of me owning two different brands in the last 2 years. By the way, I had a F150 and loved that too. That also gets in the way of you labeling me. Quite trolling Troy, try going on a camping trip. It might clear whatever blockage has been bothering you recently, leading you to feeling "attacked"...

Maybe a local campground has a "safe space" for you...

[FishOnOne]

spoon059 wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:
Just to deal with this wise guy tell me what brand you see in this picture. And yes it was purchased this year. The ball is in your court big boy!

Still a troll, still have nothing legitimate or helpful to offer to the OP's question, still can't stop yourself... he keeps going and going and going and going...

When attacked by the ram Mafia like yourself you leave me no choice but to defend myself.

[spoon059]

FishOnOne wrote:
Just to deal with this wise guy tell me what brand you see in this picture. And yes it was purchased this year. The ball is in your court big boy!

Still a troll, still have nothing legitimate or helpful to offer to the OP's question, still can't stop yourself... he keeps going and going and going and going...

[goducks10]

FishOnOne wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:
Anyone who is on the forum in a somewhat regular basis should know better than to listen to fish (aka, the troller). He obviously has an agenda with his hatred for Dodge/RAM/FCA, and a love affair with his blue koolaid.

To the OP, the vast majority of reviews I have seen on the 6.4 have been positive. I have a friend that was a fan of another brand for life, and bought a 6.4 two years ago. Short version of that story is his truck was just totaled in an accident (no injuries), and he will be replacing it with another 6.4.

Just to deal with this wise guy tell me what brand you see in this picture. And yes it was purchased this year. The ball is in your court big boy!

Who bought it?

[FishOnOne]

Bionic Man wrote:
Anyone who is on the forum in a somewhat regular basis should know better than to listen to fish (aka, the troller). He obviously has an agenda with his hatred for Dodge/RAM/FCA, and a love affair with his blue koolaid.

To the OP, the vast majority of reviews I have seen on the 6.4 have been positive. I have a friend that was a fan of another brand for life, and bought a 6.4 two years ago. Short version of that story is his truck was just totaled in an accident (no injuries), and he will be replacing it with another 6.4.

Just to deal with this wise guy tell me what brand you see in this picture. And yes it was purchased this year. The ball is in your court big boy!

[Grit_dog]

I'm on several "motor sports" forums and I can say the oil opinions and conspiracy theories are definitely the strongest here. Good job boys!