opinions on 2012 RAM 2500 5.7 gasser

[anw7405]

It looks like I have a chance to pick up one of these trucks very cheap. I'm not going into the details but i haven't seen too much of this truck on here. Lots of info on the 6.4. So tell me your thoughts on this truck. MPG's, reliability, comfort, power, trivetrain. etc

[anw7405]

Thats really good info. Thanks. It's nice that they actually put it on the dyno and give you the exact loss of power with CNG.

[ib516]

This may interest you:

2013 RAM 2500 CNG

[anw7405]

It would really just be my backup truck. I already have an 8.1 burb to pull my camper but it would be nice to have this truck as an option. We are a family of 6 so we could fit in there if we needed to. Oklahoma also has a ton of CNG fill stations around and prices are very low. I just wonder how it would do with all of us, gear and camper loaded up. about 10K.

[ib516]

We had a CNG Crown Vic in our fleet of Police cars a few years back. It was GUTLESS. No one wanted to drive it. Also, the CNG tanks are heavy and huge and range was limited. We had to add a 3rd tank and beefed up springs in the rear.

I'd pass on that one.

[Grit_dog]

That’s becasuse cng makes less power, but yes you can tow whatever the max 11k rating is in either mode. CNG will be a dog with that big of a load. And you don’t need to subtract the payload difference from the tow rating. Apples and oranges pretty much.
Payload is another whole discussion. Recommended max payloads vs trucks capability. Just do a little interesting reading on that. 100threads in this forum alone that will help you understand payloads.

[anw7405]

Just a little correction on the truck. It's a 2013 not a 2012 typo sorry. Its also the CNG factory version. So that being said it states the payload is only 1620 vs 2310 on the regular gas version. So I assume the Cng package weighs about 690lbs. Here is another question. The max towing on the truck says 7650lbs while the regular gas is 11340 with the same configuration. Is it safe to say i can tow in gas mode with a 10650 max towing? (max towing gas minus the weight of the cng system). It only comes in one configuration being crew cab long bed 373 gears.

[LIKE2BUILD]

Tow within the limits and it work just fine.

[APT]

I don't like the transmission gearing compared to Ford/GM of similar era. Gears 1-2-3 are wide ratios. The 6.4L's extra power compensated for the transmission performance. No other valid reason not to chose it. It is reliable and appropriate for lighter weights.

[martinbrown23]

RAM 2500 5.7 is great this truck has a great capability of towing using for a long time as 24-hour roadside assistance In Newyork, get this it will never disappoint you.

[Grit_dog]

Great truck. Proven 3rd gen chassis with a nice modern shell.
Not a powerhouse by today's standard but can haul 10k around all day and tomorrow too.

[dodge_guy]

Anyone that had performance issues, didn’t have the proper setup for towing!.

[fly-swatter]

I'm more than pleased with mine. It has more than enough power to pull my 5th wheel up any grade that I've come across in Alberta or BC. Loaded is about 9000 lbs. It has a 4.10 rear end and I get between 11-13 MPG (Imperial). The only issues have been a front axle seal and broken exhaust manifold bolts.

[camp-n-family]

Ask yourself why they are so cheap? Had a ‘14 and it was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Apart from the near monthly recalls it was always in the shop. I got rid of it after a year and a half and 4 transmission rebuilds, rusty chrome bumpers, leather seats falling apart, failed power mirrors, and numerous electrical and radio problems. Resale is poor and I even got turned down by 2 dealers who wouldn’t take it on trade.

The 5.7 is a proven engine but the 66rfe transmission is a poor match. Large gear spacing causes the engine to bog down as it’s always in the wrong gear. Google it and you will see lots of complaint posts. Several times I was unable to accelerate out of 1st gear pulling hills with my 7600lbs tt. Holding hwy speed was usually 4th gear. I could get 5th downhill with a tailwind. Truck had 3.73 rear.

The only reason I have another Ram (diesel) was because of the sale incentives, full warranty and they took my trade. Time will tell if I keep this one beyond the warranty.

[ib516]

Solid engine and trans (assuming it's an auto). The 2012 was still the old chassis. In 2013 (3500) and 2014 (2500) all the underpinnings got beefed up substantially. Thinker parts and a higher GVWR/Payload.