Question for Ram 6.4 Hemi owners

[M_R_E_]

I'm contemplating getting a 6.4, I have an '02 Ford with the 7.3 diesel. It has a DP 60hp tuner and I get 11.9 mpg towing 10,000 lb 5th wheel from MI to FL. I now will tow 13.000 lb. In '14 they said it used 87 octane, now it says premium unleaded . If that's the case, I would rather buy diesel , gas engine isn't worth premium to me . What is your opinion ?

[jerem0621]

I'd go Cummins as well. There are some smoking deals on the Cummins equipped Rams if you shop around.

13k is heavy.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[skidooman93]

I own a 2015 6.4 I run 87 octane in it unless air temp is really warm 90F or higher then I run 89. Can't tell a difference in either. My 2012 5.7 said 89 recommend but 87 OK. I did then same with that truck and it ran great also. As much as I like my 6.4 and happy not owning a diesel. If fuel choices would push you to a diesel, I'd ask you why are you considering the 6.4 instead of the diesel. I think the 6.4 will pull your 13k lb trailer OK. But if you are going to be towing often, long distances, and up Hills, I think a diesel would be your better choice. However then you have a diesel.

[jmtandem]

Towing 13,000 pounds you will be much happier with a diesel 3500

Add me to the diesel side of the ledger. 13,000 pounds is definately in diesel territory. The 6.4 gasser puts out 429 foot pounds of torque, the diesel 865 or more. For towing 13,000 pounds, twice as much torque, nuff said!

[FishOnOne]

Towing 13k lbs is diesel territory

[IdaD]

06Fargo wrote:
I'd hang tight until Ford brings out the V10 ECO boost... twin turbo/intercooled

600hp @ 4500rpm / 847lbs-ft at 1900rpm on 87 octane.

25 mpg highway

lol

[shepstone]

06Fargo wrote:
I'd hang tight until Ford brings out the V10 ECO boost... twin turbo/intercooled

600hp @ 4500rpm / 847lbs-ft at 1900rpm on 87 octane.

25 mpg highway

WOW, I want one!!

[noteven]

I'd hang tight until Ford brings out the V10 ECO boost... twin turbo/intercooled

600hp @ 4500rpm / 847lbs-ft at 1900rpm on 87 octane.

25 mpg highway

[45Ricochet]

M.R.E. wrote:
In '14 they said it used 87 octane, now it says premium unleaded . If that's the case, I would rather buy diesel , gas engine isn't worth premium to me . What is your opinion ?

Let me get this straight. You don't want to pay the extra for premium fuel but you will pay a extra premium for a Cummins and extra price per gallon for diesel?
Not sure about max tow rating for the Hemi but I would think 13k trailer would be almost max GCWR. The Cummins wouldn't break a sweat, but that's quite a premium to pay :W
Everyone's towing expectations are different, I myself would get the diesel.

[Me_Again]

Towing 13,000 pounds you will be much happier with a diesel 3500 SRW. 2500's just do not have the CC for trailers that size. Later today I am going to weigh my 2015 3500 SRW ready to tow. Given that it weighs right at 8K without me, the boxes, and hitch, I am guessing I will be at 8600-8700 with two of us and set up for the snowbird flight. That is going to leave 3K for pin weight, and if I want a larger trailer I should have gotten a dually! Lightly load with the trailer the rear axle was at 5920 with a RGAWR of 7K. So I have more over head on the rear axle than the GVWR of 11,700.

With a 2500's 10K GVWR pin weight gets you over very quickly.

Chris

[Golden_HVAC]

I always run 91 octane in my cars, and it seems to improve the MPG enough to offset the extra 5% that I pay for the fuel.

The computer has a anti-knock sensor, and will run the engine rich or change the timing automatically to compensate for low octane fuel that caused pinging you can not hear, but the engine vibration detection system can pick up.

Try higher octane for a couple of tankfuls. First check your mileage with 87 octane, then 91. See what happens.

Fred.

[DakotaDad]

I've always used 87 in mine, and haven't had any issues. I've tried 89 a couple of times, and couldn't tell any difference, although we're at a few thousand feet of elevation.

[Taz_23]

I have a 2015 ram 6.4 and 89 is recommended but 87 is acceptable per owners manual. I use 87 and it runs and pull fine for me.

[mtofell1]

I tow with 87 and it seems fine. I've seen discussion of guys using 89 and it's mixed as to whether or not it improves things at all.