RAM EcoDiesel a Flop for Towing

[nomad297]

Here's the lowdown.

Bruce

[ShinerBock]

wilber1 wrote:
I would never run my truck or any of my other vehicles at WOT up a long grade or just about any other time for that matter, so what it will do at WOT doesn't mean much to me. I don't believe in abusing the machinery just to get up a hill a minute or two faster.

Look at the video again. The Ram Ecodiesel was screaming (for a diesel) at 3,500-4,000 rpm at wide open throttle only being able to do 50 mph for most of the way up with no power to spare if needed. It struggled almost all the way up the mountain and took longer to get up the mountain.
Ram 1500 3.0L Ecodiesel tows 7,200 lbs up the Ike Gauntlet

The 2.7L Ecoboost was between 2,500-4,000 rpm not at wide open throttle most of the way while easily able to do the speed limit with power to spare if needed. It had the quicker time up the mountain with little struggle.
Ford F150 2.7L Ecoboost tows 7,200 lbs up the Ike Gauntlet

Ironically, the Ram gives that 1500 Ecodiesel a higher tow rating than what Ford gives that 2.7L Ecoboost. This is what I am arguing about because I think it is a bunch of bull because like you, I don't think a vehicle should have to struggle that hard with no power to spare when towing less than it's max. I think that Ram needs to lower that tow rating on that Ecodiesel to something it can do without struggling so hard.

[wilber1]

I would never run my truck or any of my other vehicles at WOT up a long grade or just about any other time for that matter, so what it will do at WOT doesn't mean much to me. I don't believe in abusing the machinery just to get up a hill a minute or two faster.

[TurnThePage]

The Ecodiesel has a reputation for running hot, without actually overheating, at least in the Ram configuration. There have been some overheating incidents in the Grand Cherokee though.

[rjstractor]

ShinerBock wrote:
"The only place where the trucks showed any sign of weakness was climbing the nearly 7 percent final grade on the push to 5,000 feet of elevation. With the accelerator stapled to the floor, the truck’s speed dropped off to 53 mph, and engine temperature climbed to an almost alarming 244 degrees. Thankfully, as we crested the summit, the engine temperature returned to normal and we never experienced any other engine temperature issues during the remainder of the test."

To me it's not a concern at all that the truck slowed to 53 mph, especially considering the 7% grade as well as the elevation. What is very alarming is the fact that the truck very nearly overheated. This indicates that the truck is not engineered to handle wide open throttle application for any length of time. Even more alarming is that the ambient temperature was fairly low. It would make me very hesitant to tow even a 5000 lb travel trailer in brutal conditions, like pulling Vantage Hill in Eastern Washington into a 25 mph headwind in 100 degree temperatures. The Ford V10 in my old motorhome would slow to 50 or so in those conditions, but the engine temperature never budged.

[8iron]

Post Deleted...Someone beat me to it

[brulaz]

bguy wrote:
41.8% better fuel mileage towing at WOT. I think Ram hit the nail right on the head and fired it home all in one shot!

Definitely good mileage, but, as others have said, a better comparison would be if the 2.7L EcoB were held back to the same speed as the EcoD.

[bguy]

41.8% better fuel mileage towing at WOT. I think Ram hit the nail right on the head and fired it home all in one shot!

[JIMNLIN]

Great performance from just 240 hp engine.
I've been up grades like that with my previous '01 5.9 Cummins 235/460 engine pulling its 13k lb rated capacity and could't keep the posted 55 mph speed limit....which means diddly squat.

[thomasmnile]

Like most half tons sold these days, the new minivan or family sedan used for the occasional tow and Saturday afternoon haul from Home Depot. For most owners, any of the half tons are suitable for the purpose. Like IB said, tow a lot or heavy, there's 3/4 or 1 tons available.

[hone_eagle]

Flop is way too strong a word,even incorrect.
Plenty of owners will be satisfied.

[ib516]

I think it did as well as can be expected for 240hp. To put that into some perspective, my 2014 Jeep Cherokee has 271hp, and a 4500# tow rating max.

Ram realizes what most here fail to. People who need a vehicle for frequent or heavy towing in extreme conditions should buy a 2500 or 3500.

People who want a comfortable fuel efficient family hauler that can also do some light towing should shop for a half ton EcoDiesel. Many people complain when car and driver or comsumer reports give a truck negative comments when they say its step in heighg is too high or it rides rough. They respond with "you dummies, its a truck". Many here are doing the same. You have a truck designed and built for comfort and fuel economy then put it in about the most extreme towing test you can in the U.S. the bash it when it drops 5 or 10 mph.

That's kind of like saying a pair of pliers are judged poorly when used to pound in nails.

[mythree]

I don't know about it being a flop. I was at an FLW event today and there were a few pro fishermen towing with them. They seemed happy with them. I'd love to have one for my chores.

[ShinerBock]

Bionic Man wrote:
So, for the record, the speed limit on that stretch of road is 60 MPH, not 65.

That was a mistype on my part. I fixed it.

Bionic Man wrote:
Here, the truck that can maintain the posted maximum allowed speed with it's rated capacity virtually every where else is vilified because it is 10 MPH under the speed limit (maximum allowed legal speed) on a short, extreme tretch of road.

It is not just on this stretch of road that the Ecodiesel has issues.

"While ascending the steepest areas on the route, which included the 6 percent grade of the Grapevine, we had our foot to the floor and the V-6 was spinning at 4,000 rpm for several minutes in order to maintain 55 mph."

http://www.fourwheeler.com/vehicle-reviews/2014-ram-1500-ecodiesel-review-towing-and-mpg-fuel-economy/#ixzz3VdeKsUWK

"The only place where the trucks showed any sign of weakness was climbing the nearly 7 percent final grade on the push to 5,000 feet of elevation. With the accelerator stapled to the floor, the truck’s speed dropped off to 53 mph, and engine temperature climbed to an almost alarming 244 degrees. Thankfully, as we crested the summit, the engine temperature returned to normal and we never experienced any other engine temperature issues during the remainder of the test."

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/dodge/1403_2014_ram_1500_ecodiesel_vs_2500_sibling_rivalry/trailer_towing.html#ixzz3Vdeyx8G4

It seems towing up inclines in general are getting the better of this engine. This is why I think Ram should lower its tow rating.

[jus2shy]

This made for a great discussion though. So long as things remain civilized. I think this was a great discussion without diving deep into fanboy remarks and raging insults. Trollers succeed only when things take a turn for the worst. But then the thread is still young.

[v10superduty]

nomad297 wrote:
Here's the lowdown.

Bruce

Folks, this guy (the OP) is a great fisherman.

He threw this lure out and caught all you suckers,
never even had to come back and wiggle the bait...... :B

I think I overheard him, just before he posted, say to his partner,

"watch how few words I can type and catch all these dudes".. :W