Truck Camper Magazine Chooses RAM

3 tons wrote:
Since in the TCM article brand loyalty was effectively mute, I wouldn't case this in terms of brand wars, ultimately its always personal preference that causes one to sign on the line, period ...

I do however think that in this age of the 'Mega Camper' (well understood to require a H.D. 1 ton+ & DRW), the former 2by short bed gasser was inadequate as an overall camper test-bed. JMO.

Also fair to note that with a HD truck, Horsepower ratings should be saved for the glossier marketing brochures (as part of the brand theology wars...) since with a heavy load it's chiefly torque that matters. But then the fair question that should be asked is "torque at what RPM"??

It should also be pointed out that as good a news as the 6.4 Hemi's 429 ft/lbs is, that this figure occurs at a whopping (compared to a Dsl) 4,000RPM, which (with a heavy TC - especially so in the Western mountain ranges) will require a fair amount of downshifting into the lower cogs to keep one's forward momentum happy...

Compare this to the typical (but costlier to buy and to maintain diesel), of say 650 ft/lbs at 1,500 (07.5 dodge) where even with the largest camper, with a 16' x 7' enclosed trailer in tow, and up the Sierra Nevada's, downshifting occurs only occasionally and even then, from OD II (6th) to OD I (5th), all while maintaining acceptable freeway speeds. Its in this scenario that the side mirrors are what reveal a trailer is in tow - not downshifting. And power is even greater on the newest of diesels (i.e. silly power).

Yet admittedly, after just having to replace my dang VN turbo ($4,717 - at 108k mi due to perpetual EGR sooting...), the TCM article did catch my certain attention. It will be very interesting to see what size camper the experts at TCM mate to the mighty 6.4 Hemi - May the 6-7% grade wars begin!

3 Tons (out of necessity...)

3tons...After reading your last paragraph of your post I just bought a engine oil analysis kit from Genos garage and start monitoring the engine with regular testing. Hope it helps foresee any engine trouble in the future. I have been religious about my oil changes and maintenance with my 2006 5.9 CTD with 114,800 since I bought it new.. That kind of repair bill scares the heck out of me!!