2022 RAM 2500 6.4L Towing Question

[swartzy18]

2022 2500 Big Horn 6.4L Crew Cab 4x4 6'-4" box, 3.73 axle ratio, 8HP75-LCV, anti-spin rear axle

My wife and I are looking to make the life change to RV'ing full time. Looking at other threads about towing ratings and loads I'm having a hard time being confident in our decision to order a 2500 to make this change happen.

What is the max payload of a fifth wheel people are towing with the 6.4l and the standard 3.73 ratio?

Since we are going full time, we are looking at a couple different manufacturers of 5th wheels and lenghts are in the 39-42' with GVWR from 13,000 to 19,000lbs. Just wanting to make sure the truck can handle whatever we get as we wont be moving around and pulling all the time, but enough so we are safe and not putting extra wear and tear on the truck.

My follow up question is, pulling that long and heavy of a 5th wheel, do you usually stop at the weigh stations or can these be ignored?

Thank you for the help

 

[whitexc]

You need more truck. Read more and do your homework. I tow much lighter than what you are looking at and while the truck handles it ok.....diesel and leaf springs/air ride is where it's at for you.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[Lary0071]

Weigh stations are for commercial drivers. You will not have DOT numbers or business signage on the truck, so you ignore them and roll on past. I'm 50 years old and been pulling trailers of various types and weights since the early 90's and I have never pulled into a station or been bothered by DOT. I know of not a single other person that has been bothered.

 

[Lary0071]

Your 6.4L gasser 2500 will have around a 2900-3100 total payload (depending on options), your fifth wheel is likely going to exceed that alone, you really need a single rear wheel 3500 6.4L shortbed.

 

[jadmt]

I have a 6.4L with 8speed and 4.10's I think it would struggle with towing anywhere near that weight, if you are set on gas get the long box so you can get a 50 gallon tank otherwise you will be looking for fuel every 150 miles when pulling. for a house on wheels get a diesel and 3500....

 

[MtnRider]

You are in 3500 Diesel territory with that load you are looking at. That would be my 2c.


.

 

[dablack21]

I tow a 6,000lb camper occasionally with my 2020 CCLB Hemi. Maybe 2000 of my 36000 miles. If I was pulling a camper as heavy as yours full time, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a cummins. Even with my setup (3.73s), I get around 7mpg, so I have to stop every 150 or so miles to fill up. When I pulled heavy with my cummins, I would get around 11-13mpg. The hemi will be screaming around 2500-3000rpm in 6th gear all the time, even on fairly level highway. Unless you plan on going 50mph everywhere.

You may not be crazy about the extra $10K for the cummins, but you need it.

 

[RAM_Dad]

3500 Cummins Dually would be the best choice. Especially considering you want to full time. You’ll have very confident towing and the exhaust brake will be a godsend.

Not a chance I’d consider a Hemi for towing that large of a trailer full time. You’ll regret it real quickly.

 

[CdnHO]

Most fifth wheels require a 3500. Remember the manufacturer's pin weight is totally differerent than what it is loaded, especially full time. Figure that your pin weight will be 25% of the trailer GVWR as a starting point. Your best bet is a dually with diesel power if you are planning on full timing.

 

[Firebird]

I tow 9000 pounds with ease, but the weights you are talking is 3500 diesel territory

 

[Brutal_HO]

I'm pulling 16K with my HO and couldn't even imagine trying to do that with a gasser.

FWIW, I can pretty much go the speed I want up thanks in part to the HO, and 100% my decision down thanks to the EB.

Raton Pass SB kicked my butt a little but only because some clueless knucklhead got their little garbage micro SUV in my way and I had to scrub speed half way up.

Wolf Creek Pass either direction was driver's choice on speed.

 

[Brutal_HO]

That configuration is only rated to tow 14K. The numbers below are BEST CASE with no additional options. subtract your wife, hitch weight, gear, etc. and you'll have no payload for a big fifth wheel.

3500 Hemi will get you 4100 lbs payload max.






3500 long bed Hemi will get you max payload.

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[Squatch]

Cummins 3500 man, don’t mess around with the hemi for that weight. I have the hemi, and I would trade it straight for a Cummins if I was towing all the time, the hemi isn’t going to handle that weight. The exhaust brake is worth the diesel alone.

 

[McHenry2500]

The exhaust brake is worth the diesel alone.

This is 100% a valid reason for switching to a CTD. No camper/5'er experience but most of my ranch/work trailers are on the heavier side and the EB definitely helps.

 

[gimmie11s]

Diesel, 4.10's, 3500 and certainly DRW if you are serious about "full time" camping in a trailer that size.

 

[Lary0071]

The payload and axle ratings in a 2021 3500HD dually Cummins 4.10 gears. Nothing at all comparable to a 2500.

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[Brutal_HO]

Diesel, 4.10's, 3500 and certainly DRW if you are serious about "full time" camping in a trailer that size.

To be concise (OK pedantic), 4.10's are only available with an SRW Hemi or DRW. SRW diesel is only available with 3.73 rear. The phrasing would imply otherwise.

 

[DougB]

I agree with everything above. I have a 2006 5.9 2500 mega cab and occasionally tow a 8500-9000 lb travel trailer. The 325hp/610ft-lbs of torque handles the trailer fine but given a decent incline it will drop into 3rd (only has 4 spd) and be screaming (for a diesel) at 2500 rpm until the crest. I cannot imagine what 181 ft-lbs LESS torque (610 vs 429) and 5-10k more of trailer would feel like. Also, mine doesn't have the exhaust brake so downhill is like the Hemi and not confidence inspiring. Add an exhaust brake with the modern diesels and you can breathe easily going up and then back down. If you're pushing upper teens on your 5er, consider the dually for most peace of mind.

One thing to look into when going to a 3500 is the GCWR of your truck and trailer. If you're over the 26,001 lb limit, there could be licensing requirements depending on your state. Here in TX, it means a Class A non-CDL exam and driving skills test. Also, consider the added registration and insurance costs of a >10k GVWR truck.

 

[Brutal_HO]

2006 is easy to add an exhaust brake.

 

[DougB]

2006 is easy to add an exhaust brake.

Yep. Just not needed much in the hills of central TX.

Unfortunately, usually have maintenance items to tend to vs. modern convenience upgrades at this stage. The new truck keeps calling. The $$$$$$$ price keeps me working on the 06 though. Luckily, I do not have bigger trailer aspirations any time soon.