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JWP127 · 09-10-2018, 09:42 PM

I did a search and couldn't find anything. I have a 2016 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi and tow a 33 foot tt that weighs around 7200#. My max tow weight I can haul is 12500#, so I'm good there.

Next summer I'm looking to go to Pagosa Springs, CO. I don't think the drive will be too bad. But I'm also thinking we might head up to the north western area also. Maybe around Silt, CO. How would the drive be from Pagosa Springs to Silt, or somewhere else in that area, towing with a 6.4 Hemi?

Thanks

Highway 4x4 · 09-10-2018, 10:41 PM

On some high grades it won't be fast but that Ram will drag that trailer up any hill there is. Take your time and go slow headed down.

hitekrdnk · 09-11-2018, 02:10 AM

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 hemi. We towed our keystone 248rks from Pennsylvania to Arizona and back. We used I40 west of the Mississippi. Never had any problems and not lacking for power. Granted the diesels will do better with power, but the 6.4 can easily do the job. Only drawback is fuel economy. We averaged 10mpg going west and 11mpg on the return trip. Our TT was running close to the gross of 6500#.

L.C.Gray · 09-12-2018, 04:55 AM

We just got back from that area and passed through Pagosa Springs on the way up to our stay at Durango. My F250 was pulling a similar sized TT and grossing about 15.5k with a 6.2 and it was not a problem. Your 6.4 Ram will get it done fine but you won't set any speed records.

Jshopes81 · 09-12-2018, 11:07 PM

Dont be afraid to make that gasser sing on the hills!

JWP127 · 09-13-2018, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the replies. I was concerned with the steep grades, going up, and especially going down, given I don't have an exhaust brake. I've heard engine braking works good on these gassers, but I live in Texas so I haven't had much experience with mountain driving.

hitekrdnk · 09-13-2018, 11:51 AM

When you're in the tow/haul mode, when you apply the brakes the transmission automatically shifts down a gear. Mine worked well on steep grades in Arizona.

JWP127 · 09-13-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hitekrdnk

When you're in the tow/haul mode, when you apply the brakes the transmission automatically shifts down a gear. Mine worked well on steep grades in Arizona.

Awesome. Thank you.

Jshopes81 · 09-13-2018, 10:20 PM

Diesels have to have an engine brake added on because of the way they work. They get full air all the time. Gas engines dont work like this. They by design have an engine brake built in.

WannaRetire · 09-14-2018, 11:27 AM

When towing downhill, if possible, lock out your overdrive gears. Tow/Haul mode will help, but I like to have control over the highest gear that it will shift to as the downhill grade decreases. It's useful to lock out higher gears especially for downhill traffic so you have better speed control and reduced brake application. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Doughydman · 09-18-2018, 07:29 PM

I’ve got 2017 2500 with 6.4 hemi. Trailer weighs about 10k loaded. If you take 70 you will notice a slowdown around the Eisenhower. I can barely hold 35 mph there. Also on some of the higher passes. Otherwise you’ll do fine. Mileage sucks too.

runamuck · 09-19-2018, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWP127

Thanks for the replies. I was concerned with the steep grades, going up, and especially going down, given I don't have an exhaust brake. I've heard engine braking works good on these gassers, but I live in Texas so I haven't had much experience with mountain driving.

we go up there often from DFW. if you are going 287/I-40 then up thru Santa Fe and up, there are no big climbs to make that will give give you much trouble. also take the bi-pass at Santa Fe if you want to miss going thru town...adds a cpl. miles but less stress.

Parks · 09-19-2018, 11:21 PM

Not sure which way you will get to Pagosa Springs but once in NM I would avoid the stretch of Hwy 64 between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Peidras through the Carson National Forest. While it is an absolutely beautiful drive it is a steep mountain pass. Taking Hwy 84 North from Santa Fe / Espanola up through Tierra Amarilla and on to PS may be an easier drive.

tuffr2 · 09-20-2018, 04:38 AM

As you know for every 1,000' elevation your gasoline engine will lose about 3% of its power. So at 7,000' your engine will be down approx 21%.

Fast Lane Trucks YouTube video prove it can be done with a gasoline engine as they run the truck in a high rpm range on their uphill runs. Half ton trucks usually towing 7,000lbs make it up the mountain easy.

I almost bought a Ram with 6.4. I thought it was a very nice truck.

Good luck