Dodge 5500 with 6.4 Hemi for Towing

mikesee · Jul 7, 2014

Currently towing a 14k gooseneck equipment trailer with loads up to about 9500 pounds with a 125k mile 2001 Duramax GMC Sierra 2500 daily. Just had major engine issues cost to repair up to 5k. Local driving, usually 200 miles a day.

Now planning to buy a truck to better handle this load, looking at Ram 4500/5500 and Ford 550. I was originally thinking of going diesel but am having second thoughts as diesel options cost an additional 8 to 10k. Since I need a truck today, I do not have time to order one. The Cummins equipted Rams on the lots have either 4.44 or 4.10 axle ratios which significantly reduces CGVW according to Ram. For example the 5500 with the Cummins and 4.44 axle is only rated to tow 17 to 18k, no where close to the almost 30k rating if it were equiped with the 4.88 gears.

Based on this I am considering going with the Hemi equiped 6.4 liter gas engine Ram 5500 with 4.8 gears rated to tow 18k.

The math related to expense of the diesel just dosen't add up from my business perspective.

Where do CGVW ratings come from and what are their implications? To me it seems just BS that Ram can rate a 3500 single axle pick up truck at 37k CGVW and a 5500 truck with CGVW less than 30k.

Diamondpilot · Jul 7, 2014

It comes down to warranty at the end of the day. A 3500 SRW will be an occasional use truck. Say towing a 15,000# camper a hand full of times a year. A 5500 series truck is a day in day out work horse. So the numbers are adjusted to make warranty cost effective.

Whatever you do its going to come down to total cost of ownership.

Chris

handirifle · Jul 8, 2014

I agree with Diamondpilot
The number have to work for YOU. I assume your Dmax needed new injectors, which is common on the LB7's at 100K or more. Newer engines are a lot more reliable. Newer Cummins diesels are way more powerful than the LB7 was and just as fuel efficient. I'd find out what your towing mileage will be with that 6.4. I've heard they really like gas so it could cost the same quicker than you think. Then again the newer diesels with the DEF to use hurts that number as well.

If all you are towing is 9500lbs, I have to ask why are you stepping up to a 5500? Seems like overkill to me, unless you plan on going much higher than that, but I am not a commercial driver either.

Good luck on your choice. Personally, I'd take as LONG as I possibly could. Rushed purchases have seldom worked out for me personally.

dodge man · Jul 8, 2014

Some of the difference isn't what a 5500 will tow but what it will carry in the back which is a lot more. Say you need a welder, an air compressor, a fuel tank etc in the bed of the truck this is where a 5500 will out perform a lesser truck.

The Fred · Jul 8, 2014

I have a friend who runs a new V10 powered Ford bucket truck for the local cable company. He's a Chevy guy but says the Ford V10 power is very nice.

Not sure a Hemi would be up to the task you require.

Good luck whatever you decide, Fred

mikehaugen · Jul 8, 2014

I don't believe the v10 is an option anymore. '08 I think was the last year in anything f-350 and lower, not sure about the 450/550 though.

JESSE1 · Jul 8, 2014

You can still get the V10 in the F-450/550 chassis cab trucks. The 6.2 V8 is the only gas engine available in the SuperDuty pickups. Lots of utility trucks are using the V10 now instead of the diesel because the V10 can be idled for hours where idling is not good for the new diesels.

mikesee · Jul 8, 2014

Thank everyone. Luck would have it that I just came from looking at a privately owned 1999 Topkick C6500 with a 10 foot bed / 5th wheel plate 77,000 miles GVWR 26k. Am so psyched as this rig will excede my current needs by a long shot. If I can get the cash together will have a very solid tow rig.

cockeyedMFer · Jul 10, 2014

mikesee said:
Thank everyone. Luck would have it that I just came from looking at a privately owned 1999 Topkick C6500 with a 10 foot bed / 5th wheel plate 77,000 miles GVWR 26k. Am so psyched as this rig will excede my current needs by a long shot. If I can get the cash together will have a very solid tow rig.

Do you have CDL for your current rig, or are you non-commercial? Your current trailer and the Topkick together, as I understand it are CDL territory because of the size of the trailer and overall GCVW.

mikesee · Jul 10, 2014

I just got my CDL learner's permit today. Class A without air brake endorsement. With a 14k trailer I figured I would end up over 26k with any of the trucks I was looking at. The next slot for the CDL road test is 3 weeks away. Guess I will just be an outlaw until then as I get the Topkick tomorrow and will be back in business by Saturday.