I want to get a new truck to pull my 24 foot enclosed trailer. It weighs 8000 lbs with the car and tools in it. I am looking at a Ram 2500 4x4 Power Wagon with the big Hemi, and a Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 with a Diesel engine. The price is almost the same for the two trucks. What one would you recommend, and why.

Thanks
Raul

Those 2500 hemis get terrible mpgs not even towing and if you had a chance to tow with both, no doubt you'd pick the diesel.

diesel

For myself, I would not buy a 4x4. Even in South Pennsylvania, there isn't enough snow to justify the added PIA to work on and expense. And I don't go to the woods. Maybe you need it for your situation.

I pulled a 24" box with a gas 1/2 ton for one season. Never again. I got a diesel dually and never looked back. Only way to go.

Normally I would say no to the diesel but if the price is almost the same as the gas trucks you're looking at, go with the diesel. Residual value and sale-ability will always be better with the diesel.

Was there some issues with the trans in those trucks?[hemi or diesel]That is why I got a GMC 1500 5.3

If you are limiting your travels to Tucson any of the Hemis will suffice in the 2500 (6.4 definitely better).... but living in AZ and traveling outside it’s borders you’ll appreciate the diesel. 14 and newer have been a phenomenal truck imho. Great mpg, great power, extended oil changes, and two fuel filters which is something that’s been needed since the 03 when the common rail came around.

08-12 6.7 I’d avoid.... especially since you emission test

I have a 2500 4x4 diesel w/ tuner. It pulls GREAT! 70 mph 13mpg.I used to pull w/1500 hemi. I pulled go vegas a number of years ago. It got such poor mileage everytime it saw a gas station the turn signal automatically came on!

What year gas and what year diesel are you looking at ?

Diesel because I have towed with both motors with similar weight, the diesel lives longer and uses a lot less fuel when towing and you get to the races quicker also

Diesel, dually, stick. Pulls great. Dually for extra stability (no sway). Stick for more control of your truck. Especially braking. Also run an exhaust brake. It makes life really really easy. Saves brakes too.

Also, 4x4??? If you plan on pulling in the winter, they are nice. If just pulling in the summer, 2wd is much nicer. Easier on fuel also.

An enclosed trailer is a sail in sidewinds. I like Duallys for their stability. Unless you need the 4WD for winter or off-road use, I'd avoid it unless you're thinking ahead to resale. The torque of the diesel will help climb hills.

I've been towing with a 95 dually stick since it was new. I love the stick. Still going strong. Total weight of my rig is around 19,000lbs. Towing on flat ground it delivers a solid 12+mpg, 11 in heavy hills. The pump is turned up a bit. Other than that it's stock. Will pull 70mph up any hill. That being said occasional towing of a lighter trailer, the gas motor isn't a bad deal. Diesel fuel cost continue to climb so the millage difference isn't as great as it seems.
Doug

Mine was a stick. My next one will be as well.

hi

diesel is best , no prob keeping up on hills , i have a 98 automatic and get app 16.5 pulling an open trailer and car . app 21 empty !

I’d buy a first gen Dodge with a a cummins in it. Best dodge they ever shoved a cummins in. Never mind the fact the new ones are all way more rusty than the first gens, I have a third gen that will need a new cab if I don’t completely replace the rockers before 2019 is over.

Diesel and a Power Wagon are the same price.....? I see that; interesting.

What do you need a Power Wagon for?

You can get a____________ for $9000.00 less, and it's nearly the same thing as a Power Wagon.

I recommend one of these from '03-05 if buying used.

To me it would depend on the overall usage of the truck. I just went thru the same thing about a month and half ago. My 07 2500 5.7 was getting tired so I traded it in on a 17 2500 6.4 hemi. They had a 17 2500 with a cummings on the lot for 2K more (had less options). For how much I use my truck and for what I use it for, I just decided to go with the hemi, even though the cummings will hold its value WAY better. I have a 70 mile round trip to the racetack towing a 24' box trailer in the 7500-800 lb range. Three are 3 decent "hills" as we say here in Maryland that I have on my way. I only have about 600 miles on the truck thus far, but get 9 mpg towing and 14-16ish empty. Not that great, but towing is actually 2 mpg better than my old truck and empty is the same. New truck does have 4.10's which helps and it has alot more get up and go than my old 5.7 with 3.73s.

Deisel crew cab dually. Then again I have had one a daily driver since 2001. Om my third one now and considering selling it and getting another new one this year.