The ram box does seem nice, but all my trucks have had a cap on the bed
How does the 5.7L do in the 2500 series? The numbers are close, but it's a gamble with saving $3500 or getting a 6.4L
How's the mpg between the two motors?
Rear suspension needs to be discussed too......i am sure the rear coils ride great over the leafs, but what about simplicity and payload
I’m on my second 2500 Ram with the 5.7L Hemi. The first truck was a 2004 HD with 3.73 gears and 35” tires. My daily is a 2012 Power Wagon on 34” tires. I’ve been happy with the 5.7L. It’s a thirsty setup, but I doubt the 6.4L is a whole lot better. Depending on driving habits you’re going to see around 12mpg in town. At say 65mph you’ll see around 15mpg, and once you step over 70mph it’s going to drop to closer to 13mpg. I put around 8,000 miles a year on my truck, so fuel economy isn’t a big concern. I love the Power Wagon platform as long as you don’t need a ton of hauling capability. The ride for a 3/4 ton truck is amazing, but you’re sacrificing some work load numbers to get the softer springs. I will never own anything heavier than what the Power Wagon can handle, so I’m ok with that.
In short, you have to decide how much truck you need, and how that fits into your budget. The 2500 Hemi setup has been perfect for me, and I can’t say a bad thing about it. I’ve got over 115,000 miles between the two trucks, and the 5.7L has never let me down. The 6.4L mated to 4.10 gears has never been enough to make me want to upgrade, but I’m sure it’s a great setup. Again- it’s what you need and can afford that’s important.
