It’s not every day that TFLtruck gets an opportunity to compare similarly configured trucks, with the same load, and under conditions. The 2014 Ram 2500 HD Crew Cab 4×4 Big Horn you see here is $210 more expensive than the 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD we recently tested.
We had the same load behind both trucks. We adjusted the bed weight to compensate for the absence of Emme Hall, and the final weigh-in showed that the Ram and Chevy were within 100 pounds of each other for the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW).
The weather was about the same. It was 72F during the Ram test, which was three degrees cooler than during the Chevy test.
Even the rear-axle ratio was the same on both truck at 4.10. The big 6.4L HEMI V8 is the most powerful gasoline engine you can get in the Ram HD. It produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed up by the 6-speed automatic transmission.
The stage was set for the closest, most apples-to-apples HD truck comparison. However, the result was surprising. Check the data and the video below.
| 2014 Ram HD | |||
| Model | 2500 Crew Cab 4×4 | ||
| As Tested $ | $49,755 | ||
| Engine | 6.4-liter V8 | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed | ||
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 410 / 429 | ||
| Payload (lbs) | |||
| Tow Rating (lbs) | 15,500 (4.10 axle) | ||
| Test Load (trailer + cargo + ppl) | 12,500 lbs | ||
| Suspension Sag | 1 in | ||
| Ambient Temp F | 72F | ||
| Relative Humidity | Low (25%) | ||
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | ||
| Calculated Power Loss | N / A | ||
| Down: Brake Temp (Front / Rear / Trailer) F | 266 / 206 / 278 | ||
| Down: Transmission Temp | normal | ||
| Up: Time | 11:51.92 | ||
| Up: MPG | 2.8 | ||
| Up: Interior dB | 75 | ||
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | ||
Take a look at this detailed TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet HD video, featuring the 2014 Ram 2500 HD. If you haven’t already, please watch the 2015 Chevy 2500 HD video for comparison.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
