TFLtruck has waited a long time to take the 3.0L EcoDiesel powered Ram up the Ike Gauntlet. Finally, we have the opportunity take this 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel up the steep highway when loaded very near the max.
The turbo-diesel produces a healthy 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm. This truck is equipped with the 3.92 rear axle ratio and is rated at a maximum 7,950 lbs of towing and 13,750 lbs of total GCWR for the truck, people, and trailer. The maximum payload rating for this configuration is 1,610 lbs, but TFLtruck recommends that you weight your truck empty and fully loaded to get the most accurate numbers for your exact configuration and options.
This Ram EcoDiesel was the first 4×2 pickup truck to go up the Ike Gauntlet. Also, we are comparing it against the 4×4 F-150 EcoBoost. We chose to increase the weight of the load for the Ram by around 150 pounds to compensate for the lighter weight 4×2 model. This weight penalty should keep the contest as even as possible.
In the end, the numbers speak loudly. Just check the reported MPG and times up the hill in the table below!
| 2015 Ram 1500 | 2015 Ford F-150 | ||
| Model | QuadCab Big Horn 4×2 | SuperCab Lariat 4×4 | |
| Estimated $ | $44,140 | $47,020 | |
| Engine | 3.0-liter V6 | 2.7-liter V6 | |
| Transmission | 8-speed | 6-speed | |
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 240 / 420 | 325 / 375 | |
| Payload (lbs) | 1,610 | 1,740 | |
| Tow Rating (lbs) | 7,950 (3.92 axle) | 7,600 (3.55 axle) | |
| Test Load (trailer + cargo + ppl) | 7,850 lbs | 7,700 lbs | |
| Suspension Sag | 3 in | 2 in | |
| Ambient Temp F | 42F | 36F | |
| Relative Humidity | Low (30%) | Low (30%) | |
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg | |
| Calculated Power Loss | N / A | N / A | |
| Up: Time | 9:03.71 | 7:38.17 | |
| Up: MPG | 6.1 | 4.3 | |
| Up: Interior dB | N / A | N / A | |
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | normal | |
Take a look at this detailed TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video, featuring the 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
Also, check out Ike Gauntlet results for all trucks.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
