Which truck should you get if you regularly tow around 13,000 lbs? This weight is just out of reach of the latest half-ton pickups. And even if a 1500 truck could tow this much, it’s a good idea to step up to a 2500 series (aka. 3/4 ton) pickup for more stability and better performance. This 2015 Ram 2500 HD is next to take the Ike Gauntlet challenge.
This 4×2 Longhorn is powered by the 6.7L Cummins I6 turbo-diesel that is good for 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the rear. The rear axle ratio is 3.42.
The closest competitor that we have tested is the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD single-rear-wheel with the Duramax turbo-diesel. We carried more weight in the bed of the 3500 truck, but the trailer was identical.
How did this Ram do? See the data and video below.
| 2015 Ram 2500 HD | |||
| Model | Crew Cab Longhorn 4×2 | ||
| As Tested $ | $61,535 | ||
| Engine | 6.7-liter I6 | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed | ||
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 370 / 800 | ||
| Payload (lbs) | 2,530 | ||
| Tow Rating (lbs) | 17,360 (3.42 axle) | ||
| Test Load (trailer + cargo + ppl) | 13,000 lbs | ||
| Suspension Sag | 0 in | ||
| Ambient Temp F | 40F | ||
| Relative Humidity | 40% | ||
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | ||
| Calculated Power Loss | N / A | ||
| Up: Time | 7:33.00 | ||
| Up: MPG | 4.4 | ||
| Up: Interior dB | n/a | ||
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | ||
Take a look at this TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video, featuring the 2015 Ram 2500.
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.
