I Made the Mistake of Leaving My Ram 2500 for an EcoBoost, and Now I’m Coming Back Strong with a 2500 HEMI

As truck enthusiasts, we all have those moments of regret, those times when we thought we were making an upgrade but ended up realizing we had something great all along. This evening, while strolling through the Ram 2500 4x4 Group on Facebook, I came across a post by James, a fellow truck owner who shared his experience of making the switch from an ’05 Ram 2500 to an EcoBoost, only to regret the decision. Now, he’s looking to return to a Ram 2500, but this time, he’s deciding between the 5.7 HEMI and the 6.4 HEMI.

James shared his story, saying:
“I had a Ram that served me well, but switching to an EcoBoost was a huge mistake. Now I’m looking to get into a 2016 or newer Ram 2500 gas truck and weighing the pros and cons of the 5.7 HEMI versus the 6.4. I tow a travel trailer that’s around 6,000 pounds loaded, but as the kids grow, I might upgrade to something closer to 8,500 pounds. Both engines seem like solid choices overall.”

The HEMI Dilemma: 5.7 vs. 6.4

The choice between the 5.7 HEMI and the 6.4 HEMI is one that many truck owners face when considering a heavy-duty gas-powered Ram 2500. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which has been a staple in Ram trucks for years, produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. While it’s a reliable workhorse, it lacks the low-end grunt and overall towing confidence of the 6.4-liter HEMI, which boasts 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the 6.4 HEMI comes with the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) that helps with fuel efficiency when the truck is not under load.

For those looking to enhance the look of their Ram 2500, check out how one owner completed their 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie Night Edition’s exterior upgrades with new wheels.

Real-World Feedback from Truck Owners

James’ post sparked a conversation in the group, with several experienced Ram owners chiming in with their insights:

• Jeremy: “I tow a bit over 8,000 pounds with my 2018 Ram 2500 equipped with the 6.4 HEMI and 4.10 gears, and it handles the load just fine. The 2019 and newer models come with a more reliable transmission, which is worth considering. Based on your max weight of 8,500 pounds, a gas engine should work well, though here in Colorado, the elevation makes that about as heavy as I’d want to go.”
• Nick: “Get a 2019 or newer with the ZF 8-speed transmission, it’s a big upgrade. I had the older 6-speed, and while it was okay, the wide gear spacing was its biggest downfall. With first gear at 3.23 and second at 1.81, it lugs the engine on uphill climbs.”
• Ross: “Get a 2019 or newer with the 8-speed. You wouldn’t think a transmission would make that much of a difference, but it’s truly night and day. The improved gearing and smoother shifts completely transform how the truck tows and drives. It’s one of the biggest upgrades Ram made in recent years.”

Why a 2019 or Newer Ram 2500 is the Smart Choice

One common theme among the comments was the ZF 8-speed transmission that Ram introduced in 2019 for the 6.4 HEMI models. The 8-speed automatic provides smoother shifts, better towing capability, and more optimized gear ratios for hauling. This improvement alone makes the 2019+ Ram 2500 a more desirable option.

For those interested in a detailed ownership experience, check out this story of a Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI owner debating an extended warranty.

For those who love the off-road capability of their Rams, the newer models also bring exciting packages like the 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel, which offers impressive performance both on and off the pavement.

Click here to see what makes the 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel special.

My Opinion on the Best Choice

From my perspective, if you're serious about towing and plan to keep your truck for years to come, the 6.4 HEMI is the way to go, especially if you can get a 2019 or newer model with the ZF 8-speed transmission. The added horsepower and torque make a noticeable difference when pulling heavy loads, and the better transmission gearing ensures you won't be constantly fighting the truck to find the right power band. Plus, when you're towing close to 8,500 pounds, every bit of extra power and smooth shifting helps to make the drive more comfortable and stress-free. The 5.7 HEMI is still a solid engine, but it just doesn’t have the same grunt as the 6.4, and if you're already considering upgrading your trailer in the future, why not future-proof your truck as well? After all, buying a heavy-duty truck is a long-term investment, and you want to make sure it meets your needs not just today, but for the years to come. If you're still debating, take a test drive of both and see the difference for yourself, I guarantee the 6.4 HEMI will win you over.

Lessons Learned: Sometimes, Sticking with What Works is Best

James’ story serves as a valuable lesson for truck enthusiasts. While it’s always tempting to try something new, not all upgrades are actually upgrades. Sometimes, the best choice is the one you already trust. For those considering a heavy-duty truck and debating between gas and diesel, it’s crucial to understand your towing needs and long-term plans before making the jump.

If you’re currently considering a new Ram 2500, be sure to check out why the HEMI is alive and well in the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty trucks. For off-road enthusiasts, Ram continues to push boundaries. Find out why off-roading fans will love the new 2024 Ram Lunar Editions.

What Do You Think?

• Have you ever switched trucks, only to regret your decision later? Share your experiences in the comments below!
• If you own a Ram 2500, what engine and transmission combo do you have, and how does it perform for your needs?

Let’s get the conversation going!

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.