Fowler Ram on I-240 - Which engine is better for towing on weekends around Norman, OK?
Choosing between the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8 for your Ram 2500 build is a smart question for anyone who hauls boats, campers, or work trailers on a regular basis. The answer depends on what you tow, how often you tow it, and where you drive. Let’s unpack real-world differences so you can pick the powertrain that matches your use around Norman’s neighborhood streets, regional highways, and weekend destinations.
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is the torque champion. It delivers up to 1,075 lb-ft of Best-in-Class available base diesel torque and, when properly equipped, up to 20,000 pounds of maximum available diesel towing. The diesel’s low-rpm grunt makes it excellent for heavy fifth-wheels and tall, wind-catching loads. The 6.4L HEMI® V8, by contrast, shines with confident conventional towing and excellent payload capability — perfect if your routine mixes jobsite gear during the week with a moderate trailer on the weekend. If your top priority is the heaviest towing, the diesel is your go-to. If you want strong all-around performance with frequent bed loads and occasional towing, the gas V8 is a compelling choice.
How the engine choice feels in real Oklahoma driving
Heading south on I-35 or east toward Lake Thunderbird, crosswinds and rolling grades can test any rig. The diesel’s abundant torque lets you stay in the power band with fewer downshifts, which is a big confidence boost when passing or merging with a trailer. The gas V8 responds quickly and delivers strong acceleration, especially when you’re not at the upper end of the tow chart. Around town, both engines pair with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, which shifts smoothly to keep power ready while maintaining composure in traffic.
If you regularly tow on weekends — say a mid-size camper or a boat — follow this basic guideline: the heavier and taller the load, the more you will appreciate the diesel’s torque. If you’re hauling landscaping supplies, lumber, or equipment in the bed during the week and pulling a lighter trailer occasionally, the gas V8’s payload strengths and lower complexity can be a sweet spot.
Tech that makes either engine easier to live with
Whichever engine you choose, Ram’s towing and visibility tech can transform your experience. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera delivers a birds-eye view around your truck and trailer, and the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration shows what’s happening behind and beside your rig even when your bed or trailer blocks a traditional mirror view. The available Trailer Reverse Steering Control uses a dedicated knob to help you guide the trailer precisely — a real benefit when backing into tight campsites or staging at the boat ramp.
Don’t forget support systems that make longer drives more relaxing. Adaptive Cruise Control can automatically adjust speed down to a stop even with a trailer attached, Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking can apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected, and available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist helps you stay centered on the highway.
Range, payload, and upfit considerations
On select Crew Cab 8-foot bed models, you can spec an available 50-gallon fuel tank to reduce stops on extended trips. If you often carry heavy cargo in the bed, consider how each powertrain impacts payload. The gas 6.4L HEMI® V8 configuration can offer robust payload capacity — up to 3,930 pounds maximum gas payload when properly equipped — while diesel setups are optimized for maximum towing with strong payload capability of their own. Match the balance to your mix of tasks. If you plan to add equipment or upfits, talk with our team about axle ratios, hitch types, and the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package for a clean, factory-installed foundation.
Interior tech also plays a big part in towing days. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV keeps mapping and trailer info easy to read at a glance, while the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display can surface key vehicle stats and alerts. Available dual wireless charging pads and the Class-Exclusive available 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display round out a cabin that’s genuinely helpful when you’re navigating to campsites or coordinating convoy travel with friends.
Which engine should you pick?
If your weekend towing weight edges toward the top of the charts, choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 for that mountain of torque and calm, consistent pull. If your trailer is more moderate and you put a premium on payload and overall simplicity, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 will serve you exceptionally well. Either way, equip tow-friendly tech — the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and Trailer Reverse Steering Control are difference-makers — and consider the available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension for balanced ride and headlamp alignment with load.
When you are ready to compare back-to-back, our team at Fowler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on I-240 can arrange a route that includes city streets, highway, and, if you’d like, a towing demonstration. We are proud to be serving Moore, Norman, and Yukon with a professional, transparent process that helps you make the right long-term decision.
Helpful add-ons to consider
As you finalize your build, a few packages and features can make ownership easier and more productive from day one. Here are smart add-ons worth a look based on how you use your truck.
- Tow Tech Package with Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring
- Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package
- Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension
- Available 50-gallon fuel tank on select Crew Cab 8-foot bed models
- Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System
- Available 2.4-kilowatt onboard power inverter
Each of these options adds convenience that shows up every week, whether you’re rolling out before dawn, setting up at a campsite, or knocking out projects at home. And if you plan to share driving duties, the ability to create up to five driver profiles within Uconnect® 5 NAV is a small but meaningful touch.
The right engine choice is the one that fits your life. We’ll help you weigh towing weights, payload needs, and your favorite destinations to build a Ram 2500 that works hard without working you hard. Bring your trailer specs, and we will take it from there.