Only 1 Diesel Engine Used in Heavy-Duty Trucks Offers 2 Power Levels
The variety of towing power offered between three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks using the same diesel engine is a mystery. Ford and GM trucks use the same engine offering the same power level in their 2500 and 3500 series trucks, but Ram does not. The Cummins diesel engine in the Ram trucks is the only one that offers two power levels for distinct differences between the 2500 and 3500 series heavy-duty trucks.
What is the diesel engine for the Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks?
The engine for these trucks is a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder model. This engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In the Ram 2500HD models, the output from this engine is 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The towing power for this truck reaches a maximum of 19,900 pounds.
The Ram 3500HD version’s output is 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this truck can tow up to 35,100 pounds.
Is the 6.7 Cummins diesel a good engine?
Diesel trucks that use the Cummins engines are dependable and last a long time. The Cummins diesel engines are regarded as some of the best in the industry. This company has been building engines for generations and continually designs strong and durable engines made for industrial use.
Truck owners that have industrial-sized jobs often turn to the Ram trucks with the Cummins engines to get these big jobs done.
Which is better, Cummins or Duramax?
The 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine found in GM heavy-duty trucks, mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission providing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax diesel engine offers more horsepower, while the Cummins has more torque. The added gearing of the Allison transmission allows the Duramax engine to tow up to 35,500 pounds in the one-ton class.
Is the Power Stroke better than Cummins?
Ford gives the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 engine. This engine routes power to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The power output for this system is 450 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. In this case, the Power Stroke beats the Cummins for both horsepower and torque. When properly equipped, the Ford F-350 can tow up to 37,000 pounds.
What should Ram and Cummins do to improve the diesel powertrain?
Rumors fly that a new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission might head to the Ram heavy-duty truck lineup. This would be an ideal addition to the Cummins diesel engine, which makes ample power but could use the extra gearing. Another rumor tells us the 2023 transmission option for these trucks could come from ZF, which would also offer an interesting upgrade.
Does the Cummins engine offer enough power for you?
Unless you need to tow more than 35,000 pounds regularly, the Ram heavy-duty trucks with the Cummins diesel engines offer plenty of power.
It’s interesting how different automakers come to similar conclusions by traveling various paths. You see three different diesel engines with similar towing power but offered with unique packaging. The 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine is the only one in the heavy-duty truck class that offers two different power levels, making it unique.
Next, learn more about some special edition Dodge trucks from the past, or watch the Ram diesel video below:
