review needed: v6 pentastar ram 4x4

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

i'm considering a ram 1500 pentastar for the wife and pulling an 18-20' boat

pls post your towing experience,mpg and any upgrades

-I have watched a youtube video on an upgrade called "hot tune" for the pcm

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Maybe the Eco diesel would be better

If it's a V6 you want though consider the Ford Eco boost

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

not a ford fan,having 2 turbos will eventually mean twice the trouble

[elkdump]

not a ford fan,having 2 turbos will eventually mean twice the trouble

No kidding :sHa_sarcasticlol:

I bought a new $50,000 F150 4x4 Ford Eco-borscht V6frankenstine turbin failure in 2012 , the worst piece of gas guzzling s#!T I have seen in 30 years, and I am long time mechanic and thought I'd seen every piece of crapp on earth ,,

A gas sucking, electrical and mechanical improbability on wheels,,

Cost me $30,000 to own that piece of xxxx for 12 months,,,

[Erik]

I will answer from perspective of owning and doing my own maintenance of Dodge Caravans.

Avoid the 3.6L Pentastar. It is a dog in Caravans. The 3.8L and 3.3L were much better caravan engines.

[BigRedJeep]

The 3.8 sucked brutally! I had one in my 09 jeep jk. Have heard from most owners of the new 3.6 penta was a huge upgrade from the old 3.8. Buying a truck I don't think I could justify buying a v6 model. Towing anything with that would suck. How much cheaper is a v6 model vs the hemi? The hemi is a good engine! It's about the only thing good in dodge products as they can't ever seem to build a decent auto transmission. And their power steering has been equally as garbage for the last 40 years. In my experience that is. My opinion!! :)

[Unregistered user]

not a ford fan,having 2 turbos will eventually mean twice the trouble

Just about every diesel out there is running turbos too, got them figured out pretty good by now. FWIW I'd go with the 5.0 F150.

[CNP]

I will answer from perspective of owning and doing my own maintenance of Dodge Caravans.

Avoid the 3.6L Pentastar. It is a dog in Caravans. The 3.8L and 3.3L were much better caravan engines.

The 3.8 is crap, a dog. The 3.6 Pentastar is way peppier.

The 3.8 sucked brutally! I had one in my 09 jeep jk. Have heard from most owners of the new 3.6 penta was a huge upgrade from the old 3.8. Buying a truck I don't think I could justify buying a v6 model. Towing anything with that would suck. How much cheaper is a v6 model vs the hemi? The hemi is a good engine! It's about the only thing good in dodge products as they can't ever seem to build a decent auto transmission. And their power steering has been equally as garbage for the last 40 years. In my experience that is. My opinion!! :)

Just about every diesel out there is running turbos too, got them figured out pretty good by now. FWIW I'd go with the 5.0 F150..

I agree with everything you're saying. I too had a 3.8 in an 08 Jeep. It was horrible, a dog. Now have a jeep with the 3.6. Wayyyy better engine. Any 6 cyl gas truck towing and in the mountains is not going to perform well.

[ghfalls]

I've got a 2014 pentastar and I love it. Peppy. Good power. Also have a hemi and the v6 gets 2 litres per 100 km better on average. Haven't towed with it, but I bet it would drink the fuel pretty fast. The hemi gets about 20 l/100km towing one sled on a small trailer. That's about what a diesel will do towing 10000 pounds.

[TROLLER]

You do not need a diesel to pull an 18 or 20ft boat.

Think about how much extra that motor will cost and really how many times during the year do you pull the boat.

Go with the small V8.

[Erik]

The 3.8 sucked brutally! I had one in my 09 jeep jk. Have heard from most owners of the new 3.6 penta was a huge upgrade from the old 3.8. Buying a truck I don't think I could justify buying a v6 model. Towing anything with that would suck. How much cheaper is a v6 model vs the hemi? The hemi is a good engine! It's about the only thing good in dodge products as they can't ever seem to build a decent auto transmission. And their power steering has been equally as garbage for the last 40 years. In my experience that is. My opinion!! :)

The 3.8 is just a 3.3 with a different head and bore stroke. It is one of Dodges most reliable engines. The 3.6 has had a litany of reliability problems and I see so many Caravans tossed out at just over 100k with the 3.6L. That's how I see it from my Caravan experience, anyway. The engine might be peppier, but what does that matter if you can only use it for 100k before major failures.

If I were going for a Ram 1500, I'd be looking at the 5.7 Hemi. That's how I would consider the problem, relative to the OP's options.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

the wife has a hemi chysler 300c and its a gas guzzling SOB!

[curtz]

My wife had a Pentastar in her 2011 Jeep and has one in her 2015 Jeep, seems like a great engine, lot of power. We trade before 100,000 km so not sure about long reliability.

[reddeerguy2015]

V6, towing and truck do not go together.

As mentioned, go with a v8 or add some turbos to that v6 (ecoboost, the newer the better).

Gas mileage gains will be negliable with the pentastar (engine is working much harder) and resale values will tank.

Hemi is your friend.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

V6, towing and truck do not go together.

As mentioned, go with a v8 or add some turbos to that v6 (ecoboost, the newer the better).

Gas mileage gains will be negliable with the pentastar (engine is working much harder) and resale values will tank.

Hemi is your friend.

so for the few times each summer i will tow the boat i should cross the v6 off the list?

[Smokey]

Towed a 20 Foot Boat with my 2013 3.6 L Jeep no problem from Spruce Grove to Wabumum in 6th gear. Required little to no downshifting. 285 hp is comparable to trucks 10 years ago. So if the tow rating is 6-7000 pounds it would be no issue. However I'd always pay the money for a V8. You have a truck that will be easier to sell.

[reddeerguy2015]

so for the few times each summer i will tow the boat i should cross the v6 off the list?

Do you enjoy driving a 5500lb truck powered by a v6??

What are your real world mpg numbers ??

Resale is a huge factor, as is reliability.

A v6 in a pickup, from my experiance, is never going to see the longevity of a v8 - more stresses on the engine.

Torque is the ticket for rolling mass - a v6 doesnt have it. 285hp is peak hp at a HIGH rpm range, not at all efficient in a truck - car yes.

I see no benefit of having a six cylinder engine in a pickup truck, from an overall financial perspective or otherwise.

:snapoutofit:

[reddeerguy2015]

Also for the record, the op is asking about a 1500 half ton. You guys that have jeeps with a v6 that are commenting - its irrelevant. Your comparing apples to oranges.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Do you enjoy driving a 5500lb truck powered by a v6??

What are your real world mpg numbers ??

Resale is a huge factor, as is reliability.

A v6 in a pickup, from my experiance, is never going to see the longevity of a v8 - more stresses on the engine.

Torque is the ticket for rolling mass - a v6 doesnt have it. 285hp is peak hp at a HIGH rpm range, not at all efficient in a truck - car yes.

I see no benefit of having a six cylinder engine in a pickup truck, from an overall financial perspective or otherwise.

:snapoutofit:


I was hoping to hear from actual owners of a ram v6 4x4.I have searched youtube reviews,the net in general and even emailed trucks for sale on kijiji,most guys say no prob pulling a boat or small camper. Most report 1000-1100kms per tank (94liters) ,9-10l/100kms

There is a guy on youtube who claims a "hot tune" drastically changed his truck,its a reprogram of the pcm.

they are rated 305hp and 269ft lbs tq

[reddeerguy2015]

I was hoping to hear from actual owners of a ram v6 4x4.I have searched youtube reviews,the net in general and even emailed trucks for sale on kijiji,most guys say no prob pulling a boat or small camper. Most report 1000-1100kms per tank (94liters) ,9-10l/100kms

There is a guy on youtube who claims a "hot tune" drastically changed his truck,its a reprogram of the pcm.

Be careful what you read - my best friend owns a 2015 ram 1500 ecodiesel (a MUCH more fuel efficient v6 than the pentastar), and he is getting 11.5 L/100km highway empty, and 17 L/100km towing a small 5th wheel trailer.

I own a 2014 Ram 1500 Hemi, 8 sp trans, and see an average of 14 L/100km per tank.

The v6 might get that empty, but strap a boat, trailer - whatever to it and it will get worse mileage, lower resale, poor performance and less reliability.

Why are you set on the v6??

[reddeerguy2015]

FYI, hemi is rated around 400/400 for hp and torque and ecodiesel around 240/420.

269 ft/lbs is not enough for a 5500lb truck.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Be careful what you read - my best friend owns a 2015 ram 1500 ecodiesel (a MUCH more fuel efficient v6 than the pentastar), and he is getting 11.5 L/100km highway empty, and 17 L/100km towing a small 5th wheel trailer.

I own a 2014 Ram 1500 Hemi, 8 sp trans, and see an average of 14 L/100km per tank.

The v6 might get that empty, but strap a boat, trailer - whatever to it and it will get worse mileage, lower resale, poor performance and less reliability.

Why are you set on the v6??

28mpg

[reddeerguy2015]

28mpg

Good luck.

[coolpete1]

a "hot tune" will do nothing , changes your shift points and voids your warranty the second its been done , your pcm logs reprogram attempts . i work on them all day long , the 3.6 is ok , hemi is way more reliable , 4.7 is a waste of your money . i'd buy the hemi over the 3.6 , fuel mileage isnt bad 14l/100 in town and 10 or so on the hiway . i owned 4 of them .

[ghfalls]

Mine gets anywhere between 10.8 average in summer to 13.5 in winter with lots of idling and taking lunch in running truck. My next truck will be an outdoorsman with the v6 also. I bet on a long highway run I could get under 10 average without speeding. Not that it matters but I drove an ecodiesel for about 100km, and I'd bet my v6 would whoop it in a drag race.

[reddeerguy2015]

Mine gets anywhere between 10.8 average in summer to 13.5 in winter with lots of idling and taking lunch in running truck. My next truck will be an outdoorsman with the v6 also. I bet on a long highway run I could get under 10 average without speeding. Not that it matters but I drove an ecodiesel for about 100km, and I'd bet my v6 would whoop it in a drag race.

And a hemi would whoop your v6 in a drag race...so what??

If you want mpgs - get an ecodiesel.

If you want a reliable, well rounded engine, power and mpg wise, get a hemi.

If you want an underpowered, sluggish truck with low resale value, get a pentastar v6.

If your looking for carlike mpgs, get a car!

But to each his own - to the original poster, you seem set on it anyways so why look out opinions of real world owners ??

[jim summit]

The 3.6 has more hp and just bit less torque then the first gen chevy 5.3 V8.
And i know of guys tow huge loads with them.
The 3.6 has good torque over the entire rpm range.
The caravan weights 5000lbs empty, it flat hauls.


5.3 V8. 270hp
320 torque

3.6 V6. 305hp
270 torque

And the Eco diesel does not have a good reputation at work.

[reddeerguy2015]

The 3.6 has more hp and just bit less torque then the first gen chevy 5.3 V8.
And i know of guys tow huge loads with them.
The 3.6 has good torque over the entire rpm range.
The caravan weights 5000lbs empty, it flat hauls.


5.3 V8. 270hp
320 torque

3.6 V6. 305hp
270 torque

And the Eco diesel does not have a good reputation at work.

Actually, the current 5.3 puts out 355hp and 383 ft/lbs torque.

Your comparing specs from a 10 year old design.

Newer 5.3s have direct injection and advanced computer controls - as does the pentastar.

Still doesnt change the fact it isnt the best choice for a pickup truck. Unless you own one...:argue2:

[jim summit]

Like i said, first Gen 5.3.
Mine is still getting the job done.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Actually, the current 5.3 puts out 355hp and 383 ft/lbs torque.

Your comparing specs from a 10 year old design.

Newer 5.3s have direct injection and advanced computer controls - as does the pentastar.

Still doesnt change the fact it isnt the best choice for a pickup truck. Unless you own one...:argue2:


appreciate the comments etc

its for the wife so could careless how fast it is.Like I mentioned we pull the boat 5-6 times a summer.In my eyes a car is useless.I have just rewatched 6-8 youtube vids and comparing mpg. There are several vids showing 1000+ kms per tank. The hemi not so much.

Theres no way in hell I'm spending 60k on a half ton ecodiesel.We live 4.5miles from town and only tow a boat a few times a yr.Basically we want a commuter thats easy on gas ,4x4,truck box,crew cab

feel free to go on youtube for real time mpg etc

thanks renegade for your pm and info on your v6 ram

[reddeerguy2015]

I can honestly say - if your looking for a crew 4x4 half ton, you will never see 1000km per tank, pentastar or hemi.

Mileage will be *very* little between a hemi & pentastar, assuming 2013 & newer and 8 speed trans (they make 2, one for v6, v8 gets beefier version). Consider that over long term use.

Over time you will wish you had opted for the v8, especially when it comes time to sell. You wont lose financially with the v8 over the long term ownership.

Regardless good luck man.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

I can honestly say - if your looking for a crew 4x4 half ton, you will never see 1000km per tank, pentastar or hemi.

Mileage will be *very* little between a hemi & pentastar, assuming 2013 & newer and 8 speed trans (they make 2, one for v6, v8 gets beefier version). Consider that over long term use.

Over time you will wish you had opted for the v8, especially when it comes time to sell. You wont lose financially with the v8 over the long term ownership.

Regardless good luck man.


Not sure how these guys are faking their mileage per tank on youtube?
I can tell you my wifes hemi 300c is a pig on fuel!

[reddeerguy2015]

Not sure how these guys are faking their mileage per tank on youtube?
I can tell you my wifes hemi 300c is a pig on fuel!

And you think that a vehicle that weighs 1500 to 2k lbs heavier is going to be better on fuel???

Depends on year - 2013 on seen substantial improvements. You havent provided many details on year, transmission, etc.

But youtube IS the holy grail.

[reddeerguy2015]

You should probably be looking at a jetta tdi if your concerned about a couple of L/100 stats.

It seems your mind is set - regardless.

Its your $$$ and you've got to live with it.

Cheers! :scared0018:

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

And you think that a vehicle that weighs 1500 to 2k lbs heavier is going to be better on fuel???

Depends on year - 2013 on seen substantial improvements. You havent provided many details on year, transmission, etc.

But youtube IS the holy grail.
guys are doing vids on 2013 or newer,8spd trans with 3:21 or 3:55 gearing

[reddeerguy2015]

guys are doing vids on 2013 or newer,8spd trans with 3:21 or 3:55 gearing

I own one - as I already stated.

Also, gears offered are 3.21 or 3.92.

3.55 were NOT offered in these mentioned model years. Look it up.

If you have a *smoking* deal on a v6 lined up, as in free - jump on it.

If your paying near retail - don't expect to save money in the long run. You will pay for it in resale loss or repair costs (depending how long you want to keep it).

Or check out those youtube videos with those very loyal pentastar owners.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

I own one - as I already stated.

Also, gears offered are 3.21 or 3.92.

3.55 were NOT offered in these mentioned model years. Look it up.

If you have a *smoking* deal on a v6 lined up, as in free - jump on it.

If your paying near retail - don't expect to save money in the long run. You will pay for it in resale loss or repair costs (depending how long you want to keep it).

Or check out those youtube videos with those very loyal pentastar owners.


actually if you go onto the ram website and build a 2015 for example a 3:55 is a $125 upgrade over the 3:21

[reddeerguy2015]

actually if you go onto the ram website and build a 2015 for example a 3:55 is a $125 upgrade over the 3:21

Show me a build sheet that shows a 2013 newer ram (other than an ecodiesel, which you already stated there was no way in hell you were buying), that offers 3.55 gears.

Regardless, its your money. You've provided minimal details, other than youtube video referances - buy it already!

Good luck with your purchase (I don't even know why you asked??)

:scared0018:

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Show me a build sheet that shows a 2013 newer ram (other than an ecodiesel, which you already stated there was no way in hell you were buying), that offers 3.55 gears.

Regardless, its your money. You've provided minimal details, other than youtube video referances - buy it already!

Good luck with your purchase (I don't even know why you asked??)

:scared0018:


like i said,log onto ram,build a v6 ram

[reddeerguy2015]

Like I said, show me an actual buildsheet. 3.21, 3.55 or 3.92, you still are left with a v6 ram. Its going to make MINIMAL difference.

Same as putting lipstick on a pig.

Reread my previous posts if necessary.

Then sleep on it.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

i'm going to test drive one,I already know what the hemi is like

[reddeerguy2015]

i'm going to test drive one,I already know what the hemi is like

Bring your boat :)

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Bring your boat :)

what are the epa fuel rating for a 6spd hemi vs 8spd hemi?

that mds is a joke,u need to be on perfectly flat ground,100kph,no wind for it to work

[reddeerguy2015]

what are the epa fuel rating for a 6spd hemi vs 8spd hemi?

that mds is a joke,u need to be on perfectly flat ground,100kph,no wind for it to work

I dont know. I can say, owning a 14 ram with 8 speed trans and hemi, with 3.21,s (wish i had 3.92), that I average about 14 L/100km per tank empty. Mixed driving.

Obviously older is going to get substantially lower mpg.

I save the heavy towing for my 6.7 cummins.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

I dont know. I can say, owning a 14 ram with 8 speed trans and hemi, with 3.21,s (wish i had 3.92), that I average about 14 L/100km per tank empty. Mixed driving.

Obviously older is going to get substantially lower mpg.

I save the heavy towing for my 6.7 cummins.

i have an 09 and 2012 6.7, same as your hemi mpg

[reddeerguy2015]

i have an 09 and 2012 6.7, same as your hemi mpg

That post wasn't exactly clear... you have a 2009 and 2012 6.7 cummins that gets the same mileage as my hemi??

How is that relevant??

You asked about a 1500 v6.

Ugh....just buy it. You said "its for your wife".

A real man wouldnt drive a v6 ram....so why do you care??? Unless it is.... lol....:thinking-006:

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

That post wasn't exactly clear... you have a 2009 and 2012 6.7 cummins that gets the same mileage as my hemi??

How is that relevant??

You asked about a 1500 v6.

Ugh....just buy it. You said "its for your wife".

A real man wouldnt drive a v6 ram....so why do you care??? Unless it is.... lol....:thinking-006:

for heavy pulling i have 2 6.7's,they get the same mileage as your hemi and weigh way more

[reddeerguy2015]

for heavy pulling i have 2 6.7's,they get the same mileage as your hemi and weigh way more

Your preaching to the choir man - for someone that owns TWO dodge trucks, diesels at that - what don't you understand??

If you "already know what a hemi is like", as you said - and I gave you my opinions on the v6 (which i assume you already know, seeing as how you own 2 dodge trucks), whats your question??

You already have your mind made up - buy the v6, give yourself a pat on the back, feel the buyers remorse later, and then think back to this post :)

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Your preaching to the choir man - for someone that owns TWO dodge trucks, diesels at that - what don't you understand??

If you "already know what a hemi is like", as you said - and I gave you my opinions on the v6 (which i assume you already know, seeing as how you own 2 dodge trucks), whats your question??

You already have your mind made up - buy the v6, give yourself a pat on the back, feel the buyers remorse later, and then think back to this post :)

funny how i was sent a pm praising this v6 from an owner who has 100kms on his,youtube is loaded with real time vids showing 1000+kms to a tank,several forums etc

you own a hemi,I asked for the opinion from an owner.Hemis are pigs on fuel!

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

a "hot tune" will do nothing , changes your shift points and voids your warranty the second its been done , your pcm logs reprogram attempts . i work on them all day long , the 3.6 is ok , hemi is way more reliable , 4.7 is a waste of your money . i'd buy the hemi over the 3.6 , fuel mileage isnt bad 14l/100 in town and 10 or so on the hiway . i owned 4 of them .

10 or so on the highway with a hemi in a truck?My wifes 300c does 15l/100 on the highway,always has

[reddeerguy2015]

funny how i was sent a pm praising this v6 from an owner who has 100kms on his,youtube is loaded with real time vids showing 1000+kms to a tank,several forums etc

you own a hemi,I asked for the opinion from an owner.Hemis are pigs on fuel!

Perfect. So you came on here to "argue pickup trucks". If you consider 14 L/100km mixed driving with a full size crew 4x4 hemi a "pig on fuel", then honestly go with what you can afford.

I also think your probably a minor comparing your dads previous trucks, the 6.7's you mentioned.

You are a kid with too much time on your hands, and i'm an adult on days off with the next six days to burn...

Get your dad to buy the v6 - your "wife" will enjoy it.

Cheers brother.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Perfect. So you came on here to "argue pickup trucks". If you consider 14 L/100km mixed driving with a full size crew 4x4 hemi a "pig on fuel", then honestly go with what you can afford.

I also think your probably a minor comparing your dads previous trucks, the 6.7's you mentioned.

You are a kid with too much time on your hands, and i'm an adult on days off with the next six days to burn...

Get your dad to buy the v6 - your "wife" will enjoy it.

Cheers brother.

actually I've owned 4 cummins and a 1/2 ton,wife has a gas guzzling hemi

you have never owned a pentastar so your talking out your azz

[DiabeticKripple]

2014 ram 1500 sport, crew cab, 6' 4" box, 4x4, 8spd, 3.92, v8 5.7 hemi i get 14l/100km doing 125km/h on flat ground in the summer. i get 16l/100km in the winter.

in the city i get 19l/100km.

i also have a heavy foot.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

2014 ram 1500 sport, crew cab, 6' 4" box, 4x4, 8spd, 3.92, v8 5.7 hemi i get 14l/100km doing 125km/h on flat ground in the summer. i get 16l/100km in the winter.

in the city i get 19l/100km.

i also have a heavy foot.

hemi

19l/100kms=14.867mpg
14l/100kms=20.17

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

pls only add to this thread if you ACTUALLY OWN a pentastar ram 4x4

[DiabeticKripple]

i also have 35" 10 ply tires and a 2" level so that killed some mileage

[reddeerguy2015]

Nobody owns a ram 1500 with a pentacrap v6. Just saying.

Nobody that will admit to it, anyways.

[ghfalls]

We get it reddeerguy, you love your hemi. And you know everything.

[Unregistered user]

Perfect. So you came on here to "argue pickup trucks". If you consider 14 L/100km mixed driving with a full size crew 4x4 hemi a "pig on fuel", then honestly go with what you can afford.

I also think your probably a minor comparing your dads previous trucks, the 6.7's you mentioned.

You are a kid with too much time on your hands, and i'm an adult on days off with the next six days to burn...

Get your dad to buy the v6 - your "wife" will enjoy it.

Cheers brother.

My thoughts exactly, chortle!

[BigRedJeep]

Arguement guys sheesh. If I wanted a v6 truck I would be looking no further than a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 6 speed manual.... I haven't heard any good reliable stories from the pentastar 3.6. While they make decent power. They plain and simple suck. Valve train issues thrown con rods, the list goes on and on from what I have heard with this engine. Then tie that to an auto tranny from a company that cannot and have not EVER built a reliable automatic transmission no thanks. I know it's for your wife so my manual taco idea could be out the window. But I would be looking at tacomas for a v6 truck. I would never buy a tundra though. Again just my humble opinion!

On a side note i drive a vw golf as of right now I have no means of affording a truck nor do I need one. Yay 6L/100km at 130km/h. So take it as you will.

[tacomama]

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s306x306/e15/914506_773607702708146_53596899_n.jpg

[tacomama]

Sorry, I do not own a Dodge Ram with the Pentastar V6. But I did drive it a few years back in a rental caravan, seemed like a nice peppy engine.

I have a Tacoma v6. I tow a 17 foor rv trailer that weighs about 3000lbs. My v6 Tacoma tows it just fine. Yes it downshifts while I go uphill and I am not one of those guys pulling a 30 foot trailer going 130km/h uphill and passing everyone. I do not need to do this and I can maintain highway speeds without a problem.

I think if you only pull a boat 6 times a year, you will be fine. I am happy with my v6 and it does the job and other 99% of the time I am not towing, i enjoy better gas mileage than a v8. Red deer guy mentioned resale value on a dodge, ahahahahaha, I will enjoy a much better resale value since its a Toyota (if it ever dies or I want something else), but thats another topic.

Bottom line, v6 will be ok, v8 is better of course, but do you really need it for towing a boat 6 times a year?

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Thanks for the pm's from actual owners of this truck in question.Also thank you to those who commented.My next step is to test drive one.

[PINEHURST-PIKE-FREAK]

Arguement guys sheesh. If I wanted a v6 truck I would be looking no further than a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 6 speed manual.... I haven't heard any good reliable stories from the pentastar 3.6. While they make decent power. They plain and simple suck. Valve train issues thrown con rods, the list goes on and on from what I have heard with this engine. Then tie that to an auto tranny from a company that cannot and have not EVER built a reliable automatic transmission no thanks. I know it's for your wife so my manual taco idea could be out the window. But I would be looking at tacomas for a v6 truck. I would never buy a tundra though. Again just my humble opinion!

On a side note i drive a vw golf as of right now I have no means of affording a truck nor do I need one. Yay 6L/100km at 130km/h. So take it as you will.

I haven't heard too much about any of the problems you have listed with the engine,there was a recall on the heads in the early models for a "ticking" noise but I think its been resolved. I have owned rams since 98,I have not had and issue with an auto trans yet.Currently I have a welding truck with deck on it since new with zero tranny probs,approx 230,000kms right now and a friend with a similar truck has 300k.Many of the contractors are buying rams and all of them are autos,I have yet to see one have a trans prob.The only issues I hear of are them stupid o2 sensors on that ridiculous dpf system,I have replaced 3 or 4 in 230k. But thats another topic.

[Nate_K1500]

My 2013 hemi gets about 14/100kms which isn't to bad considering the power you get with the v8. For the extra $2 in fuel per 100kms I'd get the v8.

[Coupza]

I've owned my 2016 crew cab pentastar for close to year. I made sure to get the 3:55 rear end so I could get the 7200lb towing capacity. I own a 19ft family boat and a toy hauling tent trailer (jayco baya). When I'm hauling either of them I usually sit around 17 litres /100km heading into the Rocky Mountains and 15 litres per hundred when I head home this includes a quad loaded in either the box or on the trailer.
Highway driving no trailer I average low 10's in town 13-14
Since I bought the truck 18000 km ago my overall average is 12.9 l per 100km
You have to consider how often you pull and how much you pull. Pentastar mated to 8 speed has plenty of power for daily driving and is impressive towing what I tow.
Driving habits. I tend to drive the speed limit when towing. Easy on the throttle as well.
On a side note I've got a camping buddy with same configuration. He pulls 23 foot travel trailer with quad in the box and over loaded trailer. He gets between 24-26 l /100km on the same trek.
I love this truck and would highly recommend it. V8 thinking is out of date. Unless you are towing big miles it's just not worth the expense everyday. I'd rather get an extra 2 l /100 on my daily commute and lose a couple while I'm towing (vs hemi).

[John270]

i'm considering a ram 1500 pentastar for the wife and pulling an 18-20' boat

pls post your towing experience,mpg and any upgrades

-I have watched a youtube video on an upgrade called "hot tune" for the pcm

IMO the 3.6 V6 is a fine engine, the best Chrysler V6 to date, in a pickup make sure you find or get one with 3.92 ratio, V6, 8 speed auto and 3.92 gears is what will give you the best power and mileage, I have driven a Ram with 3.21 gears and it was horrible, now drive a Ram with 3.55 gears and it's much better, but the 3.92 ratio would be the best. Also I own a 2013 Durango with the V6 with 155,000 km now and it has been flawless, oil changes only to date, hope this helps!!!

[John270]

i'm considering a ram 1500 pentastar for the wife and pulling an 18-20' boat

pls post your towing experience,mpg and any upgrades

-I have watched a youtube video on an upgrade called "hot tune" for the pcm

I have driven 2 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 3.6 V6, engine is great, but in a pickup be sure to get one with 3.92 axle ratio. The first one I had was with 3.21 gears and it was forever shifting, now have one with 3.55 gears and it is much better, however the 3.92 ratio would give you the best throttle response and towing ability. I also have a Durango with this engine and it has been flawless, 155,000km and done oil changes only to date, and I am sure it weighs in very close to what a pick up would, hopes this helps!!