The BEST Daily Driver Pickup? 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn V6 In-Depth Review - Towing & Hauling Payload!

We test the base engine in the 2020 Ram 1500 to see how it measures up.
#Ram #Trucks #1500

[@robkenna2795]

the v6 is more than adequate for what 90% of what people will use it for, buy what you want, but unless you have a gigantic boat or big travel trailer you tow regularly, this engine with the 8speed works great.

[@Wolf.88]

Exactly

[@sheebuthomas4008]

I had a 2013 with the pentastar and 3.21 axle. The best I averaged was 18 mpg but I have a heavy foot. Sold it at 110k miles because of headgasket issues. The pentastars run very hot by design.

[@robkenna2795]

@@sheebuthomas4008 yes they had many cylinder head issues with the early ones, a coworker had a cylinder head replaced on his 13 with only a few thousand miles on it, and they do run hot by design, but do not have widespread overheating issues. Just makes me uneasy to see 230 plus coolant temps at times, but the engineers want it that way for emissions and economy

[@YalaTV]

I'm glad I bought this truck in 2019....brand new it was $39k

[@515ventures3]

6,000 pounds is 6,000 pounds! If this can tow 6,000 pounds, i am gonna use every pound and also try to save on mpg. A travel trailer toy hauler with a couple toys, you know this can easily happen on a 3,000 mile trip. After unloading everything, back to 20+ mpg. This v6 truck is a winner!

[@Dodge-cs3gb]

Nice to see someone reviewing a truck without a 400hp monster engine.

[@mattc1219]

Sad part is 400 is now one of the lowest

[@gameshareprime]

400 is kinda standard for the top line engines. Ford, GM and Russian engines do 400+ Hp. Think dodge does as well. Youre not gonna tow that 10K pound trailer without it.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

@@burtbunns2270 why i dont answer to anyone. I bought a dually for future plans. Just so happens they came sooner than i figured. Ill be picking up my new 75hp tractor, batwing shredder, and 40ft trailer next week.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

400hp is the NORM... why settle for anything less...

[@brandoncaldwell95]

@@SantanKGhey1234 295hp pulls 10,000lbs no problem. Stopping on the other hand, lets just say i hope your brakes are good...

[@denisleblanc4506]

How refreshing. The test vehicle is NOT the gussied up top trim. I have to admit, pretty nice. I'm really starting to like this channel. No huge mountain to climb (we don't have any mountains in this province), the more normal towing and hauling that most truck drivers do, and finally the great father son no-nonsense discussions. Great job, keep them coming.

[@Magnum74]

This vehicle prices out at $66k. For a non-gussied up trim with base V6 power I'd say it's a colossal rip off.

[@mattc1219]

It’s Canada bud. That trucks sticker in US is $46k and $32 after rebates

[@dam4274]

Denis LeBlanc No mountains in Louisiana or East Texas either.

[@bammerbiff1621]

@@Magnum74 It's also Canadian dollars I think. That's about 10k USD.

[@MMcDowell23]

Your comment of daily driver with occasional trailer towing is exactly me. Helps me decide on sticking with getting a v6 instead of the Hemi.

[@patamaran]

This motor makes the same power as the 4.7L V8 that was available until 2013 in the RAM 1500. I've driven one for the past 5 years, its perfectly adequate, doesn't suck back the fuel, and has yet to leave me feeling like "if i had more power i could have done that". get it in a 3.55 gear ratio, and it feels perfectly fine, and tows medium duty no problem. You always see people laugh and say hemi or nothing. Then you realize they own no trailers, don't ever do any work with the truck, they just drive to work, and to the grocery store, and burn gas in a V8 they have no use for, but they love the "sound" and the "power" driving 35 mph in the city...!? I guess my ego just doesn't give a crap about impractical unnecessary things like that.

[@InstinctiveFirearmReviews]

I once had a hemi and it was fun but I ended up selling it for a civic because it ducked back so much gas. I've been doing alot of research and honestly would take a hard look at the 3.6 8spd 4x4 for a truck. It's perfect and gets good mpg.

[@bigbean78]

I leased a 19 Ram with the 3.6 and 3.55 rear end and it was great for me. I’d get 19-20 mpg driving easy, and I towed a 22 ft trailer with my buddy’s 4 seater Kawasaki Teryx and my Polaris RZR 570 from Michigan to Tennessee and back with ease. I was very impressed with it! I didn’t miss the Hemi that my 17 had one bit.

[@trevorjameson3213]

I've been driving pick up trucks since 1982 and never owned one with a V8. The old Ford 300cid six had plenty of power for everyday use, that was the first one. Then in '91 I sold it and got a '91 GMC pickup with the 4.3 V6 and five speed. It did just fine for my use, very good truck. Sold it in '05 and bought a new Chevy pickup, again with the 4.3 V6 and five speed stick. I'm still driving that one. So in the past 40 years I've had three pickups, one Ford and two Chevy's. All excellent vehicles.

[@515ventures3]

6,000 pounds is 6,000 pounds! If this can tow 6,000 pounds, i am gonna use every pound and also try to save on mpg. A travel trailer toy hauler with a couple toys, you know this can easily happen on a 3,000 mile trip. After unloading everything, back to 20+ mpg. This v6 truck is a winner!

[@cjsteele9594]

@@InstinctiveFirearmReviews All the Hemi guys claim 22mpg. LOL

[@RoaminLama]

Always enjoyed your contributions to TFL. Good on ya for starting your own channel. Keep up the great work!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Thanks for the review Steve!!! Really good on you for joining forces with your Dad on your own channel and bringing us these fun and informative reviews!!!

[@artvanderschlut7205]

Excellent presentation, pacing, editing and hosting. I also love that you guys also show trucks that an average person can actually afford! Great channel!

[@nickanderson5825]

No one reviews a truck better than Steve!

[@TiryaC]

Talk about timely - I was looking for good info on the V6 in a Big Horn, and this is exactly what I needed! Thank you!

[@TruckKing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tracieelmer7320]

I have a place for my purse in this truck. The seat folds up and there is the place. I love it. thanks RAM. Love Steve’s MOM :)

[@Joel_E]

And plenty of room for Otis and Olivia in the second row, even with the size of car seats these days.

[@vikreddy4538]

@@Joel_E you uu

[@bobsundquist2039]

Bought this truck yesterday in a 2019. It has 25,000 miles on it and was 30,000. We have a 4200 lb single axel camper we use 6 or 7 times a summer. It will be used to carry stuff up to the cabin and for around the house. If I can get 4 MPG better than a Hemi on a road trip it could mean an extra 100 miles on a tank. Thanks for the review.

[@gtrance3567]

Any fueling issues?

[@bobsundquist2039]

@@gtrance3567 nope. I have 88,000 miles on it now. I average 20.3 mpg.

[@gtrance3567]

@@bobsundquist2039 there are some ram owners having trouble actually fueling up. Defective tanks I believe. Thank you.

[@JH-hz1cu]

@@bobsundquist2039how’s the truck holding up overall? Recommend ?

[@bobsundquist2039]

@@JH-hz1cu overall doing well. Currently at 97,000 miles and getting 21 mpg. About 2 months ago I had to replace the 4wd actuator. I had the extended warranty and it only cost 100. Other than that I have been very pleased with the truck.

[@bigric5100]

Thanks for reviewing a normal truck. All the other videos of the gussied up rigs that are loaded with every option imaginable are entertaining and certainly do have me wanting to play the lottery. But this is my exact truck except for the color. I've had my truck for a little over a year and I agree with every word of your review of it. 99% of the time my truck is used to transport me and my family around town and the truck is perfect for this. It's also very capable of hauling and towing light loads. I knew what I was getting when I bought it but it is great to see my truck featured in a video so I can see the numbers and hear from professionals their opinions of my truck.

[@grahamstuart3207]

Hi Steve, Glad you have your own channel. Great Vid. Looking forward to more content.

[@R.Nelson]

Hey King Dad!!...I remember the old 70s wagons!!!...worked on alot of em...body work of course..really miss those cars... Thanks again guys ☺🇨🇦

[@1Ksheffi]

For a first time truck buyer, single and no kids, this little truck is perfect. Thanks!

[@carsthatlast441]

You guys do a really nice job on your videos. Love seeing the father son combo as well. You are also creating life long memories. Thanks for the great video. Subbed.

[@micheldepaula8733]

Drove this truck as a rental recently, very comfortable ride. Thanks for the review!

[@jeffreyhornbaker1544]

Really dig your reviews. I'm your Dad's age, so I can really relate. Payload testing is great. I use a truck hard so---! Never see that. Keep up the good work

[@BoricuaHunter]

This is the best review of a truck that I have seen. Excellent job.👍👍👍

[@TruckKing]

Glad you liked it!

[@dougl3670]

It was great seeing a regular everyday truck being evaluated. This is the first truck king video i have seen and I really enjoyed it. All the important aspects of the truck were talked about and even the not so important ones and I really enjoyed that as well. I happen to own the 2017 model of this truck and couldn't agree more with this evaluation. I did install tow hooks on mine (just in case) as I am in Colorado.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks 👍 and Welcome.

[@BlueMonday102286]

Good review. It’s insane how expensive trucks are getting. In 2016 I bought a new big horn 4X4 with the Hemi and it stickered for 35K and then dealer incentives on top of that.

[@tinshield]

I have a 2017 with the 3.6 and been very happy with it after 65000 miles. Power is smooth and adequate. I never tow so no issue there. Always around 20mpg with the driving I do.

[@Rajdhillon0610]

One of the best review. Much needed. Thanks

[@TruckKing]

You're welcome!

[@lolotus4borderless]

Truck king crew, simply the best pro trucker reviews, thank you!

[@TruckKing]

Thanks for watching

[@cmair77]

I rented a brand new bighorn trim ram recently, it honestly felt like it was a higher trim level I was so impressed, I would definitely consider it.

[@bryanmoir3184]

I had a similar experience. RAM wasn’t even on the radar and then I rented a BigHorn... now it is. Thanks Steve!

[@cdale613]

Nice review. Well done. Thanks.

[@surfnturfirrigation9397]

Awesome content Love how you make videos with your pops 👍👍

[@TruckKing]

Thank you so much 😁

[@poppyneese1811]

Love the Bench, Love the Chrome, as a grandpaw I’m going to call this rig the ultimate Grandpaw truck, dang that’s a pretty truck!!!👍 your dad did a awesome job!!! Son it’s in the Blood!!!

[@kevinblock2307]

Great review

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

Seeing your video right next to tfl this morning was ironic and sad but I love your new channel and I wanted to grow just as big!! You have the opportunity to do reviews on Subarus and Fords wow they cannot because they have lost there review status with them so good luck and keep moving and if you ever do a video where you guys fix up someone older vehicle for off-roading don't forget my 2003 all-wheel drive Astro with the G80

[@soapbox187]

This channel has been around for years. Just focused on after the departure from TFL. Very useful videos for southern Ontario dwellers.

[@loriwieder8115]

Great review job.

[@barryward8617]

Well done great review

[@MrC9Oh3]

Love the 3.6 it rips and has great mpg

[@liljoe2144]

Wow! I just purchased a 2024 Ram Lone Star/Big Horn V6 etourque Night edition pkg.. Picking it up tomorrow. I live in Dallas so def don’t need the hemi.. Great Video by the way with all the info I been needing..

[@CanadianPilotYHM]

Great video, about to order one. I'm a V8 guy but I love my Journey Pentastar V6 perfect for 99% of what I use my vehicle for. Cheers from Hamilton!

[@mzwandilenzimande4621]

Sad to see you left TFL Steve but its also nice to see you're doing well for your self. subscribed.

[@TruckKing]

Much appreciated

[@bammerbiff1621]

I recently bought a used low mile 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn (v6, 4x4, 3.55 rear, Quad Cab) with the Night Edition package. I absolutely love this truck. It is my new "mini van" and gives me so many more options than my old 2010 Dodge Journey SXT ever did. Mine is rated for 7740 lbs but I don't think I'd ever do this unless I was pulling another truck out of the mud. I'm so happy with the extra bed size over the crew cab too. Fuel economy is as good as my Journey with the 3.5L. I getting older and kayak a lot - effortless loading and unloading now. I don't even notice the stop/start feature when driving around town and the trans is buttery smooth. I added step rails and a retractable bumper step since buying and it has become my driver.

[@levis569]

Awesome and honest review thanks

[@tom89ontario]

What a great review. You’ve got a new subscriber 👌🏼👍🏼

[@TruckKing]

Thanks for subbing

[@yaboylevi]

Good video, looked up my truck's tow capacity which is nice to know for sure.

[@PoppinACap22]

Seeing that Ford tractor pull up in the video was a plus. Love those things!

[@piotrk1047]

Great review, kudos for the channel ... as for the truck, always liked the RAM line ups and still Lovin the bench... that price kinda kills me even considering this configuration as I can get into a more capable V8 or even a 2500 for that kind of price point...

[@InstinctiveFirearmReviews]

He should of stated before discounts. So knock anywhere from 8 to 15k off depending on when you buy. Also 2500 rigs are even more money in Canada.

[@cboyd1976]

Great review. I drive a 2003 Tacoma Pre-runner - original owner. It's getting close to time to replace the old girl and I could use a larger vehicle. The V6 Ram looks like a great choice!

[@matthewmason7425]

Great video and informative. Personally as I have done an 8000mile trip in the V8 I got 26 miles to the UK gallon which is nearest 11 litres per 100 kph. So for me I would have liked to see the difference with out the payload. I love this vehicle and really have the bug for a dodge ram as it is so handsome, so comfortable and full of toys for the price.

[@1stpaintballmaster]

Nice to see a not top of the line truck. Ram does make the best looking trucks inside and out at the moment. My 2015 JKU gets 12.7 mpg when towing a travel trailer so that number seems right for more weight but less air drag. Even though the v6 gets better mileage than the 5.7 I have too many problems with the JK power-train to stick with it. Nice video though, neat to see you working with your dad.

[@hotrodmercury3941]

My grandfather owned a 1500 with a V6. Good truck!

[@345detailing4]

We leased our Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab 4X4 nearly 3 years ago. It’s got the V6 eTorque motor and 3.55 gears and tow package in it and while I will be the first to admit when I first got it I wished many times that I would have leased the V8, I now am happy I did not. And that’s nothing against the 5.7, I actually have a cammed one in my 2017 Challenger that I absolutely love, but for a daily driver the 3.6 is perfect. I can tow up to 7,460 lbs, which just a few years prior would have been V8 territory and the acceleration while not “fast” by any means is plenty adequate and again in the range of what the previous generation of V8 trucks were. But perhaps the most awesome thing about it is the fuel mileage. We got it to carry our 6 person family and luggage for vacation and let me tell you it checks off all the boxes. We literally just took a 1200+ mile trip with all 6 of us and a completely loaded bed (like we could barely close the tonneau cover lol). 200+ miles of the trip were in town/city too. When we got back the avg fuel mileage was 26.6 mpg for the entire trip. I was very impressed and this will actually be the first lease vehicle we are going to buy out as the truck is worth far more than the residual/purchase price now and I absolutely love the vehicle. Kinda awesome when I can have a daily that fills all my needs and doesn’t break the bank at the pump either. Hell, it’s avg mpg is better than my beater old RAV4!

[@wingsley]

Very informative. I did not know that a RAM half-ton V6 came with eTorque standard. Neat to know about the VIN lookup. Like most pricey pickups, the Big Horn looks a little on the gaudy side. I'm still with the "old school" that expects a pickup to have a rubber floor and vinyl + plastic dash so it's easier to train a hose on the the interior to clean it up if it gets dirty. The thing that's infuriating about these new pickups is that they do not necessarily come ready for even basic trailering. Many don't have a trailer receiver unless you order it. That's a cheap way that truck manufacturers and dealers cheat their customers out of more $$$.

[@tedll75]

Love the Ram trucks

[@jammer1mo]

I got the two-wheel drive version of this appearance package chrome package roughly around $28,500 and it's perfect for what I need don't hold much it's about 26 to 28 mi per gallon on the highway if you need to haul something heavy once in awhile it'll still do it got 91,000 mi trouble free

[@duggydo]

I really like the reviews you do Steven. However, being in the USA, the $ and speed conversions are something I will have to get used to doing.

[@Tom015462]

Good review.

[@rcostnlct2135]

TK, Thanks! I'm looking at a 2020 1500 Bighorn, quad cab, night version, V6, to replace my 2007 V8. No split tailgate. I'm not looking to tow boats or trailers, but I want to get through lake effect snowstorms when necessary and cruise around the Northeast [and perhaps Canada] after retirement next year. Your results further give me confidence in going with a V6. I appreciate your review!

[@ray5357]

Mine's a 2015 reg cab long bed with the V6, 2wd, tradesman. It's an old fleet truck but I love it. Great gas mileage, nice interior with a surprising amount of space, and enough room and power to haul small things.

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

Had the original 3.6L 8ZF 2013 Ram 2wd crew for work it was awesome. Did fantastic unloaded & with cargo (bikes, lumber etc). Trailers it even did good. Thats where it did show it was a V6 with 269 torque though when i got my max tow 5.7L for personal. Either is a great setup but add a single turbo to the 3.6l & no one would choose anything else from Ram

[@youarerightboss]

Another 👍 for Truck King.

[@mikec5820]

The soundtrack was great in this episode. Had to Shazam the song

[@gfh77665]

Its amazing what a difference the rear end gearing makes. I tell everyone I know that when considering a RAM, get the 3.55 ratio. The 3.21 is still good but the 3.55 ups the towing capacity significantly! I love my 2019 RAM!

[@eman7579]

was about to say the same thing about the final drive, i drove a laramie with the hemi and 3.92 gears, it was just too much power, couldnt really sit back and enjoy the drive, i was constantly worrying about getting pulled over for unsafe start (it was raining), i think the 3.21 would be a better daily drive option. little more gas mileage (key word little) and a little more tame for slick conditions

[@gtrance3567]

Any fueling issues?

[@txvet7738]

And a back saver! That's a nice lookin Ford tractor your dad has there!

[@dam4274]

Delmonico Red and Beige/split bench! Perfect!

[@Italianborn]

Still love my v6..only 2yrs old and does whatever i need

[@_Marc_D]

Another great review. That V6 Ram sounds like it competes with mid sized trucks. I’d like to see a Toyota Tacoma TRD sport longbed vs the TRD off road shortbed.

[@5spikemike]

Good call. I actually considered a Tacoma TRD before I got a 2019 RAM 1500. I really like the Tacoma but I'm tall and my sons are even a little taller. We just don't fit in the Tacoma. Feel like I have to duck a little. So I got the RAM and love it.

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

No more TFL? Either way, great review!

[@ruyguy8888]

Steve starting this channel was probably the best career move he could have made.

[@515ventures3]

6,000 pounds is 6,000 pounds! If this can tow 6,000 pounds, i am gonna use every pound and also try to save on mpg. A travel trailer toy hauler with a couple toys, you know this can easily happen on a 3,000 mile trip. After unloading everything, back to 20+ mpg. This v6 truck is a winner!

[@jadd6810]

That is a good looking truck! I think it is just enough truck for most people's daily driver and average homeowner. As long as that average homeowner doesn't expect to tow a giant 5th wheel.

[@zxej6879]

My wife used to have a '14 Ram1500 Crewcab 4x4 v6 3.21 ratio. We got 27mpg going from Lancaster, CA, to Greenville, NC. On the return trip we were hauling a fully loaded Uhaul enclosed trailer. And got 20mpg. My wife wanted more power on the hills. I suggested a gear change to the 3.92 ratio. Add a 2" lift, with 315/70-17 tires. And a backup camera system, to make trailer hookups easier. Her solution, a '18 Ram 2500 Crewcab 4x4 6.7L 3.42 ratio. It has the backup camera system. But that gear ratio should be 3.73 or 4.10. Especially since the truck should have 35's with that 7500# empty weight. I drive a '20 Dodge Durango GT AWD with the Tow-N-Go package. I believe the ratio is 3.55. I average 26mpg at 70mph, and 30mpg at 62mph. My other vehicle for daily driving is a '16 Ram 1500 Quadcab 4x4 Ecodiesel 3.92 ratio. That averages 27mpg at 70 mph and 33mpg at 62 mph. We have older vehicles like an '04 Chevy Astro 3.73 ratio and a '03 Ford Explorer 4x4 3.73 ratio. The 3.21 ratio is a terrible choice. The loss of acceleration is not beneficial. And no real gains in fuel economy.

[@pert76user]

@ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="895">14:55</a> there is an option for a 3.55 rear axle ratio and that gives you the added towing capacity. When I was looking at it a few years back the V6 with 3.55 gearing had similar EPA rating to the V8 with 3.21 and the Hemi would still pull more (and it's a lot more fun to drive). It had similar pricing too based on what was available in my area. I got a short box crew cab and set out to buy the V6 for all the reasons you're talking about but the V8 was just a no brainer. Maybe don't get the LED lights and fancy tailgate and get a Hemi instead if you're worried about the $2k.

I enjoy watching reviews on the base engine pickups!!! Not everyone is going to go for the top model!! I'd like to know what real world unladen highway mpg you get with the 3.6.

[@todd1547]

Richard Killy I had a 2015 with the same engine. Flat road, no wind...23 mpg all day at 5 mph over interstate speed limits.

[@bahram149]

I have 2017 v6 with 2” lift and 33” bfg it does 11.5 L/100km in flat hwy and my truck isnt empty usually also 13 L/100km in city

[@korn111685]

Damn... that is kinda nice!

[@MH-py1ou]

After 2 5.7s in my last 2 Rams, my third has the 3.6 and I find it more then enough for everyday commuting and tasks. I have the 3.55 gears which give around 7000lbs of towing if needed.21mpg on hilly highways in the Northeast on my daily 100 mile commute. Plus 87 octane instead of 89 so a little easier on the wallet at the pump. I have no regrets.

[@johnbreadwinner4186]

Im sure you should be right at 8000 towing. I have 3.21 gears on a 2019 V6 lone star and its rated to 7000

[@MH-py1ou]

@@johnbreadwinner4186 I'll probably never tow that much but it's nice to know it can if needed.

[@johnbreadwinner4186]

@@MH-py1ou yeah, but for sure check your payload in the door. The formulathey use for the 1500 is From 13900(GCWR)-5000(TRUCK WEIGHT)- payload= tow capacity. So you just need your payload and use these numbers, but this is based off 3.21 I'm sure so you're good

[@MH-py1ou]

@@johnbreadwinner4186 Great to know. Thanks for the info!

[@brendonnettnin8826]

@@johnbreadwinner4186 no it's not rated at 7000lbs dude

[@youarerightboss]

RAM Relegated Ancient Machines

[@axereborn]

Is not a bad truck, really liked, i traded it for the hemi, and is something that i don't regret at all,that extra power worth every single penny.

[@ericf.9558]

I did the opposite lol I drove the v8 for a year and I don't feel a significant difference from the v8 to the 6 cylinder. I don't regret my decision either especially since I got mine for 34k brand new.

[@slimpickens6852]

Just got a 2019 1500 big horn and the only thing i was planning on hauling with it was a small trailer for 2 jet skis. And you answered all of my questions. I was wondering if the v6 would be capable or not just for that.

[@kevinvojta692]

My old 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 Crew cab. With the 3.6L V-6. Got really good gas Mpg. Like 18.8 mpg in city. And 26 mpg Hwy, going 75 Mph. I have seen 32 mpg going 55 mph. Good low in power off the line even with the 3.23 gears.

[@ramrider1453]

Wow. I’m glad you showed loading it with the split tailgate. That’s a deal breaker for me. Regular tail gate for me all the way. I have a 2019 Longhorn. It’s been a Rammarkable truck. 😀. Cheers and great video.

[@csinalabama]

I have the 2019 Longhorn truck with the Quad cab. I appreciate the 10 extra inches in the bed. The 3.6 with E-Torq has plenty of power for what I need it for. But, I don't much tow. If I did tow, I would likely want the 5.7 but I would deactivate the MDS. I think the Quad cab is fine for most people. The back seat is about as comfortable as in an economy car.

[@YalaTV]

I have the quad and I thought w a baby seat it was too tight but I'm not spending the money on the price they want for a Crew Cab nowadays...

[@gtrance3567]

Any fueling issues?

[@csinalabama]

no, with 4 years and 49k miles, it has never had a problem of any sort other than I needed a battery a year ago. I normally needed to change brake pads about now, but I just checked them and they are barely worn.

[@ferny107fg]

I'll keep my 16 colorado v6, it is a beautiful Ram.

[@mariewilson4711]

I bought a 2020 Ram 1500 with the v6. The new frame with bigger brakes gives me a towing capacity of nearly 7000lbs and a payload rating of nearly 2000lbs, it will do all the towing I'll need to do and get 20 mpg city/25 mpg Hwy with a <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="201">3:21</a> rear end. Don't need 4X4 at all.

[@eventhisidistaken]

Very nice review. Thank you. The 'guy' in me wants the v8, but the V6 seems just fine for my needs.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Nice review. Have you ever felt that E-Torque does any good at all? In all of the reviews over the past few years, I have not heard of any benefit in either power or efficiency.

[@channell11]

We've got it in the wife's Jeep with the 2.0T. The E-torque fills in the torque gap right of the line and helps it get moving while the turbo spins up. I've heard it also makes the start/stop a little less intrusive. Fuel economy is pretty good.

[@Renduevenstar]

curious, what app are you using? looking for a low budget, not necessarily feature heavy but still good and as reliable as you can get with a phone app to do similar test stuff on my personal vehicles :)

[@nordicwolf8808]

Hey Steve, y did u leave TFL ? Just curious. Good review as usual, though 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@TruckKing]

Hey there! Just left TFL to do my own thing and run my own channel. Was a tough decision to leave, but I felt it was time.

[@jondesens2010]

I have a 3.6 and I tow all the time. The question isn't how often you tow; its what you're towing. This truck will pull most peoples boats and it will pull a trailer with a few ATVs or snowmobiles on it. Even most economy travel trailers will be in the safe towing range. Most things that anyone is pulling is probably between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds. I'd get the Hemi or diesel if I needed it and these guys got it right when they said you need to figure out what you need the truck to do but they definitely down played its capabilities.

[@todd1547]

Jon Desens I disagree, how often you tow is exactly the point. If you really towing anything more than a small boat or utility trailer on a regular basis, you should just go ahead and get the bigger engine. I had one and I towed only about twice a month and it was fine but it destroyed my gas mileage when I towed and it was a bit of a dog. For infrequent towers though, it’s worth it because without the trailer, the mileage was phenomenal. Of course, it’s a Ram so the engine crapped out at 90k but that’s another story.

[@jdesens1]

Todd you disagreed with me but then as you went on, your elaboration agreed. It has way less to do with frequency and way more to do with weight. I can tow my 3500 pound boat all day, everyday and it won’t be a problem.

[@todd1547]

jdesens1 No, I still very much disagree. You said, it doesn’t matter how often you tow and I said that’s exactly what matters. Nobody is going to argue for a V6 if you’re pulling a 10,000 lb trailer so what we’re really talking about is like you mentioned, 3500-5,000 lbs of trailer. If you are pulling a 3500 lb boat every day, I’d totally recommend the bigger engine. The advantage of the smaller engine is just gas mileage (and slightly lower maintenance cost I suppose). If you’re towing often, the bigger engine will get better gas mileage than the V6 while towing. When pulling my boat or my 5,000 lb stock trailer, my Chevy V8 gets way better gas mileage than my Ram V6. Without a trailer, the V6 would run circles around the V8 in terms of mileage. If you tow frequently (or live in a mountainous area) you’re almost certainly better off with a V8 or a Turbo V6. It will perform better and your gas mileage will be better. If you tow infrequently and drive empty a lot, the advantage in gas mileage while you’re not towing makes up for the bad gas mileage and poorer performance when you are towing. That is the case for the vast majority of non-commercial pick up owners (they use it about 95% of the time to do things you could do with a Camry and 5% of the time to do pickup stuff). So, there should be a lot for V6 trucks sold than there is. BTW, if you’re towing anything but the absolute smallest ultralight travel trailers/pop ups, you’d be a damn fool to go with the V6. I might also point out that if you’re doing some occasional mild off-roading, the V6 will be fine. If you’re going to do a lot of serious off-roading and adding bigger tires, the V6 becomes a dog in a hurry. I talked to a guy that jacked up a Ram V6 and put 35” tires on it and it became almost useless-gas mileage was terrible and there wasn’t enough power to accomplish the job.

[@BeStrong-nf5nc]

I have a v6 ram and i love it, i can tow 7500 lbs but i only tow max 5000, so i dont need a hemi, plus i get average 22mpg and can get 26/27mpg on longer trips, here in quebec i pay 350$ less for plates because i have a 3.6l and not a 5.7, overall really like my truck gets the same mpg as a midsize but get the room and size of a full size pickup wich is what i really wanted

[@fixinggrace]

I got mine 2 1/2 years ago and it just rolled 30,000 miles. It rides better than any car out there has more room and doesn’t drink up that much more fuel. Until I sold my trailer last week it towed it just fine. Most people don’t need a 400 hp V8. I just wished it would hold its value a little better.

[@dantheman9395]

I have been looking at this combo. Don’t really need a heavy hauler anymore

[@tpatrickm1]

Bought one this weekend. Got quad cab though. Need the normal size bed.

[@Mixwell1983]

Id like to see you do the f150 3.3L if you get a chance.

[@leedanielson7452]

Beautiful truck! And they’re almost giving it away....🤔💰

[@damiangutierrez9103]

Nice to see a truck that is not a high trim level truck which are not the one's most of us could afford.

[@rkroz4005]

Great review! The E-Torque (as I understand it) activates for 300 milliseconds to break inertial stall from a start. Best thing that I've heard about it is that it really smooths out the start/stop feature (as you observed). I agree that Ram had to do something, but no matter what; it's not free! Thanks for the great video.

[@k.c.marshall921]

Just traded a '21 with etorque for a regular aspirated 5.7 HEMI.. Best decision i made yet.....i hated the Etorque stop n start feature.

[@paladin11C40]

This V6 coupled to the new PHEV hybrid system from Jeep 4xe, that would be some real power.

[@jsboening]

I must be old cause I still like the chrome. They just need to make the Ramboxes available on the 6’4” bed. 5’7” is too short. I’d also spring for the 4 corner air suspension. It’s been amazing on my current Ram.

[@channell11]

I think the logic is that the Rambox is only offered on the 5'7" bed because both the Rambox and the short bed aren't well-suited to carrying cargo. The boxes take up a large amount of bed space. Maybe they figure people that want to use the bed aren't going to pick the Rambox.

[@jsboening]

Cameron I’ve got a 2016 with the 6’4” box and ram boxes and It’s been great. I don’t like the 5’7” bed because you can’t even put a fishing pole in it. I don’t miss the space around the wheel wells because i can still get full sheets of plywood between the wheel wells and I can put a couple of dirt bikes in the box and close the gate.

[@chriss1757]

I am currently looking very closely at the Ram 1500 with the V6 because they are so easy to find used at a decent price. I owned a Chevy 4.3L and a GMC 4.8 L, so I am accustomed to smaller powertrains. If the truck performs adequately in daily driving, there is a good chance it is the truck for me.

[@Texas12valve]

Dont be scared of the 3.6 reliability. My wife has a durango with the 3.6 at 185k miles and steady climbing. I did spark plugs and injectors at 182k because an injector went out and i figured while i was there I'd do it all.

[@youarerightboss]

RAM Really Astute Mechanics

[@coryernewein]

Sure do love big trucks up north, just got a crewmax Tundra with the short box last week. The dog loves that big back window more than the wife (it doesn't mess up her hair bahahaha)

[@3rdMillennium]

the 7600l lb towing comes from the 3.55 rear end. Only $100 as a factory option.

[@jshapiro34]

The pentastar with etorq is a great system. For the typical person but they need to update the Durango interior so we can get that 3rd row.

[@frederickjeremy]

Our 2016 durango has a 3rd row

[@jshapiro34]

@@frederickjeremy I know the Durango has 3rd row I'm referring we want the fully loaded comfort the ram is giving in the Durango because the ram only seats 5 vs a Durango seating 7.