Towing almost an 11,000lb Travel Trailer across the mountains with a RAM 2500 HEMI gas truck..SAFELY

[@waynewright808]

I just got back from the Rockies ( Grand Tetons and Yellowstone)same trailer weight and same truck. It did great .It pull the mountains just fine. One down grade was 8% for ten miles. I had in tow hall mode and downshifted 2 gears. It maintained 55mph and I 😮never touched the. breaks. I am very happy with it.

[@liveyourfree]

@waynewright808 We did that same exact trip about 2 months ago. I will be putting up a video of it. Glad it worked well for you!

[@johnraygun9868]

I live in the mountains of Southern Oregon and though I like diesel I am like you, I cant justify it. I do a lot of off-roading so I bought the Ram Power Wagon 2500 because I do drag toys around with us to tracks and so on, the Power Wagon with the 6.4 and 4:10 rear dif have never left me feeling like I need anything more, plenty for 90% of us. thank you for the video Sir, God bless you and your family as well! stay safe

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you! That power wagon offers a great version of the best of both worlds. Especially for people like yourself who understand how the applications should be used

[@johnraygun9868]

@@liveyourfree thank you Sir, appreciate your content and effort with this channel! Nice seeing another dad dragging his family on an adventure lol we aren't on this rock long so we need to get out and enjoy it while we can with the ones we love!

[@journeys-with-joe]

Great video on the capability of this truck. I have the same truck and about to go from a 7k to 11k camper. It’s an identical floor plan to yours except in the Salem line. Your video really proves I’ll have no issues with the upgrade. Thanks for taking the time to post this video.

[@bradshouseful]

I always enjoy your videos. I've officially been through 28 states with my 2021 2500 CCLB 6.4 w/ the 3.73. Never had an issue with power or stability pulling a 2021 Grand Design 28BH 5th wheel. I get 8.5 overall which is fine being that diesel is still +.75 per gallon in the midwest / east coast. Anyone that is watching this video for feedback on the 6.4 if you are looking at 5th wheels get the long bed with the 50 gallon tank. I can easily go 350 miles without needing to squeeze into a gas pump. Also no issues with tight angles when backing up the camper.

[@liveyourfree]

100% agree with you. I appreciate your comment. Sorry for just now seeing it.

[@DBscrilla1]

Great advice on just letting people go. It’s amazing how many people just cut you off as if you don’t have anything behind you! I stay right and maintain a safe speed. I literally just parked it a few hours ago and happy to be home safe. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 You guys do the same.

[@liveyourfree]

It really is amazing. Glad you made it home safely!

[@TylerReininger]

Really appreciate your videos,being real and focusing on safety. I have a 2020 Ram 6.4L Hemi Tradesmen Crew. Smaller rear axle ratio, but it tows my 35ft Puma without issue. I have planned a trip to Michigan (Mackinac Island) in 2025. Enjoy that trip!

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you for watching and for your support. You're going to really enjoy that trip!

[@angelsoriano5945]

Thank you for your videos. Great information for someone on the fence between a1500 and 2500.

[@robertgomez6947]

I read online that while going down hill in the 6.4 HEMI, put it on cruise control at the speed you want to maintain and the vehicle will keep you at the speed. I have not had the opportunity to test this as I live in Florida but thought I mention it for those that can try this theory out.

[@los1775]

Works on my 1500 I do this while going down the cajon pass from Vegas to SoCal, and the cruise control keeps me at speed the entire way down without the need to apply the breaks. I have a Ram 1500 quad cab and tow a 30ft jayco jayflight.

[@M_dot202]

The 8HP75 does an amazing job grade shifting.

[@mountainsintomemories]

I’ve always said, West Virginia is the toughest state in the east for towing. We were just down there, Hemi handled it just fine. No issues keeping 70mph, even fighting a headwind, just only 7mpg in that situation.

[@liveyourfree]

I agree with you. Sorry for the delayed response as I'm just now seeing it. Really glad you all had a safe trip!

[@anon135]

I enjoy your videos, in fact it's the reason I bought my RAM 2500 HEMI. I haven't seen any videos from you for a while, I got my bell clicked, are you not posting much are am I doing something wrong. Keep the Videos coming....

[@liveyourfree]

I appreciate your support! I'm working on getting them out more frequently. Life finds a way to jump in lol

[@brianz9634]

Can't hear you - engine is too loud. :) Great video, great insight, thank you. I just thought long and hard about the 2500 Hemi vs the Cummins. I opted for the Cummins. Love the exhaust brake and I am averaging 13 mph when trailering a 10,000 lb RV. I hope it gets even higher once the truck is fully broken in. We travel the whole country, so we are making good use of the diesel engine. ROCK ON!

[@Redfour5]

AND that is the difference. YOU tow a lot. In that situation, a diesel makes sense. For the regular guys living in suburbia with wife and kids and 8 to 5 and needing a truck for various reasons even a daily driver, but really towing a 9 or 10K TT on weekends for the three kids wife and dog(s) that yearly 5K miles two week trip, I'll take a Hemi every time. AND, we get an extra 1K or more payload... I've seen a few 2500 Cummins with payloads not much better than the best 1500. So, there is that.

[@mikesnifferpippets3733]

The whole video I’m nodding my head cause I agree with what you’re saying… on the other hand I’m picturing my wife and kids rolling their eyes (“come on dad, we’re tired of hearing all this”) lol

[@liveyourfree]

😂😂😂 I completely get all of your comment lol

[@itisfinished4U]

Congrats on an awesome truck and a beautiful family, i miss my 2500 with 6.4 since i got rid if it.

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you!

[@tonytigere5684]

You did well in getting rid of your fiat truck. I have a 2020 6.4 and I’ll be getting rid of it soon. It loves my dealership more then me.

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

I love your videos. Honestly, I tow a roughly 9000 lbs travel trailer with my Ram 1500 with ease. I’ve towed in the Texas Hill Country averaging 9.5-10 mpg

[@liveyourfree]

That's great gas mileage for that weight and in that terrain! I appreciate you watching and your support. Means a lot.

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

Yes it’s pretty good. I wouldn’t take my setup to the Rocky Mountains though. That’s asking way too much for a 1/2 ton pickup. More opportunities for a break down or having issues with my family in the truck . When I go to a 5th wheel I’ll get a 3500 dually.

[@DBscrilla1]

Same here man! Just got a 2023 Ram 1500 Limited and my trailer weighs about the same and is about 35 feet total . Trail Runner 30RBK, not the shortest/smallest trailer to pull buy I feel like the truck pulled amazing!…also in Texas.

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

@Dbscfilla1 I have a Jayco 32BH at 38ft. With the right weight distribution hitch you can do a lot with that Ram 1500

[@Mattman2500]

6.4 is a bad ass engine man. I just towed a 50G excavator on a 4,200lbs trailer. Through the mountains of Pennsylvania. Was right at 15,000lbs. I do stuff like thatva lot. I did add sumo springs. They really helped with the ride.

[@rickkeller105]

Enjoy your honest discussion about how your truck tows. I have a Ram 2500 with the diesel and in those same conditions probably wouldn’t get much better fuel than the Hemi. Maybe a couple mpg’s better. Not enough to justify the price difference anyway. It’s a solid gas engine in my opinion and like you said there are newer flashier engines out there but have to agree it’s not a race. Being the fastest up the hill really isn’t the biggest selling feature to me. The area the diesel shines in my opinion is being able to use the truck pumps, exhaust brake, torque and can carry a bed tank for extended range. If I had to get a new truck tomorrow would go gasser all the way as the higher fuel costs and initial purchase cost doesn’t financially make sense for a casual RV’r. Just found your channel today and sub’d.

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you! Sorry for the delayed response as I just now saw your comment!

[@ksmith114]

I pull my Reflection 303 with my 2500 and it does just fine Typical trips are in the NC mountains. I did add air bags just to help with longevity

[@liveyourfree]

Nice. I don't fault you on the airbags. They are a huge help on leveling out the ride.

[@LivingOutLoud1210]

Great video. I have a 2022 Laramie 6.4L and I pulled my fifth wheel Reflection along that same route back in June. No issues whatsoever. Exhaust brake would have been nice but I just used my gear limiter and all was good.

[@bonezgarageandmore4584]

What gears you have in that 2500?

[@LivingOutLoud1210]

@@bonezgarageandmore4584 3.73

[@liveyourfree]

I'm with you on that 100%

[@Redfour5]

I tow about 9K with a less than 900 lb tongue weight loaded. Oh, I love that Hemi Growl. But, I know I have 3,000 lbs payload and 15,000 max tow. Your WELL within your limits. I love my Hemi 2500. Wish I had the new mirrors, but other than that, I love it. I always have been used to having to watch what I put in the bed of the truck with 1500's and after market airbags even thought within specs. Now days? I load it up, generator whatever, no problem. Oh, I live in MT at 4500 feet and everywhere I go is up up and down... My mileage is essentially equal to the 1500's towing maybe a tweak less but not much at all in the low tenths of a mpg. That actually surprised me. Yep the 1500's are noticably better not towing but, hey you bought a truck to tow safely not be a fuel sipper and I like sitting up high with all that steel between me and reality. Sorry if that offends anyone. AND, no Diesel logistics to deal with. The 2500 is pretty much relegated to towing and some light off road trips and appliance hauling, big stuff and transfer station for big loads. Comfort is fantastic as I have a Laramie with the heated seats, cooled seats etc. And I do NOT like the big screen so was happy to find one...of the last Laramies...with the 8.4 screen. I do dislike UConnect 5 as I was one of the first with that. I much preferred the intuitive fewer choices UConnect 4..that also has the weather, and other things that are totally screwed on the UConnect 5. And frankly I don't need 400 pre-programmed stations. BUT, I do like the off road screens with the summarized engine guages so you can drive AND keep an eye on things. The only things I wish I had was the blind spot monitoring and the new mirrors. The new mirrors are very nice. My last 1500 had all the safety stuff and I have no problem giving most of it a pass on the 2500 particularly at the prices then. That is it. I do have the front and back parking sensors and on this beast I'm glad for that. And it is a beast not the best for daily driving. I ended up getting a Jeep Gladiator at 30% off MSRP for the daily driving and love that too so even less of a load now days on the Truck. Did I say it is really a beast and parking lots were really NOT made for them all things considered.

[@NVBattleBorn]

Great video! I have a 21’ Ram 2500 Laramie with the 6.4 HEMI equipped with 4:10 gear ratio. I pull a Northwoods Nash 29S fully loaded with water and all my camping crap I’m pushing 12,000 pounds, I live in Northern Nevada at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains so I’m constantly going up and down steep grades and the truck performs great. All my camping friends all have diesel engines and pulling roughly the same weight all of our MPG’s are really close, 7-12 MPG. I’m not bashing diesel’s, they are great, in my case my truck is my daily driver and I live 3 miles from work and I couldn’t justify buying a diesel as my truck is 3 years old and it has just under 12,000 miles.

[@Redfour5]

Same here but early 2022. Obviously you use it as a tow beast primarily but certainly not daily. I'm like you with three years and 19K miles. I see a long future for it even if moving up in weight a few thousand lbs. I got lots o cushion on my weights.

[@vtolbert69]

Thank you for sharing your adventure. I have a 3500 Hemi and get about on average 9.0 mpg towing the same weight

[@liveyourfree]

@vtolbert69 You're welcome. You have an awesome unicorn. 3500 hemi really is a great setup in so many ways. How much is your payload?

[@MNsparky]

@@liveyourfreeI just bought a 2022 Big Horn crew cab 3500 hemi. Payload is about 4100

[@ron9743]

thanks for all info and tips. I just bought a 2020 big horn 2500 and your video reassured me of my purchase

[@johndeilus7333]

I upgraded to a Ram2500 6.4 from a Ram 1500. I will be towing my Imagine XLS weighing about 6500lbs. I hope to get at least 9MPG on the mountains of Va. I’ll find out tomorrow.

[@liveyourfree]

Please keep us posted and safe travels!

[@TravelingKory]

Hey, John, how's your Ram 2500 Hemi been doing in VA, if you don't mind my asking? We live in VA too and are obviously well familiar with the mountains. 🏞️😊

[@cage9]

Thanks for this video! I tow a 10K Reflection travel trailer very similar to yours with our RAM 2500 6.4 with 3.73 gears (2015). Never very happy with how it handles steeper grades so glad to see the newer models do well. Even the Ike Gauntlet guys noticed this issue/lack of power in their towing tests with the 2014 year. Kinda' stumped as to what I can do to improve the performance... Feel like going up to 4.10s would help but pretty expensive and I'm not convinced it would make a huge difference.

[@M_dot202]

The 2019+ with the 8 speed ZF transmission is a game changer in the 6.4 Ram HDs.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Great video! I just picked up a used 22' 2500 with the Hemi. I noticed in your guage cluster, a trailer symbol with length. Is that a setting to setup trailer info? Mine does not have the tow tech package with surround view camera but does have the 12" screen with Nav and Cargo Cam. I don't know if those are options needed for that tow setting, I'm guessing you have.

[@losopadre971]

Just off of two vidz I’ve gained a lot of information and feel better about looking at a 3/4 ton truck for my families future travel trailer needs. Watching you do it with the fam brings an honest review to how safe and reliable your setup is. Safe travels and you gotta new fan! 🫡💯

[@liveyourfree]

I appreciate you. Glad to be able to help!

[@tonylinkous7940]

I have a 2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman with the 6.4. We are pulling a Rockwwod TT at 8500lbs. When we hit a bump when we are pulling, the rear of the truck hits hard as if there is no shocks or coils. Any thoughts on why. Thanks

[@brandonuribe2549]

Great videos! Enjoying the channel

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you!

[@chase7537]

How has your maintaince been on the truck since the video? Im considering one of these to start a buisness

[@harrellellison9243]

8mpg is Great, ive been on the fence. A Diesel isn't necessary for what i do. ( Weekend Warrior) but ive been curious how well the 6.4 tows, thanks for posting.

[@liveyourfree]

Thank you. I hope it helps

[@M_dot202]

The only problem I have with the "5th Gen" Ram HDs (aside from 4th Gen crew cab) is the small 31 gal standard fuel tank.

[@liveyourfree]

@@M_dot202 I agree with this statement!!!!!

[@jordankovacs162]

Do you need to use the tow haul mode? or does it operate better without?

[@liveyourfree]

@jordankovacs162 I always use tow haul mode when towing. It helps control the shifting and helps to save the transmission

[@angeloiezzi7054]

my toxic trait is I think I need the diesel to pull the 10-11K I pull 3x a year. I should of gotten the Hemi. and my 6.7 only gets 10 MPG towing it. So, in short, Hemi would of worked for me

[@JP_BowHunter]

Was this video done with stock tires?

[@delvinchandler]

Hey, I live in Saginaw Michigan you were kinda close to me. New subscriber here. Well, why you were in Michigan lol

[@liveyourfree]

Lol thank you! Sorry for the delayed response! Just now saw your comment

[@H-RutherfordHill]

Any plans to take this setup out west to Colorado, Utah, etc.?

[@liveyourfree]

Hopefully this summer.

[@Alldaycrawler]

What exactly are you driving what model ram ?

[@liveyourfree]

@@Alldaycrawler 2021 Ram 2500 Limited 6 4 Hemi

[@malifestro3319]

When you are pushing the hardest hills, say around 60-65, what RPM are you running? Are you wide open? I am curious. My 3.5 Ecoboost actually makes better power then the 6.4 by a long shot, since it is tuned by 5 Star. But I want the stability of the 2500 platform. I am worried that I am used to pulling hills pretty quietly at around 3500 rpm, and I go down the road around 1800 rpm. It's been a great engine for towing, just wish it was in the F-250! Can you talk about that aspect of towing? Thanks!!

[@liveyourfree]

Honestly, its about the same at 3000 to 3500 RPMs at 60-65. It is just louder. Now once you push up a steep incline past 65 it goes up to 4k rpm. Also my phone is on the dash next to the engine (purposely) so you can here the engine shift better so it's not as loud as it comes across on the phone. You can definitely hear it when you are climbing. A lot of it is on how hard the driver accelerates. Simply put, I wouldn't worry about that at all. You will have plenty of power and if it is louder, the stability and control you gain will make you forget about the ecoboost.

[@malifestro3319]

@@the_halfshell I assume you did that by choice not because you didn't have the power?

[@deleglen]

thanks man

[@JP_BowHunter]

How has this truck done with sway?

[@liveyourfree]

No issues at all. I have been very pleased with it

[@Mebane59]

I think I saw a FB post where you had dropped a doe off at Norman's Deer processing..

[@liveyourfree]

That was me! I made a short showing the kill. Small world!

[@Mebane59]

Congrats, I'm a hunter also..@@liveyourfree

[@liveyourfree]

@Mebane59 thank you my friend. Have you been able to get out there yet?

[@Mebane59]

Not yet..@@liveyourfree

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

What’s the gear ratio on truck?

[@liveyourfree]

3.73

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

I’m shocked they don’t have a 3.92 or higher as an option with the gas 2500. They are phasing out the Hemi’s this year. I think it’s tragic for them to do that lol. I don’t want to rely on turbos for power.

[@malifestro3319]

@@haywardhuntsberry7038 They are replacing the 6.4? I hadn't heard that. With what?

[@liveyourfree]

@haywardhuntsberry7038 I second you on that. It is a bullet proof engine that people know how to fix when needed. I don't like the idea of relying on turbos either. They should be helpful in higher elevation though. Looking for silver lining lol

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

Do you have the 3:73 or 4:10 rear axle ratio?

[@liveyourfree]

@@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned 3 73

[@sonsofliberty3081]

You're a little off. This motor has the most tq at the lowest rps. It's the transmission that keeps it at that rpm up. That way, it's not searching for gears.

[@wellthatdidntwork]

Wassup bro, just getting to watch this video. How did Michigan rank on the list of places you have traveled? Glad to see the truck is still performing well!

[@liveyourfree]

Hey good brother, I completely missed your comment until now. This trip ranks pretty high up there. Michigan is a hidden gem in my opinion. A lot of beautiful sights to see there. It gives going west a good run for the money but I still think Utah is one of the top spots. Great trip to Michigan for sure

[@wellthatdidntwork]

@liveyourfree we made a trip to Maine this summer and between there, Vermont, and New Hampshire I was amazed at how beautiful they are. I didn't think I'd get to see that type of landscape on the east coast and I was pleasantly surprised! Maine was on my bucket list so I'm very excited we got to go there. I wish I had more time to explore Vermont. I also have wanted to visit Utah, Oregon, and my wife wants to see the redwoods in Northern Cali so I'm sure we can hit all 3 in one trip. ( can't 4get Colorado which we plan to hit next year). I will have to get with you so you can recommend some of the areas you guys visited in Michigan also!

[@liveyourfree]

@@wellthatdidntwork that's good stuff! We are interested in checking out Vermont and Maine as well. It's awesome how many different viewing experiences you can have while staying in the country. We definitely need to connect soon to exchange places to visit

[@wellthatdidntwork]

@liveyourfree Yes, we Def need to do that and soon. We are looking forward to winter camping as well so maybe we can get the families together for that!

[@liveyourfree]

@@wellthatdidntwork absolutely!

[@nicholasdavis857]

Hello! What psi do you run in the tires of your travel trailer??

[@liveyourfree]

I run them at 74lbs. That has proven to be a good psi for me. If I feel like the trailer has more weight than our normal setup I may push it up to 77 psi

[@nicholasdavis857]

@@liveyourfree thanks!!! I hava a jayco jayfeather 27bhb and at 65pai it bounces

[@haywardhuntsberry7038]

When I’m towing I run about 5 psi lower than the cold max psi rating on the tires on my truck. Firms up the truck with the load behind it.

[@makmak151515]

That cute little brat looks like she’s had it with RV ing

[@philblock]

Do you have the 4.10 or 3.73 gears?

[@liveyourfree]

3.73

[@philblock]

@@liveyourfree that's not too bad. I have a 2018 with 3.73 but on her mid 7's towing an 8k trailer. That 6spd stinks. Wish I had the 8spd with 4.10s

[@liveyourfree]

@philblock I agree with you the 4.10s with the 8 speed is a great match. I don't feel like I'm missing anything but the 4.10s would definitely be better for towing

[@philblock]

@@liveyourfree that's my plan for the next truck. 3500 mega cab gas 4.10 gears.

[@liveyourfree]

@philblock they're rare but a great setup to get the max use out of that truck's platform in my opinion

[@tonyanderson3143]

Nc here