The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck built for towing, hauling, and extreme durability. Available with powerful gasoline HEMI engines and the legendary Cummins turbo diesel, it is one of the most capable trucks in the 3/4-ton segment.
This complete guide covers Ram 2500 engine specs, oil type, oil capacity, towing capacity, fuel economy, maintenance cost, and reliability.
Ram 2500 Engine Overview
The Ram 2500 offers two main engine choices depending on configuration: a gasoline HEMI V8 for balanced performance and a Cummins inline-6 diesel for maximum towing and torque.
- 6.4L HEMI V8 (Gasoline)
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Inline-6)
- Heavy-duty 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or 4×4 drivetrain
Ram 2500 Engine Specifications
Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
6.4L HEMI V8 | 410 HP | 429 lb-ft | Gasoline |
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel | 370 – 420 HP | 850 – 1,075 lb-ft | Diesel |
Ram 2500 Engine Oil Type
Oil type depends on engine choice. Diesel engines require heavy-duty oil while gasoline engines use synthetic viscosity oils for performance and protection.
- 6.4L HEMI V8: 0W-20 or 5W-20 full synthetic (some heavy-duty specs may vary)
- 6.7L Cummins Diesel: 10W-30 or 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel oil
- Extreme Cold: 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil
Ram 2500 Oil Capacity
Engine | Oil Capacity (with filter) |
|---|---|
6.4L HEMI V8 | ~7 quarts |
6.7L Cummins Diesel | ~11.5 – 12 quarts |
Towing Capacity
- 6.4L HEMI V8: up to ~17,000 lbs (properly equipped)
- 6.7L Cummins Diesel: up to ~20,000+ lbs (configuration dependent)
Fuel Economy (MPG)
- 6.4L HEMI V8: 10 – 15 MPG
- 6.7L Cummins Diesel: 14 – 22 MPG
Oil Change Interval
- Gas Engine: Every 6,000 – 8,000 miles
- Diesel Engine: Every 7,500 – 10,000 miles
- Heavy Towing: Every 5,000 – 7,500 miles
Oil Change Cost
- DIY: $70 – $130 (gas) / $120 – $220 (diesel)
- Shop Service: $150 – $250 (gas) / $250 – $450 (diesel)
- Dealer: $250 – $500+
Common Ram 2500 Problems
High mileage diesel engines may experience injector wear affecting performance.
Some V8 engines may develop lifter ticking if oil maintenance is neglected.
Heavy-duty performance results in lower MPG compared to light-duty trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil does a Ram 2500 use?
Gas engines use 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic oil, while Cummins diesel uses 10W-30 or 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel oil.
How much oil does a Ram 2500 take?
Oil capacity ranges from 7 quarts (gas engine) to about 12 quarts (diesel engine).
Is Ram 2500 reliable?
Yes, especially the Cummins diesel engine, which is known for long-term durability when properly maintained.
What is the towing capacity?
Up to 20,000+ lbs depending on engine and configuration.
Which engine is better in Ram 2500?
Cummins diesel is best for towing, while the HEMI V8 is better for lighter daily use.