2014 Ram 2500 HD 6.4L HEMI and Gear Hold Feature [Ike Gauntlet Video]

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2014 Ram 2500 HD – Run #2

TFLtruck wants to make sure every truck gets a fair test and all the variables that we control are taken care of. We got surprised by the way that the 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI behaved on the way up the Ike Gauntlet, so we double-checked everything and ran it again the same day.

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2014 Ram 2500 HD

We measured the temperature on all four bearings and brakes of the trailer to make sure we do not have a bad bearing or stuck brake problem. All bearings and brakes were close to the same temperature, so there appeared to be no problems with the trailer. Tire pressures were good on the trailer and the truck. Ram’s engine, transmission, and coolant temperatures were within the norm as reported by the instruments and the handy center screen.

Since the test, we have also asked Ram engineers to review our videos and all the data.

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2014 Ram 2500 HD

Ram came back with the following explanation.

“Ram Truck ‘invented’ the first gear hold feature – and calibrated it – to avoid gear hunting and driving at excessively high rpm’s. Ike Gauntlet is a variable grade and we worked hard to develop a calibration that appropriately manages torque on this run and other grades. We don’t want the truck to rev high for extended periods of time and purposely hold 4,200 rpm.”

Ram’s engineers considered and accounted for a multitude of factors, including: optimized fuel economy, engine longevity, and driving comfort. The results were inline. The Ram 6.4L HEMI got a better 2.8 MPG on the uphill climb with close to 20,500 lbs of total truck and trailer (GCVW). The engine coolant, oil, and transmission oil temperatures were all controlled and well within limits. There was no gear hunting and no high revving.

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However, the speed up the hill did suffer, and the truck slowed down to just below 30 MPH at the end. This is about the same speed as fully loaded semi tractor trailers are doing. This stretch of I-70 does have three lanes, but if you meet a big and extra-slow semi in the right lane, then it’s very challenging to try and pass. An open day like during the test is nice, but the regular flow of passenger vehicles is moving at 60-65 MPH and making a pass at 29 MPH is not easy.

Watch the second run here and compare it to what happened during the first Ike Gauntlet run in the 2014 Ram 2500 HD.

 

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.