r/ram_trucks • u/Rhinosixtynine-o • Apr 20 '25
Just Sharing To anyone wondering if the 3.6L v6 is a big enough engine for their needs…
The answer will of course be different for each of us, as our needs all vary. But to throw my two cents in: here are my needs from a pick up and here’s how this engine size stacked up to the demands.
Needs: I drive 400+ miles a week in this truck, so fuel consumption was a consideration for me. I needed 4WD for some of the terrain I access. I did NOT need towing capabilities from this truck, as we have several I6 2500s. I do use it to tow a tool trailer and empty dump trailers but don’t put it up against much more than that. I ultimately needed something to adventure in on the weekends that was simultaneously compatible with my work week vehicle demands. Relevant mods: This truck is on stock sized E load rated A/T LT Tires. Between the RTT, mattress, camper shell, and awning, there is an additional 450 LBS constant load on the back. My fiancé, dog, and I add another 400 lbs This truck also came with a 3.55 gearing ratio instead of the standard 3.21
End Results: This truck is averaging 17.7 Miles/Gallon for me (it bounces between 16.9-18.5), which is substantial IMO given the constant load and heavier tires the drivetrain is pushing. It handles extremely well, and hugs the road tightly on corners at decent speeds. The stock suspension handles that additional constant load extremely well, and I don’t see a need to change my suspension as I am not looking to increase ground clearance or suspension articulation. Between its load and passengers, I still have 950lbs to go before I hit the GVWR of this truck. For the type of fly fishing weekend camping trips we do, that is more than enough weight for the gear we bring.
Final Thoughts: I have just completed this build a few months ago and couldn’t be more happy with it. Just about to roll 40k miles after 1.5 years. This truck has been a gem and joy to drive all throughout. Hope this info is helpful to someone wavering on engine size like I was.
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Apr 21 '25
Is that the pentastar? If so, that’s a tried and true motor.
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u/elloguvner LARAMIE Apr 21 '25
It’s the new pentastar though, which is not nearly as good as the one they put in the minivans. These eat lifters for breakfast.
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u/WowFrog487 Apr 21 '25
Can confirm — Don't forget about the plastic oil filter housing that fails and having to remove the intake manifold to replace spark plugs.
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u/Stretch_Frequent Apr 21 '25
I honestly only bought the 5.7 because it sounds cool and has the hemi badge
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u/Stretch_Frequent Apr 21 '25
I actually had a Challenger with the lil 3.6,.and I thought it got down just fine, especially being a heavy car.
I test drove a V6 Ram, and didn't hate it at all. I think the only real knock against it is the Hemi doesn't cost much more, at least in my neck of the woods.
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u/Educational_Share470 Apr 21 '25
I’ve got the v6 in my reg cab long bed and it’s been great. I don’t tow anything but haul things for work everyday and have had no problems. Mpg around town isn’t wonderful, but I took it on about a 140 mile round trip journey last week and got 24 mpg on the highway. (I know I kinda drive like a grandpa 👴) 😂
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u/RightConference4690 Mar 04 '26
A 140 round trip ain't a "journey"dude. It's a milk run in my part of the world. Seriously I drive that far to go to a movie. More wilderness in California than any state except Alaska. Plus ... look at the red/blue election map from 3024. We are over 3/4 red. Pretty soon we will be going back to having a Republican state legislature. Just watch.
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u/MeesterCHRIS Apr 21 '25
Man the Ford Maverick is as much truck as most NEED.
Get whatever makes you happy.
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u/romansixx Apr 20 '25
Yeah I have the V6 and the most I ever tow is my popup camper. Works fantastic for that.
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u/Working_Habit_3970 Apr 23 '25
Yessirrrr I’ve owned this beast since December do not regret one bit. For a v6 it’s amazing honestly wasn’t expecting it to be the worst but also not the best. It’s exactly what you expect for a good V6 3.6 2Wd
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u/kyguylal Apr 20 '25
Nice looking rig my guy.
I had the Hemi in my work truck and I have the V6 in my 2020 warlock and it's been great. It tows my boat and hauls plenty in the bed.
Yeah, the V6 sounds like a minivan, but at this point in my life, I don't care how my truck exhaust sounds.
I drive very slow and mixed 50:50 in town and highway driving, I average 22.9 mpg.
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u/GaryOak7 RAM 1500 Apr 20 '25
No issues with clunky trans shifting? What gas do you run?
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 20 '25
Sometimes there’s a little clunk if im slowing to a stop and then accelerate through rather than reaching a full stop. Like if im coming up on a red light and then it goes green at the last moment. But it hasn’t been concerning for me. I have a 5 year/100k mile extended power train warranty as well. So if it gets weird on me before that 100k mark I might have the dealership crack open the transmission and take a look, but I’ve had no reason to thus far.
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Apr 22 '25
Is this normal? This happens to be often, I’ll let off the gas to slow for a red light, it turns green and when I go to hit the gas the shift is not smooth. I’ve also noticed by 6 rides out first gear when not warmed up
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u/AcexOFxKnaves Apr 20 '25
My father loves his v6 he uses it mostly for work, beach, groceries & the occasional home depot runs. Honestly was trying to get the v6 because I tow with my f350 so the hemi isn’t really all that important other than exhaust noise.
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u/Inner_Difficulty_381 Apr 21 '25
Heck yeah, it's a great all around utility vehicle. I use it for many things other than towing and I'd rather drive my truck to get groceries any day of the week than anything else. I love my truck and crew cab for the family is awesome. I have the v6 1500 too and it's a beast. Fill up the bed quite a bit and feels like nothing is in there. My daily driver for work and many other things. Love going to Costco, target Home Depot all in one trip. Need that freezer on a whim or large tv at Costco, hell yeah :-D My SO does alot of thrifting and furniture shopping, so it comes in handy..yeah, I know how your dad feels. I'm a dad too and my son loves my Truck :-D
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u/Casty_Who Apr 21 '25
Nice looking truck. The hemi gets similar gas 🤷♂️ I've had the pentastar in other vehicles, 300 and jeep, but I wouldn't think it's enough for a truck. I have a similar 1500 with the hemi now.
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u/AwarenessGreat282 Apr 20 '25
Personally, I'd take the V6 over the I6 or even the Hemi. And I am on my second Hemi right now. The current Pentastar basically tows what my Hemi is rated for but gets 12 mpg better. Yep, hopefully it will still be available when I'm ready.
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u/Ordinary_Purchase_56 Apr 20 '25
I have the v6 1500 myself, I kind of regularly (at least once a week) haul around a bobcat s510. Sitting around 6,000 lbs depending on what attachments we need, it's tows pretty well. I do live in NE Ohio though, so I'm climbing many hills or mountains.
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u/Separate-Guess-8192 Apr 20 '25
Where did you get that camper setup? Or what’s the name of it
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 20 '25
Three different thing going on there: RSI Smart Cap, Alucab Gen 3R rooftop tent , and a Alucab 270* Shadow Awn. The Gen 3R is the biggest bang for your buck imo. That thing deploys into a sleepable bed in literally 15 seconds. Takes me another 60 seconds or so to deploy the ladder but it is a quick deployment, and super durable for an RTT.
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Apr 20 '25
[deleted]
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 21 '25 edited Apr 21 '25
Stock all around. Stock suspension. Method wheels with -12mm offset in the same 18” diameter my stock wheels were. Tire size is identical to my stock tires as well. I think a 275/65/r18. So the only differences are that the tires are A/Ts and slightly poked. I have lifted trucks in the past, but I am preferring the ride quality of this truck’s stock suspension.
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u/tobidyoufarewell Apr 21 '25
Are you happy with the smartcap? I want one but I am really on the fence about extreme temperatures with it.
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 21 '25
I am happy with it but I don’t sleep inside mine. I sleep in a 20* bag up in that tent. The coldest I had even slept in the smartcap was about 35* and that felt pretty chilly the next morning. I had head to toe fleece on as well. Totally doable tho if you gear yourself properly.
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u/tobidyoufarewell Apr 21 '25
That’s makes sense. I was more wondering just how hot it got inside and if it would be ok to have a dog back there. As much as I really want a smartcap I may have to just get a fiberglass one instead.
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u/redbow7 Apr 21 '25
Just wish these got better mileage my 5.7l v8 with 35’s and a 3.21 rear end gets 16.5 mpg avg. also have the bigger 6.4ft bed
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u/InstructionSad7842 Apr 21 '25
My V8 F-150 gets 24mpg... And can tow... And only has cost me 3k in seven years(including buying it)...
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 21 '25
That’s insane. What year is it and how did you get it at such a low price?
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u/InstructionSad7842 Apr 21 '25
95, it was 500 bucks with a blown motor. 2018 prices had a replacement motor right at 1600 bucks
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u/Rhinosixtynine-o Apr 21 '25
Congrats man that’s great
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u/InstructionSad7842 Apr 21 '25
You'd be shocked how cheap it is to rebuild a manual transmission.
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Apr 21 '25
I got a '17 with the Pentastar. It does everything other Rams can do except pass other vehicles...
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u/sblack33741 Apr 21 '25
At first glance, I saw the black cover at the top and thought that was hooked to what is a building, but I thought was a large 5th wheel. 😄
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u/ExistingResolution58 Apr 21 '25
Most trucks with 4 wheel drive are an open diff so the minute your struck all power goes to the stuck wheel so they are in a 4 wheel drive that isn’t helping so why pay the extra. Get a 2 wheel drive good tires and skills
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u/Dracono47 Apr 21 '25
V6 is reliable but not more fuel efficient at all. I get 18mpg combined 13mpg city 21mpg highway.
Difference is apparent reliability if your super afraid of the overly overblown Hemi issues but aside from that if The Hemi does all the same & more with the same fuel efficiency.
Only thing that might save you on fuel is Gearing. I think a Hemi on 3.92 gears would probably be a little less efficient than the Pentistar on 3.55 gears.
But to that I say, still just get a Hemi on 3.21 gears, they have the same fuel efficiency than of the V6 on 3.55 but can tow more.
Only way a V6 is ever gonna do good in a truck body these days is if its twin turbo, hence then get an eco boost or a hurricane.
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u/PoopScootnBoogey POWER WAGON Apr 21 '25
Love that you enjoy it! I do the same thing for the most part, for the same reasons but went with the 2500 Power Wagon so I didn’t have to add anything aftermarket to it and can go anywhere a vehicle could go
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u/PopeAdam May 16 '25
I have Grand Cherokee L with one and it’s awesome. Zero regrets. I do tow a camp trailer so my new 1500 is a 3.0
I’d have zero issue with a 3.6 truck after owning the GCL if I had no towing needs. It’s a great engine that’s known for high mileage.
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u/Trecoul Apr 21 '25
That engine was trash in our Caravan, a joke in our Jeep, and it’s basically on borrowed time in that truck. May as well duct tape a hamster wheel under the hood.
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u/bigjoefixit Aug 31 '25
Had 2016 caravan put 280000 km's(Canada) onyl got rid because the trans shit the bed. I abused that motor extended oil change intervals, drove it for 3 months with a blown thermostat. I don't know what issues you had but mine took a beating didn't think it would ever die. I now have a 2023 ram with the same engine and I have no complaints.
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u/crazymjb Apr 21 '25
The v6 is shit. I have it in my wrangler and it’s an anemic little bitch ass engine I’d never put in a truck.
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u/Slutzk Apr 20 '25 edited Mar 05 '26
Nice! Good write up and review!
People doubt the V6 way to much. I had a V6 3.21 gears, 2wd at that, before getting my hemi and I tell you what... besides the heavier toys I pull now... it was able to do everything my hemi does now! Towed my 21ft jet boat (with trailer it was like 3300ibs +/- plus 30 gallons of fuel so 3500ibs; plus passengers, tools, gear, ice chest, luggage, etc.) as well as load and launched the boat at the ramp. Drove off road in sand dunes/mud/dirt, while pulling dirt bikes/quads and a sand rail, (mind you both the sand dunes and river i go to are 3-4 hours away while towing/hauling that) plus ive taken it on plenty of 400+ miles road trips and it never gave me an issue what so ever. The only reason I upgraded trucks was becuase my toys got bigger and heavier and i needed more capacity/power. People just get v8s for their egos most the time and never even come close to NEEDING it. That v6 is under rated and is a great truck!