6.7 tow rig
kentucky
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I like the integrated brake controller on my F250 but have been thinking about possibly switching over to the dark side and getting a RAM 2500. What was the first year the integrated controller was in the RAM, and what does everyone think about them? Also any insight on the exhaust brake since Im not familiar with that at all. Does the auto transmission have tow/haul?
2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 3.73 rear end
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45Ricochet
North Idaho
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Not sure what year but I've read many have had problems with the stock IBC. It can be locked out with a P3 if needed. Best EB in stock testing, about 180 hp of braking. Yes tow/haul to lock out overdrive.
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Major Dad
San Antonio TX
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The exhaust brake is reason enough to buy the Ram. I rarely touch the brakes in the mountains using the exhaust brake with tow/haul mode. It is standard on all CTD Ram 2500/3500s. The integrated brake controller has worked just fine for me, but I understand there are issues with heavy trailers (mine is maxxed out at 7000 lbs.) It is so easy after towing the travel trailer with a 1/2 ton SUV that I feel guilty sitting back and just steering. And smiling alot too.
There is a Dodge Diesel Forum at http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/search.php?searchid=4940683
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6.7 tow rig
kentucky
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Major Dad wrote:The exhaust brake is reason enough to buy the Ram. I rarely touch the brakes in the mountains using the exhaust brake with tow/haul mode. It is standard on all CTD Ram 2500/3500s. The integrated brake controller has worked just fine for me, but I understand there are issues with heavy trailers (mine is maxxed out at 7000 lbs.) It is so easy after towing the travel trailer with a 1/2 ton SUV that I feel guilty sitting back and just steering. And smiling alot too.
There is a Dodge Diesel Forum at http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/search.php?searchid=4940683
Thanks for the info. I do enjoy the feeling of towing with my diesel, the only thing that has me scared is im nearing the end of my warranty and only have 25k miles. Although I have not had any problems with my truck, who the heck can afford to have the cab come off for a repair down the road. Im still up in the air.
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aarondeere
Maryland
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I have a 2005 F550 with the IBC along with a 2010 Ram 3500 with IBC. Both trucks have pulled a 12k fith wheel with electric brakes and a 25' flatbed with electric over hydraulic brakes. Overall impression was the Ford seems a bit more even applying power to the brakes but FAR more weaker. The Ram seems to feel not quite as integrated as the Ford but when applied has more power. Either system works just fine. Not an issue when comparing the two trucks.
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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rick83864 wrote:Not sure what year but I've read many have had problems with the stock IBC. It can be locked out with a P3 if needed. Best EB in stock testing, about 180 hp of braking. Yes tow/haul to lock out overdrive.
It's my understanding that tow/haul does much more than just lock out overdrive.
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ib516
Up here!
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Yes the 6 speed 68RFE in the RAM has ERS and Tow/haul modes. The ERS is "Electronic Range Select" and allows you to manually select the highest gear the transmission will shift into.
The exhaust brake is the strongest in the big 3 diesels, as every test has proven.
68RFE, ask the engineer
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eHoefler
ozark mountains
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surveyorjp wrote:rick83864 wrote:Not sure what year but I've read many have had problems with the stock IBC. It can be locked out with a P3 if needed. Best EB in stock testing, about 180 hp of braking. Yes tow/haul to lock out overdrive.
It's my understanding that tow/haul does much more than just lock out overdrive.
Since the 6 speed auto came out, tow/haul does not lock out over drive. 5th and 6th both are over drive. Tow/haul locks the convertor in all gears except 1st. With out tow/haul engaged, it only locks in the highest gear it gets to at the speed being traveled. With out tow/haul engaged, it will only apply the exhaust brake in the highest gear that it obtained, and will not down shift as you slow unless you down shift manually. In tow/haul, the transmission will lock in every gear above 15 mph except 1st. It will down shift and apply the exhaust brake all the way down to 20 mph and 2nd gear. It will also get very aggressive in relation to how hard you are pressing the brake pedal. By far more effective than the GM's and Ford"s.
2010 Ram 3500, Crew Cab, Long bed, 4 x 4,Dually, Lights & Siren!
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Bionic Man
Colorado
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I've only towed a handfull of times with my 2012. First trip I had all sorts of trouble with the IBC. Since then it has worked great.
Tow/Haul in combo with the EB is awesome - MUCH better braking than the EB in my 2003.
I love my RAM, and wouldn't try to convince you to purchase something else, but if your happy with your low mileage Ford and just worried about cab off repairs, you might be better off just looking into an extended warranty for the Ford.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
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IDman
colorado
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I have a 2010 2500 CTD. Absolutely no problems with my trailer brakes! When driving with EB on and tow/haul on, all I have to do is steer. I can go down mountains without ever touching my brake pedal.
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