RAM Truck Fuel Type & Octane Guide

Choosing the right fuel for your RAM truck is essential for optimum performance and engine health. This guide covers current and upcoming RAM truck engines, helping RAM owners and shoppers across Milledgeville and neighboring areas quickly determine the recommended fuel type and octane for the engines available in the latest RAM truck lineups.

Milledgeville CDJR is your trusted local resource for answers to your RAM ownership questions, whether you’re in Milledgeville, Eatonton, Gray, Sandersville, or Greensboro.

Engine Lineup

RAM offers a range of gasoline and diesel engines across its pickup lineup, giving shoppers different options for everyday driving, performance, towing, and heavy-duty work. Engine availability varies by model and configuration.

Gasoline Engines

• 3.6L Pentastar V6: Available in select RAM 1500 configurations.
• 3.0L Hurricane I6: Offered in the RAM 1500 lineup in Standard-Output and High-Output versions.
• 5.7L HEMI V8: Returning to select RAM 1500 models for 2026.
• 6.4L HEMI V8: Available in RAM 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models, producing 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque.

Diesel Engine

For drivers who need additional low-end torque and heavy-duty towing capability, the 2027 RAM 2500 and 3500 offer the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. The available High-Output version produces up to 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, providing the strength needed for demanding towing and hauling applications.

With multiple engines spanning the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500, shoppers can choose a powertrain that fits their driving and workload. Fuel type and recommended fuel grade depend on the specific engine and model year.

What Octane Does Your RAM Need?

Octane measures gasoline’s resistance to engine knock, and the recommended grade varies by engine and model. Here’s a quick guide:

For engines that recommend higher octane, using the recommended fuel can help the engine deliver its intended performance. Using a higher grade than recommended, such as 93 octane, generally does not provide additional horsepower or fuel economy.

Always check your owner’s manual or fuel-door label for the exact octane requirement for your RAM’s engine and model year.

Does Fuel Choice Matter When Towing or Hauling?

Yes, but towing does not change your RAM’s recommended fuel. Your engine is designed for a specific fuel type and octane level, and following that recommendation becomes especially important when the truck is working under a heavy load.

• Gasoline RAMs: Use the recommended octane for your engine. This helps the engine maintain proper performance when towing or hauling.
• Diesel RAMs: The 6.7L Cummins requires diesel fuel, and octane ratings do not apply.
• Heavy Loads: If your engine recommends premium fuel, using the recommended grade can help the engine deliver its intended performance under demanding conditions.

Bottom line: Don’t switch fuel grades simply because you’re towing. Use the fuel specified for your RAM’s engine, whether you’re commuting, hauling, or towing.

What Happens If You Put the Wrong Fuel or Octane in a RAM?

Using the wrong fuel type can cause serious problems, so don’t start your RAM if you accidentally put gasoline in a diesel truck or diesel in a gasoline model. Have the incorrect fuel removed by a qualified professional before driving.

Using a lower octane than recommended may cause knocking, reduced performance, or lower efficiency, but an occasional mistake is generally less serious than continued use. Higher octane typically won’t provide additional benefits unless the engine is designed to take advantage of it. Always follow the fuel requirements listed for your specific RAM engine and model year.

Which Fuel Is Best for Your RAM Truck?

The best fuel for your RAM is the type and octane recommended for your specific engine and model year. Higher-octane gasoline isn’t automatically better; use premium only when RAM recommends or requires it for your engine. For diesel-powered RAM trucks, use the specified diesel fuel rather than gasoline.

If you’re shopping for a RAM for commuting, towing, or heavy-duty work around Milledgeville, our team at Milledgeville CDJR can help you choose the right engine and truck for your needs.