I think Dodge is right on trying to match the Toyota Tundra's power.
I also think investing in the interior will be a huge win for them.
No one wants to spend $20k, much less $40k on a vehicle these days and have it look like rubbermaid inside.

Where they are coming up short is in payload capcity & towing.
There is no reason the 5.7 Hemi can't tow more than 9,100 pounds when the week Triton 5.4 from Ford will tow 11,000 pounds.

Also, a payload of 1,840 pounds is alot less than Toyota & Ford.

If you want to be in the game you have to at least match or beat them.

My guess is the current transmission isn't capable of handling more loads.

Any thoughts?

Could have to do with the new coil suspension as well. I am eager to see the ride difference, there is always a trade off. I also noticed they used Fords "shocks outside the frame rail" design. Wonder if they will make wheel well liners anymore since the shock is in the way??

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94 Viper RT/10 <--Click
04 Ram SRT-10 <--Click SC!
05 Ram 4x4 Hemi FOR SALE
02 TA WS6 Collector Edition. K&N, lid, SLP Y, Magnaflow, Superchips

See, the difference with rams and fords, the 11,000 that ford claims is its MAX, the ram could handle 9100 with ease and be able to take 11,000-12,000lbs without much more effort.

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Jr's rides:
1983 Camaro Z28, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1997 Plymouth Neon

1,840 pounds--looks like more than half a ton to me.

The payloads on current half ton trucks exceeds 3/4 ton trucks of old, I'm not one to see the need to have an arms race for less and less gas mileage as long as there are alternative models in the lineup that can do what we need for payloads.

--Matt

I agree on the interior, that is my one and only complaint about these trucks. I am in the market for a diesel this summer, i really want a cummins, but the only thing holding me back is the interior.

i think the strong drive train and motor make up for it, but still. You look at it and feel like you paid 35k for a sweet ride, drives like a sweet ride, yet looks and feels like a fiat inside

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2006 1500 QCSB Hemi 4x4 2007 Honda Ruckus
Magnaflow. Just starting the mod's
De-badged

I don't think it's the motor or tranny that are the issue. They couldmove that weight no problem. A true5 or6 speed auto would be nice however!I doagree with you though,and I would've liked to have seen a bump up in payload and towing as well. It doesn't have to be 10000 plus, but maybe a payload of 1800-2000 and towing up to 9200-9500 would have been really nice and have me totally sold on it. Maybe Dodge should have you package in the towing and payload? Want a smooth car-like ride? Sure pick the right option package and you'll get the standard payload. Want to max out your towing and payload? Pick a heavy duty towing option. Kinda' like GM and their truck packages. I'd gladly give up some "smooth riding" for a bit of increase in work capabilities.

Frostbitte.

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06 1500 SLT Silver Quad Cab 4x2
5.7 HEMI with MDS.
3.92 Axle.
Anti-Spin.
Fog Lamps.
Premium Cloth Seats.
Rear Window Defroster.
Tow Package.
Flat Fold Storage.
17 inch Aluminum Wheels.
4 Wheel Anti-lock disk brakes.

The Ford has a stronger frame and better brakes which is why it has the higher tow rating.
The brakes on the 01 F150 that I traded inhad better brakes than on the08 RAM that I just bought.

Front ABS is an option???WTF This isn't the 80's. 4 wheel ABS should be standard on all new vehicles.
I do like my RAM, they just took a few too many shortcuts. No passenger side key lock in the door, coil holder for console $65????? Trailer brake controller harness extra????

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2008 RAM 1500 Sunburst Orange QuadCab BigHorn. 5.7L HEMI
2007 Grand Caravan Magnesium Pearl
2009 Caliber SXT Sunburst Orange

Dodge interiors will be much improved over the next few years.

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http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3051794