I have a 2007 Ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 with a 5.7L Hemi, 20" rims and obviously a short bed. 35,xxx miles. I have a Tekonsha break controller. I'm upgrading to a gooseneck horse trailer (4000# + 2000# fully loaded) with a tapered nose and would like to know what suggestions you have to accommodate a short bed half ton truck in this situation. I'm having a B&W hitch put on. Most of the hauling I do is local (<20 minutes) but I do haul 1-2 hours away every few weeks.

What I'm thinking right now is a transmission cooler (size? Brand?) and helper springs for the suspension (brand?). Is there anything else you would suggest? Thanks!

 

Look at timbren suspension. (sdtrucksprings.com) I put airbags on my truck, him sight. I would have done timbren instead. A 2500 trans cooler should fit just fine. I towed 9500lbs with an 04. Stock trans cooler worked fine

 

I occasionally tow an 18' flat bed trailer (tandem axle, brakes on both) (about 7500 lbs loaded) with my 04 QC 4x4 Hemi. 20" rims with 3.92 axle ratio. It came with the towing package, I believe the factory added extra coolers for ps and trans. I use a tekonsha prodigy controller. I usually use the tow/haul transmission mode when its loaded. I have a ball/pintle hitch that is adjustable, so I can make the trailer level. These two parts, basically....

http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/...w/MT70240.html
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/...PMHD14003.html

You might want to look at a weight distribution hitch, I've heard they work really well.

http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...s/PS49903.html

Sorry...All this stuff doesn't help, I didn't catch "gooseneck" ...

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll stick with the stock cooler rather than order a different one. I spoke with SD Truck Springs and they recommended this:
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25943
They thought the Timbrens would negatively affect my ride quality when I'm not towing. Does this sound like the way to go?

 

I looked at their video for both products, they claim the Timbrens won't touch the axle if its unloaded... so I don't think it'd be bothering you when not loaded/towing.

I like the air adjust, but with any system like that, they are prone to develop leaks over time. The other doesn't seem like there is much to go wrong.

Good luck! I don't need these for my towing situations, but I do load up with heavy stuff occasionally and the truck does get low in the back.... so I might be thinking about investing in a set down the road.

 

I'd always done "helper" springs on my trucks in the past and you are right, when not towing they can be stiff and worse, will cause the rear end to "hop". Used to come right off the ground going over RR tracks.


Did Air Bags on this truck, bought the Air Lifts because at the time a lot of people were complaining about the Firestone bags dry rotting (which I believe they fixed).


Work great. Most amount of air I've ever needed to level was 40# (100 is the max) and that's to tow 7000 lbs plus of tractor and trailor. Keep 10# in them when the bed is empty and I'm not towing and it rides just like stock.


I'd recommend bagging it myself.