Hey guys, I have a 2004 half ton and I love the truck, if it had a hemi, I'd never sell it.

However, it doesn't, and I'm tired of downshifting up hills while towing a boat, and lacking power, so I'm looking for a truck with a hemi. The question I have is about suspension and towing. I normally tow a boat that weighs around 3500 pounds, and my wife has a horse trailer that weighs about 6,000 pounds when loaded up with two horses. My 04 with a 4.7 tows either trailer fine, other than not having enough power.

I've been looking at a 2007 big horn 1500 with a hemi, very nice truck at a great price, but the 09's look awesome to me. The only concern I have is if the rear suspension can handle frequent towing with the trailers I listed above. My buddy towed my boat with his 09, and it really squatted, and I don't know if I'd want to hook a 6,000 pound horse trailer up to it. I don't want to pay a bunch of money for a truck and have to add air bags to the rear suspension in order for it to work, so I come to you guys for advice. I won't buy a 3/4 ton.

Would a 2009 Big horn 4X4 1500 with a hemi pull the above listed trailers ok, or should I go for the 2007?

 

Since the airbags only cost $90, and only take a couple of hours to install, I'd get the '09, and put the airbags on it.

 

2010 are are getting 10,450lbs tow rating, if you get 3.92 rear and HEMI.
Also option for integrated brake controller.

 

also depends on what your wallet can afford

 

If you are going to use the truck for towing purposes most of the time, get the 2007 hemi truck. You will save some cash and have a better towing experience. The leaf spring suspension is better at towing then the coil spring suspension.

If you are going to use the truck as a daily driver and frequently tow with it, get the 09-10 hemi truck. The difference in towing is smaller than the difference in unloaded daily driving improvements.

Good luck.

 

Are they changing the suspension? Is there a website with more info?

 

I tow my 26' Sea Ray when fully loaded weighs 6,500 to 6,700 lbs all the time with my 09 Laramie Crew Cab and its been no problem. I've had 06, 07 and 08 Quad Cabs and havent seen the big fuss about the towing and squatting and all the other stuff people say is an issue when towing with the Ram. All my Rams have towed this weight just fine so get the best truck you can afford.

 

I don't know, I just bought a 2009 and think it's the best..
Duane.

 

you should get an 09 so you can hang out in this section of the forum

 

Here the link http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/07...50-pounds.html


Here some more info on the 2009 http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta.../pageNumber=1#

Video of the ram against other 2009 trucks: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...deoId=20279190

U have to decide if you agree with Edmunds, other website had different out comes.