Greetings!! I really would like a 4th gen RAM but hesitate due to the coil springs. everything about the 4th gen is attracting me but the coils scare me! I am asking for some feedback not just on the ride (I know it would be better), but on real life hauling that would match what I do. I am fine with a leaf type ride for the weight it can handle....I bought a truck for a truck...not for a car ride..the better ride/coil is not why I want a 4th gen.

I have read many articles that say the 4th gen tested with 1000 LBS rode great but that does not help if you want to haul a yard of sand, rocks or much else in the 2000 - 3000 LB range. Any "public" info is based on the factory/Govt weight rating for the truck only...not what all 1/5 tons really can do if needed.

I use my truck mainly for recreation like pulling a light boat or picking up wood for projects. I do however get into projects and help with the community programs where I may need to put a pallet of sod or fire wood, yard of dirt, etc in the bed. With Ride Rites and the good old trusty leaf...my 06 RAM QC 1500 has no problems doing this when it is asked.

Can anyone offer feedback on how the new 4th gen rear coils do with practical loads that go over the max rating like a pallet of sod, yard of dirt, half yard of rocks, etc . I also would appreciate any feedback on mods you have done to the 4th gen like air bags etc.

Thanks!!

 

Speaking for my RCSB truck with a 5.7/3.92 it's the best out of what I've ever owned between several Chevy and Dodge when speaking of cargo capacity or squat. That's extended cabs and regular, short beds and long beds but I never owned a ford truck, van yes. I can't swear to the ride because they all seemed to ride exceptionally well when I bought them new. But as a two yr old 09 with 20k miles it still feels firm which I credit to the rear coils...I like them better than leafs!

 

I would suggest going to the dealer with a four wheeler or riding mower loaded in your truck and swap it into the new QC of your choice to test and compare it. I'm sure they will let you do it as long as there is a liner in the new truck...and bring some ramps, lol! I have an aluminum arched set to load my crappy (laughing) 46" John Deer riding mower that's in and out of the shop. The arched ramps are better for high inclines and won't bottom out the cutting deck as you on/off load them.

 

No issues,No air bags. I was going to post a photo but oh well.I pull a small fifth wheel.Only 2 inches of squat.I had a 1998 1500 with leaf springs.This 09 handles the same weight and amount of horse feed and such better then the 1998 did.

 

I haul 2000 LB pallets of steel a couple times a month in my truck, it squats the crap out of it but it gets the job done, totally stock no air bags.

 

I have not had any problems with my truck hauling or towing. I did install air bags because of my tow hauler did squat the rear end and I believe it did help with sway. They are super easy to install.

 

I tow a boat as well. Mine boat and trailer is about 4000lbs total weight. I have the crew cab 4x4 hemi with the 3.92's. I towed it 700 mile's last summer and had no issues what so ever. About a 2 inch squat which seems to be about standard for about any load on these springs. If your really concerned then you can get Firestone Air helper springs( Airbags ) and insert them inside the coil. They also have some aftermarket springs out there that will provide more load carrying ability.

 

I use mine for work [real work] I tow a dbl axle trailer with it when needed. Tows fine . I haul scaffle and boards, insulation also. I drive anywhere from 150 miles to 300 miles every day. The ride counts a lot . If you want to tow 10,000 lbs and ride like a Brick buy a Toyota. I have the CC 321 axle . For recreation I tow a 21' pontoon and a 12' bayside pop up . When I tow the pontoon I get around 12- 13 mpg[catches a lot of wind] .. with the pop up its 14-15 mpg , it is low profile but weighs about the same. I have not had a issue with the 321 axle yet. When I drive to Corpus [dauaghter lives there] I avg, 21.6 most of the time , usally better coming back to Dallas , south wind behind me .

 

If the coil springs worry you THAT much, then maybe you should be looking into the 2500 ram being that you`re not worried about the ride quality. 1500 vs 2500 isnt a whole lot different in price either, but the 2500ram has leaf springs and ALOT stronger rear differential. I believe more optional rearend gearing too.

 

I towed a utility trailer with 5-6Klbs from MD to southern VA multiple times in my 2010 while moving and it rode VERY well. Almost couldn't tell it was back there. I wouldn't worry about it, there is nothing but positives with the coils and if you find yourself needing more capacity, you can easily add bags.