...... and change the P tires to 10 Ply E tires as soon as you can because the passenger tires cant handle much of a load.

 

One thing to watch for is tranny temps. I know I have larger tires, but I cook my tranny oil every time I go out with my trailer. I have the 5.7, 3.55 gears and 315/70R17 tires. Pulls my trailer with little issue, I can tell it's back there, but you can keep any speed you want and never feel unsafe, or like you are being pushed around by the trailer. Mine wieghs in about 8,000 loaded. I have airbags and will be getting leveling bars, the bars make a huge difference.

 

Yeah this is my sixth Ram. I put an additional tranny cooler in every single one rated for 24k. This one isnt hasnt been done yet, but its on the first to do list.

 

Yeah I got Mr. Transmission to install an extra rad, just between the rad and the stock tranny rad. It's pretty big and made a noticeable difference ever since, I don't see the scary numbers i used to see with the 3.55's. Don't regret that mod.

 

I towed with mine the first time last weekend, pulled my Jeep on a trailer with a combined weight of about 6000 pounds. I have the Hemi with 3.55's and stock 20's. It pulled fine, lugged a little at low rpm, but overall was good. I managed ~11mpg over 400 miles. I had a regular hitch on it, didn't notice any sway issues, but it wasn't windy out. I also have the factory trailer brake controller installed.

 

I had 3.55's in my 03 Quad. Still capable, but I did notice some hunting going on with that truck. The Hemi and 3.73's on the 06 Mega Cab was ok, but the best stock combo with the extra radiator, at least for me pulling my ~6k wet travel trailer, was the 05 Thunder Road QC Hemi and 3.92's. Best = gas mileage, shift hunting, performance over inclines.

The 09 6.7l was an animal but killed my fuel pocket .... we'll have to see with this Express.

 

Hey guys -

Sorry for the dumb questions but what are you referring to when you mention "air bags" in the context of towing and what problem(s) are they supposed to address?

I have an '09 hemi with 3.55 and stock 20" tires. I tow a 31 foot camper that weighs around 6,000 lbs. I use a Blue Ox hitch set-up with weight distribution and sway bars and an electronic brake controller.

I've only been towing for 2 years and so far no problems, truck and trailer are level when hooked up but I can tell it is back there.

Since I don't have a ton of experience towing, and have kids, I'm always interested in getting my truck / camper set up as safely and effectively as I can.

Thanks - Kdubya

 

helps with sag and also bouncing and swaying by stiffening the rear end of the vehicle. If you have a heavier load on there and it starts moving around it can gain momentum as each movement compounds the last. Stiffer rear end cuts down on that and allows you to power out of it. Maintaining a slight amount of rake after hooking up to the load is still desirable as opposed to being perfectly level or, even worse, having sag.

 

How do they ride when you're unloaded (which for me is most of the time)?

KDubya

 

Check out TotalLoadControl.com

New air bag system for RAM with 9" air springs.

Video shows on Silverado

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSPsXMeXc3U