RAM 1500 Towing

[davlin]

Anybody on the forum towing with the RAM 1500 5.7L, 8 speed transmission, and 3.21 differential? Just wondering how you like it.

Dave

[Redtail Cruiser]

There are quite a few threads on the Ramforum that might shed some insight to your query.

[scrubjaysnest]

Ours is 4X4 with the 4.7 L, Tows without problems above 10k feet.

[davlin]

Originally Posted by Redtail Cruiser

There are quite a few threads on the Ramforum that might shed some insight to your query.

Tim,

What kind of mileage do you get with your Ecoboost? Towing? Empty? Since you have the max tow package, I assume that means you have the 3.73 rear axle?

Dave

[Redtail Cruiser]

Hey Dave,

You're right, I do have the 3.73 rear gear ratio. The truck averages 16.5 MPG around town with city and freeway driving. I recently drove to Ventura and back, all freeway, and got 18.5 on that trip. Cruise control set on 70 MPH.

Towing the TM to our local camping spots, we get 15. Towing into the Sierras or like last summer, thru the Rockies and back, we averaged 13.5. Most of that trip was 60 MPH in Ca. and 65 MPH in the other states with cruise control. Going up the Eisenhower grade it was easy to maintain speed and even accelerate to pass slower trucks.

[RottieMom]

Dave, I think you're asking about the newer 8-speed V6 that Dodge now makes. Not what I have, but I love my V8 hemi. Around town I avg about 18 mpg and towing the TM about 14mpg. I've also got the Tow/Haul feature that my understanding is intended keep Trans from shifting so much.

[davlin]

Originally Posted by cmboyd

Dave, I think you're asking about the newer 8-speed V6 that Dodge now makes. Not what I have, but I love my V8 hemi. Around town I avg about 18 mpg and towing the TM about 14mpg. I've also got the Tow/Haul feature that my understanding is intended keep Trans from shifting so much.

Thanks Cindy! To clarify, I am talking about the new 8-speed transmission mated to the 5.7L (with the Multi-displacement System) and the 3.21 rear axle ratio. My friends that own these RAMs are getting amazing mpg (20+). Even though RAM rates the tow capacity of this set up at 8300 lbs. (Quad Cab), I started this thread to see if any of my TM buddies are currently using it to tow with. My concern is the relatively low axle ratio, although Consumer Reports says that this is somewhat mitigated by the transmission.

So far, no one's come up on this thread towing with that package, but maybe there's no one pulling TM's with that setup yet. My other online research usually yields results for much heavier trailers.

And Tim, I drove a 2013 Ecoboost (with Max Tow) and really liked it. And Bill, I'm test driving a 5.0L F150 today.

Decisions, decisions

Dave

[Padgett]

All I can say is that my '12 Pentastar/5 speed does just fine as long as you are patient (but does seem quick to 65 - 6400 rpm in 1st and 4800 in second) but would expect a hemi to be an even more pleasant experience.

8 speed just became available in the big platform at the start of the '14 (really 13.5) model year. Do think the future is direct injection and turbo like the EcoBoost. I expect to see 375 hp 3.0 V6s soon (but not yet). Boost permits the HP to be maintained at altitude.

[MarkoPolo]

I would agree with Tim, although I have been getting 1 to 1.5 better mpg....some of the time. Other times, it's close to Tim's numbers. I do think in a best case scenario, I would get about 20 mpg in flat, non windy conditions and 17 or 18 pulling the TM. I'm happy enough with what I do get......last fall drove to Bryce Canyon and back with about 70% pulling the TM and got 17.5 mpg.
I was sort of set against the Eco-Boost due to some negative internet chatter, but I couldn't be happier. I can't believe the power that thing has when you need it!

[Padgett]

Mark: Have you considered a topper shell ? Would avoid the turbulence/drag over the bed and provide secure storage.