2008 Dodge Ram 4.7L V8

Moving Target · 09-12-2011, 06:15 PM

I am to pick up this truck tomorrow. BUT, the guys at work are telling me that this truck has the same pull capability of my 2005 Silverado 1500 6 cyl.

Won't I get a better pull with the Dodge Ram??

**Crabman** · 09-12-2011, 06:24 PM

It should. Does the Dodge have the tow package? Which rear end ratio? The best bet would be to find out the tow ratings for both trucks and compare them. The tow ratings for the Chevy should be in the manual. My BIL has a Dodge and he had to go to a website that is listed in the manual to find his tow ratings.

Rustic Eagle · 09-12-2011, 06:32 PM

Good question.

My first question to myself would be do the manufactures specified weight limits (based on their respective drivetrain) of both vehicles meet the "loaded weights" of what your towing? Answering this question may identify which vehicle has the better overall towing capability, and possibly the better choice.

Bob

**Crabman** · 09-12-2011, 06:38 PM

Two similar threads have been merged into one, from travel trailer forum.

Moving Target · 09-12-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

It should. Does the Dodge have the tow package? Which rear end ratio? The best bet would be to find out the tow ratings for both trucks and compare them. The tow ratings for the Chevy should be in the manual. My BIL has a Dodge and he had to go to a website that is listed in the manual to find his tow ratings.

I wish this wasn't so hard.

The truck guys at work all say it should pull my little 3500lb 23' Jayco easy peasy. I just want to see something in writing.

**Crabman** · 09-12-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moving Target

I wish this wasn't so hard.

The truck guys at work all say it should pull my little 3500lb 23' Jayco easy peasy. I just want to see something in writing.

I think the 23 fb weighs a bit more then that, 4685 empty 6750 Gross (see link). But it still should not be that hard to find out the truck`s ratings.

http://www.jayco.com/php/products/ar...244&section=fp

Moving Target · 09-12-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

I think the 23 fb weighs a bit more then that, 4685 empty 6750 Gross (see link). But it still should not be that hard to find out the truck`s ratings.

http://www.jayco.com/php/products/ar...244&section=fp

Crabman,
I have been researching for 2 hours for the towing capacity for ANY vehicle.
There are a billion variables.
I punched in 4.7L V8 2wd-rear 2008 Dodge Ram Quad truck.
I cannot get a clear answer.
Very frustrating......

Rustic Eagle · 09-12-2011, 08:09 PM

Maybe this will help:

2008 Tow Ratings: http://media.channelblade.com/EProWe...08TowGuide.pdf

and,

2005 Tow Ratings: http://www.cascaderv.com/Towing/05TowingRatings.pdf

or,

http://www.cascaderv.com/content.towing.html

Bob

David472 · 09-12-2011, 08:22 PM

Looking at the Dodge web site, it looks like the std rear end ratio is 3.55
They seldom change that parameter from model year to model year.
I would think your owners manual would detail out the tow weight rating for your model. My owners manual does this.

Seann45 · 09-12-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moving Target

I wish this wasn't so hard.

The truck guys at work all say it should pull my little 3500lb 23' Jayco easy peasy. I just want to see something in writing.

Look on the door post (usually drivers door) and the tow rating for that vehicle as it left the factory should be posted there... no magazine article matters as much as that sticker.

clutch · 09-13-2011, 12:41 AM

The displacement of the two are very close. The V6 Chevy is 4.3 and the Dodge is 4.7. That is not a lot of difference. The differential ratio would be important to consider.

My personal opinion, both are marginal engines for towing.

**Crabman** · 09-13-2011, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

Look on the door post (usually drivers door) and the tow rating for that vehicle as it left the factory should be posted there... no magazine article matters as much as that sticker.

The tow rating info is not on the sticker on my door. It is only in the owners manual. Perhaps half tons are different in that respect? There is a table listing all combinations, including cab size, engine size, rear end, and 4x2 or 4x4. In my case it is 8100 lbs.

r3024bl · 09-13-2011, 03:18 AM

I have an 06 Durango with the 4.7 and 3.55 rear ratio. It does not like my Jayco 26bh. GVWR of the 26BH is 7500lbs. With Weight distribution bars and sway control it handled the load fine. The problem was there just wasn't enough torque/power to keep a steady interstate speed. If it is not too late get the big V8 you will be happier.

Moving Target · 09-13-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David472

Looking at the Dodge web site, it looks like the std rear end ratio is 3.55
They seldom change that parameter from model year to model year.
I would think your owners manual would detail out the tow weight rating for your model. My owners manual does this.

Thank you for the help.

when I go pick up the truck, I will look on the door, and look in the owners manual.

Moving Target · 09-13-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r3024bl

I have an 06 Durango with the 4.7 and 3.55 rear ratio. It does not like my Jayco 26bh. GVWR of the 26BH is 7500lbs. With Weight distribution bars and sway control it handled the load fine. The problem was there just wasn't enough torque/power to keep a steady interstate speed. If it is not too late get the big V8 you will be happier.

Pocketbook won't allow for a big V8. Got the little V8. I think I will be fine. I am over reactin, I am sure.

mantam · 09-14-2011, 09:14 AM

I have a 2005 Ram Quad Cab 1500 with the 4.7 in it. I can't find any information on the door or in the book. I can say that I have towed a great deal of trailers with this truck. From hauling my 18' fish and ski to hauling a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix on my flat bed trailer from Texas to Kansas City with no problems. Granted I don't use it to pull my 28BH, I use my 99 Z71 with 5.3/4:10 to haul it. With the weight that I have towed with my Ram truck I think you will be fine on flat highway, you will probably suffer on steep inclines but that is to be expected with the 4.7. Happy camping!

Moving Target · 09-14-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Maybe this will help:

2008 Tow Ratings: http://media.channelblade.com/EProWe...08TowGuide.pdf

and,

2005 Tow Ratings: http://www.cascaderv.com/Towing/05TowingRatings.pdf

or,

http://www.cascaderv.com/content.towing.html

Bob

Bob, thank you for the website. Definitely answered my question and now my mind is at ease. :hihi:

You may also like: