Ram 1500 Long Tow Experience

[Bluhorn]

Hi Folks! After just completing a 3500 mile trip from Florida to Pennsylvania and back,I wanted to give you an update on how the 2019 Ram with the Hemi did.Quad Cab Laramie with off Road pkg. The trailer is a 2018 Sunset Trail 210FK Weighing in loaded at a hair under 7K. Truck bed was loaded also with Genny,cooler chairs,umbrella,tools etc. Wd hitch is a Husky Centerline TS.
The trk performed admirably even in the hills of Virginny and Pennsylvania.Plenty of power for this combo and easily cruised along at 65-70 mph. Plenty of zip accelerating even uphill. Really was a pleasure driving.Trailer was very well behaved also.
My gas mileage averaged about 10.2. Nothing to brag about but with my leadfoot certainly understandable. Most trks probably wont be much different.It would do better if I could coax it into 7th gear which it did but not all the time. While that trailer was hooked up it never saw 8th gear. Mostly stayed in 6th. I have the 26 gallon tank and that really needs to be upgraded to the 33 gal optional tank to extend range. Thats about my only gripe with the truck.Without the trailer I can achieve 24-25 on the highway.
Also if you are considering a Ram or any other Half Ton trk I would strongly suggest using Full Synthetic oil and changing it no later than 5K miles. These new trucks run hotter and oil temps along with it. The thinner oils manufacturers recommend dont help either. Overall we had a great trip seeing Family and Friends and getting on the road again. Hope this helps someone with their own rigs. Happy Camping

[dodge_guy]

Bluhorn wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
What gear does your truck have? sounds like a good setup.

Dont know the ratios but its the 8 speed ZF.

Unless it was ordered specifically with the 3.90, it probably has the 3.21. With the 8 speed the 3.21 is OK, but if I were towing 5klbs plus I would want the 3.90. Mine is just a commuter truck so it will probably never tow anything. In fact it may be towed behind the MH eventually.

[mkirsch]

What incident prompted you to make the statement about the oil?

[Bluhorn]

dodge guy wrote:
What gear does your truck have? sounds like a good setup.

Dont know the ratios but its the 8 speed ZF.

[Grit_dog]

Bluhorn wrote:
While that trailer was hooked up it never saw 8th gear. Mostly stayed in 6th. I have the 26 gallon tank and that really needs to be upgraded to the 33 gal optional tank to extend range. Thats about my only gripe with the truck.Without the trailer I can achieve 24-25 on the highway.

You shouldn't expect to use the top gear or 2. Not a gripe, 7th and 8th gear are for your bobtail mileage claim, which seems a bit optimistic. Or quite optimistic actually.
Although you did say "can achieve", not "gets." So makes sense you could coax some great mileage under just the right set of conditions.

[dodge_guy]

What gear does your truck have? sounds like a good setup.

[Cummins12V98]

philh wrote:
I test my oil on every oil change. Typically run about 10k between changes and the report always come back looking good.

Good call! I do Blackstone reports on my truck and Harley. Last HD report I had 8k on my AMZ/OIL 20-50 and they said to try 10k next run. On my 15 RAM at 15k they said try 17k once warranty is up using AMZ/OIL 15-40 Signature series.

[philh]

I test my oil on every oil change. Typically run about 10k between changes and the report always come back looking good.

[Bluhorn]

Thanks for the comments guys.I dont feel like Bragging but maybe not crying concerning gas mileage. LOL It is what it is.

[Cummins12V98]

LanceRKeys wrote:
I’d brag about 10.2mpg pulling a RV with a gas motor. That’s a good number.

True

[LanceRKeys]

I’d brag about 10.2mpg pulling a RV with a gas motor. That’s a good number.

[curt12914]

Do you remember what towing was like 30 years ago? It's hard to believe how far (all) the manufacturers have come.
Glad you had a good experience. It would be heartbreaking after spending all that money, if you weren't happy.

[Lwiddis]

Good report but I disagree on the “thinner oil” comment. The manufacturers know what they are doing. Tighter tolerances, lighter oil. My 2020 Silverado doesn’t run hotter than the 2007 or 2015 Tahoes with the same trailer.

[FishOnOne]

Good report...