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Soyboy · 09-23-2010, 01:57 PM

Streamer Dan:

Since you have the inside track, maybe you can clear something up for me. I have always felt that the Chevy and Dodge HD truck cabs should be better structurally than the Ford SD. My thought is that this is due to the fact that they share cabs with the 1/2 ton lineup and therefore have to meet strong regs on structure especially in regards to rollover protection and perhaps side impacts. This is part of what drove me to purchase my Chevy, as I transport my family in it. Is this true?

Streamer Dan · 09-23-2010, 02:19 PM

Soyboy,

Not having worked for GM or Ford I can't really comment on their structural design, although when we did have their trucks in for evaluation the boxes in particular were very cheap, and in my opinion not very well designed and not up to purpose, although like I say, I'm somewhat biased and I'm sure there will be many that disagree.
I can tell you that the Ram cab is the same for the HD as it is for the 1/2 ton and like you say, has to satisfy some very large rollover and side impact loads. The standards are set far higher than the 02 model year (last major redesign) which I also worked on. We had to add extra weight as we had to add side impact bars which are welded directly to the frame.
I don't know how Chevy and Ford trucks perform in crash tests, but the standards obviously apply to all manufactures. I will say having worked on the dodge ram that I feel very safe when I'm in it. Hope this helps

Dan

AirHeadRik · 09-24-2010, 08:11 AM

I just picked up a 2010 - 1500 Ram Larramie with the Hemi and heavy tow package. I am planning on a 23" or 25" foot Flying Cloud, so I'll report then!

slowmover · 09-24-2010, 04:37 PM

Some complete scale tickets would be nice here, guys, to do some relative comparisons (as well as rear gear ratio). A thousand pounds here, 500 pounds there . . . .

Thanks!

wbrownrr · 09-24-2010, 05:22 PM

I'm considering the Dodge 1500 Hemi. Sounds like the 3.92 axle is the way to go. Thanks to all for the helpful information.

Soyboy · 09-26-2010, 08:15 PM

Dan: Thanks for the info about the cab engineering in the Ram. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't similar for the Chevy with the Ford SD lagging in structural integrity. Would be interesting to find out for sure.

AirHeadRik · 09-27-2010, 07:19 AM

Seems like you did your job, because I love mine!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streamer Dan

Soyboy,

Not having worked for GM or Ford I can't really comment on their structural design, although when we did have their trucks in for evaluation the boxes in particular were very cheap, and in my opinion not very well designed and not up to purpose, although like I say, I'm somewhat biased and I'm sure there will be many that disagree.
I can tell you that the Ram cab is the same for the HD as it is for the 1/2 ton and like you say, has to satisfy some very large rollover and side impact loads. The standards are set far higher than the 02 model year (last major redesign) which I also worked on. We had to add extra weight as we had to add side impact bars which are welded directly to the frame.
I don't know how Chevy and Ford trucks perform in crash tests, but the standards obviously apply to all manufactures. I will say having worked on the dodge ram that I feel very safe when I'm in it. Hope this helps

Dan

Jim J · 07-04-2011, 11:12 AM

I am in the middle of my first trip with my 2011 Dodge Ram (Hemi, 3.92, 20 in wheels, 5 sp Automatic). We left Austin and drove to Amarillo, then direct to Warren, Ohio combination of state highways (1/3) and Interstates (2/3). Average mileage for the trip is 12.5 mpg so far at 65MPH..

We inflate the trailer (25 Ft Safari) tires to 65 PSI and the truck tires to 40 PSI.

We have the tow package on the truck and a Bak Flip bed cover.

When towing use the tow/haul feature, as it reduces the transmission temperature at least 10 degrees. We ran about 165-170 degres in over 100 degree F ambient temperatures while pulling at 65 MPH.

Chief · 07-04-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief

I wish I could find a 2010 clone of our 2004. We have been very pleased with the performance of our '04 Quad Cab Hemi. We towed an '07 20' for about six months, and then an '08 25' FB for the past two years. It's been through the Ozark and Colorado Mtns, from the Florida flatlands to the Maine/Canadian highlands.....with never a towing concern for 16,000+ miles. But, no matter how I drive....it still averages 10 mpg for any extended trip. The only problem we have experienced was the torgue converter going Tango Uniform at 69,300 miles (700 prior to expiration of the powertrain warranty

).....it's demise was probably due to operator error!

Chief

I'm quoting myself here, as I would like to provide an update to my previous posting. We had been very happy with the towing characteristics of our Dodge.....and, chalked up the transmission failure to my own stupidity of not always using the "Tow/Haul Mode" when we towed 3,000 lbs. of motorcycle trailer. However, a couple of months ago the ring/pinion gear went out during our trip to Springstream in North Georgia. We managed to make it home, albeit with some concern about the rearend making it. I did some research and took the truck to a highly recommended independent repair shop. Two new sets of gears later, and the rearend was still making noise. The technician said that he had never had one that he couldn't fix, but after consulting with other rearend specialists (real ones....not the kind that I pretend to be), he recommended getting a complete remanufactured rearend from Jasper Automotive in Indiana (included complete housing). He wrote off the previous attempts to rebuild, and only charged for the parts and labor of the new installation (also installed new brake pads, that I purchased, for no charge). Now, $2,500 and 900 miles later, I have gear noise at 50-55 mph. Since Jasper warranties their rearends for 3yrs, 100k miles, it appears we are headed for yet another replacement. Truck goes back to the shop this week. I know the tech is getting sick of seeing it, and is certainly losing money on this repair. I am fortunate in that the shop wants to maintain their reputation, and is determined to get it right. We only use the truck for a TV, so being in the shop doesn't affect our transportation needs.

Bottom line, after losing both a transmission and rearend, is that I now believe that 1/2 ton Dodge drivelines are not up to the task of being a reliable TV. We have towed the 25' around 23k miles, and loaded for extended trips it weighs under 6,500 lbs......usually around 6,000 lbs. We have never abused the truck....and, I am anal about taking care of my "stuff."

Chief

Streamer Dan · 07-11-2011, 02:24 PM

i've been towing my 29ft excella with a 2010 1500 5.7 hemi for a year now, the power is great, average around 10mpg, the truck pulls great but now i'm upgrading to a 2500. The tongue weight of the excella is about 850lb, i've got a cap on the back which is about 200lb, full tank of gas, extra person, etc and you're very close to the payload capacity and that's before i've put anything in the truck. Also the 2500 is completely set up for towing, tires, built in brake controller, towing mirrors, big brakes, big tourquey diesel, better fuel consumption etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, the 1500 does the job, but i'm going to be doing a lot more extended trips soon so want to be able to load it up with generator and other stuff that makes a long trip more comfortable. Good luck, Dan