Anyone with a Ram 1500?

[Ruck_and_Roll]

Hi,
My current rig is 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCab upgraded with ride-rite air bags and E tires. I have a 2008 hawk. I'm definitely over payload of 1400 lbs fully loaded.

Don't notice it much, but have nothing to compare it to either.

I am starting to look at upgrading my rig as it is getting up there in miles. I keep the hawk on for most of the summer and it is periodically on during the spring and fall, and even less so in the winter. The truck is my daily driver.

I am trying to find something that meets my needs (can handle the hawk when it is on the truck and not a total gas hog when it is off the truck). I would still like to stay with a 1/2 ton. ( I know there are various opinions on this and I should be considering a 2500).

I like the specs of the Ram1500 and also looking at F150 with a "payload" package. Anyone with any experience with the Ram 1500s? The V6 and e-torque hemi both seem to get decent fuel economy and can be configured with payloads = 1800 lbs.

 

[ajacobo]

Sorry I cant provide you with any insight, but I do have a question
I also have a 2014 F150 super cab and will be picking up a Hawk in June and I will also be well over payload....... do you feel like adding a sway bar will help with handling? How much off roading (dirt, washboard, steep inclines) have you done? My wife and i stay away from designated campgrounds but dont get too wild off road.
I love my F150 and bought it because I beat the hell out of my work truck (2013 F150). I work for the forest service and drive dirt roads all day and have had zero issues with it. There is something to be said about preventative maintenance.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

Just my personal experiences . . . stick with the Ford F-150 with the HD package.

I don't have anything against RAM trucks, except . . . The RAM 1500 trucks have 4 coil spring suspension.

I'm a big fan of trucks that have rear leaf springs, especially if you are going to be carrying a camper on the truck.


It is a bit harder to do a proper rear suspension upgrade to coil springs. It is possible, but less options available.

.

 

[BrianG]

My 2015 Ram 2500 with coil springs rocked side to side a lot less than my newer 2018 Ram 3500 with leaf springs when my Hawk was on. Funny thing but it was noticeable.

 

[Ruck_and_Roll]

Thanks stan and Brian, very helpful replies.

 

[Lighthawk]

My 2015 Ram 2500 with coil springs rocked side to side a lot less than my newer 2018 Ram 3500 with leaf springs when my Hawk was on. Funny thing but it was noticeable.

Did your 2015 have factory airbags on the rear?
I'm interested in the discussion about leaf springs vs coil in the current RAM lineup.
Only the 3500 have leaf springs, and 2500 do coils plus optional rear air leveling.

 

[kmcintyre]

I have the 1500 EcoDiesel. 21mpg is pretty normal with an Eagle on the back. I replaced the rear springs with HD springs. Also have airbags but we did 4.5 months in Mexico/Baja and didn't feel comfortable if we had an issue w/ the airbags so I put the springs on. Of course, E rated Michelin LTX M/S on there too.

 

[Car2705]

FYI....The new Ram 1500 have their shark fin antenna at the rear of the roof and will be obstructed by the cab over bed. I have a Rebel on order and plan on getting a Project M camper. Still looking to have someone relocate the antenna as I plan on having navigation and XM radio. Would appreciate any suggestions. Had a 2017 F150 with a ATC Panther and had no problems. Added Timbrens and they worked well. Thanks.

 

[Ruck_and_Roll]

@Car2705; interesting, I had not really even thought of that. Let us know the cost of getting the antenna relocated.

 

[BrianG]

Let me clarify, the rocking I’m talking about was when camped, not on the road. The 2500 was simply stock. No airbags on the rear.

 

[bike4mee]

I have the 2019 1500 RAM 6cyl it says its supposed to get 24 hwy mileage, but of course it doesn't with the weight of the camper. I see 14-15 mpg I need to beef up the suspension also besides that it's a great truck for hauling the 4wc

 

[kmcintyre]

FYI....The new Ram 1500 have their shark fin antenna at the rear of the roof and will be obstructed by the cab over bed. I have a Rebel on order and plan on getting a Project M camper. Still looking to have someone relocate the antenna as I plan on having navigation and XM radio. Would appreciate any suggestions. Had a 2017 F150 with a ATC Panther and had no problems. Added Timbrens and they worked well. Thanks.

On my 2015 Ram, I don't have any issues with nav or XM (when I had it but I didn't use the radio much).

 

[rchawk]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with a 2017 Hawk shell. I added Timber Grove air bags and E load rated tires including spare. The truck goes anywhere and rides great with two people, two bikes, and all our gear. I don't use satellite radio and I have never had any GPS navigation issues with the Hawk on the truck.

 

[tailwalk]

I added Stableload to the leaf springs on my 2012 F150 3.7L SC 4x4 with airbag. Works great!

Truck Suspension Stabilizer - Prevent truck sway - reduce camper roll | StableLoad | Torklift International