4.7 Power

Thinking about buying a RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 4x4 with a 4.7 with auto. I don't do much hauling/towing but what would any of you say are the limitations of this engine? It does have a factory towing package. I live at over 3,000 feet above sea level and it does get rough here in the Winter. Also, I have an all steel 17' flatbed trailer rated at 12,000 lbs. I doubt this truck would be able to haul that kind of rated weight. Any thoughts on this too? Thanks!

it's ok for daily driving, and moderate towing. no way I would to a 12k pound load on an all steel trailer though. I think the 4.7 can handle about 7500 lbs trailer weight.

I've got an 09 reg cab shortbed 4x4 Ram with a 4.7 that I pull an 18' steel deck car trailer with. It pulls just fine but steep grades give it a work out. On semi flat land it's great. Mileage is 12-14 with the loaded trailer. For the money I would go with the Hemi over the 4.7 though. If it's just an occasional hauler the 4.7 will do just fine.

Also check out the rear end ratio. The 4.7 needs to spin a little for towing duty. For DD use, 3.5x is OK. For towing I'd want 4.10's.

With my truck in Tow/Haul mode it runs about 2200 rpm's at 65 mph. Any lower rpm's and the truck starts to get sluggish. I hauled a 48 Nash from Maryland to Missouri. The steep grades in West Virginia taxed the little truck but it made the trip just fine.

Quote:

---

Thinking about buying a RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 4x4 with a 4.7 with auto. I don't do much hauling/towing but what would any of you say are the limitations of this engine? It does have a factory towing package. I live at over 3,000 feet above sea level and it does get rough here in the Winter. Also, I have an all steel 17' flatbed trailer rated at 12,000 lbs. I doubt this truck would be able to haul that kind of rated weight. Any thoughts on this too? Thanks!

---

Why considering the 4.7 over the hemi? are you talking new or used?

At altitude, I'd go with the hemi. That's a lot of truck for a 4.7, especially when you factor in thinner air. Plus, a hemi should have a little bit better resale. Mine has the 3.92 rear (and front ) and I think it's just about perfect. Just my opinion

if possible I would also suggest you not go with the performance rims (i.e. 20"), they are very wide with rather short sidewalls and are terrifying on snow. Go with the 17s or 18s with all season tall tires... better for nasty weather, and cheaper to replace... (and in my opinion, those enormous heavy rims hurt the ride)