We got to fully try-out our new RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi this weekend and thought some would be interested in a report.<br /><br />Tow Vehicle:<br />04 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Quad Cab<br />-5.7L Hemi engine (345hp)<br />-17x8 tires (standard is 17x7)<br />-3.92 gear ratio <br />-Factory tow package 8900lb rated<br />-Otherwise stock<br />-89 Octane fuel (recommended, but will run on 87<br />-2 adults, 3 children under 5, cooler, stuff for a weekend on the water, 100lbs of spare trailer parts and tools (overkill perhaps, but nothing like having the right tools if you have a problem)<br /><br />Boat and Trailer Package:<br />-Chaparral 1935SS 19ft cuddy (~3600lbs with full fuel and gear)<br />-Majic Tilt 2-axle trailer (~440lbs)<br />-Newly installed Tie-Down ventilated disc brakes<br /><br />Route:<br />Trip was from Ft Walton Beach, FL to Apalachicola, FL for 130 miles one-way. Average speed was probably in the 40-45mph range considering a good 50 miles of the distance is through Ft Walton, then Destin, San Destin, and then Panama City -- all with slow downs and stop lights. Top end was kept around 50mph per Dodge break-in instructions for the 1st 500 miles of towing.<br /><br />Route included multiple tall bridges with steep approaches, including the bridge at Port St Joe with an 8 degree grade.<br /><br />Results:<br />-Absolutely no problem towing or stopping which I would expect given the RAM's tow rating. We found that the tow-haul mode wasn't really needed on flats above 40mph or so. Tow-haul helped a bit in town, mostly by retarding shifting a bit when accelerating. Cruise control handled highway speeds smoothly (no real hills so this was a limited test). Plenty of remaining power to accelerate up the bridges if desired.<br /><br />- Averaged 10.1mpg which is within my expectations. Truck gets ~12-13 city and max of 18 or so at low (55-60) highway speeds empty. MPG drops to ~16.5-17 at 75mph. Dodge claims mileage will improve after 1st 5000 miles. I'm not holding my breath.<br /><br />- We've had the truck about 2 months now and find it drives very well. This is our 1st truck, but stearing is nearly as tight as our Honda Odyssey and the truck is actually quiter inside at all speeds. Stock Honda audio really stinks, Dodge's stock system is actually OK. Kids fit fine 3 across in their car seats and boosters and are in easy reach of us and each other (both a blessing and a curse). We've found the middle "seat" up front works great as a table for a DVD player facing backwards.<br /><br />- Apalachicola area is a real gem for boating. ICW, multiple river systems, St George Island, something for just about anyone. The city has an excellent boat ramp just under the bridge with 6 launch lanes and a large parking area. Ramp gives immediate access to the bay channels, Apalachicola river, and ICW. <br /><br />- I'll post an additional topic to review the tie-down brake system and my experience so far.
