#18 Subject: Dodge V-10 Truck Motor

- I look forward to getting your newsletter.
- I am considering buying a new Dodge 3/4 ton 4X4 extended cab short box pick-up. I like the 360 motor as it is tried and true but it will only tow an 8100 lb trailer with the 4:10 axle. What do you think of the V-10 engine. It sounds like a good buy but I know nothing about this engine. Are there any major problems with this engine? Is is a reliable power plant? I plan to tow a large boat (7000 lbs) long distances and do not want to get the wrong rig. How about the transmission Dodge puts behind the V-10. Is it a good transmission?
- I would appreciate your advice on this before I spend big bucks!
Dave W.

Hi Dave, The V-10 in the Dodge truck was designed for the Viper. Dodge ended up using it in the truck first. The people I know who use the Dodge 8.0L V-10 are happy about reliability, the only problem is gas mileage. With a 7000 # trailer you could use the 3.55 rear axle ratio. A V-10 has a high RPM band which will help the auto transmission shift less than in the diesel. I don't recommend Dodge's auto behind the Cummins, but I haven't heard of unusual problems with their auto behind gas engines. Another thing get the trailer towing group or at least a tranny cooler for the automatic. Here is a message board about the Dodge transmission. Click here


#17 Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2001 2:15 PM

Sir
I have ordered a 2002 4x2 long bed Ram 1500 Quad cab with automatic transmission. (Whattatruck!!) In your opinion how much payload can it safely handle with the addition of airbags? With airbags AND beefing up the springs? I have ordered the truck with 4.7 V8 and 3.55 rear end. Also with 4wheel antilock disc brakes. Your response will be very much appreciated as I plan to load it with pop-up, slide-in camper. Your input, I am sure, will be helpful in answering the question I face as to how heavy a camper I should get, while allowing for the weight of all my gear and passengers, etc. Thanks very much
Tony
P.S. I am eager to read your planned review of this truck on your website.

Hi Tony,

Dodge says your payload is 1570#'s. That is people cargo and fuel. The newer popup campers usually weigh 1000#'s or less. The 1570# payload is for warranty purposes. Axle air bags and extra springs help level out your truck under a load but they don't increase what your axle bearings will hold. Depending on the springs or bags you buy they can add 500 to 1000#'s to the payload. You could haul 2000#"s but you didn't do it all the time. If you just ordered your truck, you should be able to call the dealer and have the trailer tow group added to get the tranny cooler. If you ever decide to pull a trailer you will be ready and the tranny cooler will save problems latter. Let me know how the truck works for you. Good Truck'n. MT