Think I agree with 04-fourseven. My trucks rated to pull 8600. 2004 Hemi, 4x4, quad cab, 3.92 rear end, 17" wheels. I know of lots of folks that tow travel trailers loaded up in the 7000 range. With a good weight distributing hitch and brake controller I think you'll be okay.
Thats what I'm hoping. I may even be over on my weight estimate. I've got to add it up, I was going off the top of my head.
I do have a load leveling hitch and I'll get a trailer brake if the truck doesn't have one.
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I understand that if your going to be a snowbird and pull all the time, a 1500 is not the ticket. However, a weekend warrior that tows once a month to the coast or mountains, 1500 is fine, especially 7000 lbs. But that is my opinion, which is not to say that I am right or wrong.
Mentioned above is something about feeling comfortable because of the fuel mileage. If you start worrying about the fuel mileage when your towing, you need not be towing at all. Fuel mileage when towing should be that last of your worries when selecting a truck and trailer.
Ive towed a 7500 lbs trailer many times now on long hauls, with a steep grade in between, and felt fine and comfortable. I have a two year old son, and a wife eager to jump my arse; Im not going to put my family in jeopardy if I can help it.
I cannot emphasize enough though, BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH ANYTHING YOU TOW. Yes, a 2500 would be better, but guys, hes getting rid of a HD chassis. He wants to know if a 1500 HEMI will tow. Yes it will. "properly equipped".
The weekend warrior is what I'll be. Hunting trips and weekend camping trips. I may have misused the word "regulary". I'm talking probably 12 times a year.
1500 ram suspensions are the week link, 2500 Ram front and rear supesnsions are built like a tank, you can't expect a 1500 suspension to be built stronger than a 2500.
A 1500 Ram is set up like a passenger car suspession, acceptable if your not hard core working your truck, but once your into towing, working the truck a 1500 Ram front suspesion, as with any ford or gem 1500 front suspesion wear out.
THe 35 gallon tank is only on the long box models, ie 8 foot box
Listen, I know the difference between IFS and solid axle. I've got a Dana 60 in the front of the truck I have now. Compare all the suspension components between even an F250 and a 3500 Dodge and the Ford dwarfs the Dodge in every way. My point is, I know the difference between the two.
What I am talking about is just what I've read and what several 2500 owners have told about their front ends. It isn't the axle itself, just all the stuff around it.
What I'm doing is just getting the amount of truck I actually need. Not overdoing it like I did with the one I have.
Sounds good. I think I over estimated my weight as well. Best I can tell right now I'm only 5200-5500lbs, not 7000.
Anybody know what the horsepower and torque are on the 5.7 Hemi?
As far as off road goes, it will see the mud, sand and rutted out roads. Definately will be in 4wd more than probably the normal buyer but I'm not going to be out rock crawling.
Listen, I know the difference between IFS and solid axle. I've got a Dana 60 in the front of the truck I have now. Compare all the suspension components between even an F250 and a 3500 Dodge and the Ford dwarfs the Dodge in every way. My point is, I know the difference between the two.
What I am talking about is just what I've read and what several 2500 owners have told about their front ends. It isn't the axle itself, just all the stuff around it.
What I'm doing is just getting the amount of truck I actually need. Not overdoing it like I did with the one I have.
Better to overdue it than to underdue it.. as far as the HP and torque are on the 5.7 Hemi, depends on ye year. With that typed, It sounds like you have your mind made up and know what your wanting, So I wish you luck on your new truck, Be sure to post a couple of pics for us.
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Last edited by traker1001; 03-22-2009 at 01:41 AM.
The standard tank is 26 gallon. With 3.92 gears, 7000# is no sweat. I often tow 6500 to 7500 lbs with no problems. Max tow rating is 8500lbs for a 5.7L Hemi QC 4x4 w/3.92 gearing.
I would search local dealers for a leftover new 08 and get the lifetime powertrain warranty!!
Get one with the lifetime guarantee, thats the only way to go right now. I think you will be happy with a 1500. Make sure you get a HEMI with the tow package. That will give you the results you are looking for when hauling. Only thing about that is, you may not like the mirrors. Let me know if you dont like em, and I will give you mine, you know trade... lol
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2004 4.7 QCSB 4x4SILVER TRUCK CLUB MEMBER #3, Hella 500 Club Member #10 MODS: TGC 2.5" leveling kit, Spectre intake, Coffin Muffler, 12,000 lb Mile Marker, HELLA500 "Just blind the $hit out of people"
If he gets an 08 5.7 with the tow package he will have the flip up mirrors. I think they are great. One of the neatest options dodge ever came up with. My $.02
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Well, your story certainly has changed between page 1 and page 3. You've gone from towing 7000# - REGULARLY to towing 5500#, 12 times a year!!!
Just a little difference there, huh?
Properly equipped, you'll have no problem with a 1500 Hemi and scenario number 2, plus, with the exception of the relatively weak CV's, you'll have a much more capable off-road vehicle if mud is your game. No telling how many diesel rigs I've pulled out the mud, hog hunting and fishing the South Ga. swamps between my SFA '98 and current ride. Too much front end weight, they bog right down in mud or sand. So in that aspect, you'll like the gasser better.
Stock, RWHP numbers for a 1500 Hemi truck tops out in the upper 240's, and RWTq numbers are in about the 270 ft/lb. range...
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