I'm new to this group and am looking for advise.I found a 84 Dodge Ram 318 and 3 speed auto. It's in real good shape with 65000 miles on it.It was used to pull a horse trailer occasionlly but well maintained. I am looking at a travel trailer 30' and weighs 6000 lbs.I don't think I will be pulling it that much or over 200 miles.Do you think it will handle pulling 6000lbs? I like working on the older engines with carbs and no or very little electronics.So hello to you all and thanks for any help.Charlie

 

Should be fine if your hitch is rated for 6000. Probably is, I mean the stock one is rated around that or higher.

 

Hi JackThe Stripper5.9, I forgot to ask you I looked at the trailer hitch and back of the hitch bolted to each side of the frame but back of the hitch at the bumper is welded to the bumper by a thick metal plate about 20'' wide.Is this what is stock or was this put on by owner? Charlie

 

I have no idea what you're talking about nor could I really give you any kind of answer. I really wouldn't know that. Sorry.

 

some pictures might help.

 

doesnt sound stock...
which means its really hard to offer and advice on it

 

i think i know what he means now. there is a plate of steel welded from the the top of the trailer hitch to the bumper. it should make the towing capacity a little higher.

 

just out of curiosity, is the bumper smooth and a bit rounded, instead of squarish with a horizontal groove. and does it have a towing plug?

 

Thanks for the replies,I can't take pic's but yes the bumper is rounded and the plate that is welded follows the middle indentation at the bottom of the bumper.The weld looks very professional.Yes there is a towing plug.Someone said with a RV cam that is for max. pulling and good fuel economy might help, is that something that would work plus a 411 rear?Maybe I'm wishing for to much.I really like this truck but maybe I should look for something stronger. I just don't want to get something that I can't afford to put fuel in because I will have to drive the truck for a daily driver.

 

My old Ranger had that done to the hitch aswell. Have you towed with your truck yet? how did it handle?