ok so i've decided i need a tow vehicle. this truck will be used to pull around my race car. so in general it will need to pull an enclosed trailer, a car, and some tools and spare parts. the catch is that i'm on a fairly tight budget. hopefully only 6 or 7 thousand dollars. also i will be using this truck durring the winter months and in the snow so a 4x4 is a must. i've been shopping around for the last few weeks but i honestly know nothing about trucks as i've been a car guy for ever. i was hoping to get away with a 1/2 tone but not sure if it will be enough for my needs. that being said i have found a number of ram 1500's in my area and in my price range. specifically a 96 1500 w/ tow package however it has 160miles on it. will i be fixing this truck more then my racecar? any help would be greatly apreciated.[/align]

 

i don't think the 1500 is a good tow vehicle until you replace the transmission and lower gears, and even then the brakes and axles are iffy. i'd recommend a 95-01 cummins in a 2500 or 3500, 5 speed, with 4.56 gears. this will give you the d60 or d70 axle and its made to haul.

here's a nice one. $8500
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...mp;cardist=639


here's the search
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...p;keywordsfyc=

 

dhvaughan (everyone actually) ... PLEASE go here ... www.tinyurl.com and check it out. Man ... those URL's you posted were over 4 pages wide.

I started using them and it is so cool. Sorry for jacking the thread ...

 

yeah that was a bad one. ok lets try it. here's another ctd
http://tinyurl.com/38et3j

 

My recommendation would be a diesel 4x4 with all of that mass you're wanting to haul. If you can't do that, then the V10 would be your next viable option.

 

No matter what motor/tranny combo you go with, get a 3/4 or 1 ton (2500-3500). 1/2 tons use semifloating rear axles and if you don't get the weight balanced just right on them, you can toast a wheel bearing and have an axle shaft and wheel shoot out the axle housing (as me how I know....) Also, you will want the larger brakes found a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Getting a trailer up to speed in no good if you can't slow it down. The longer the wheel base, the better the truck will tow and ride. I would also look into a load leveling hitch that will make the tailer pull WORLDS better just the standard ball. As a professional truck driver, I see MANY people out here using way to small of a tow vehicle for what they are pulling. Not only is it a danger to you, but it is a danger to everyone around you.

 

If i was you id try to find a 2500 with the CTD or a V10. The 5.9 V8 would get the job done but it also would be working alot harder than either of those other two motors to get all that weight moving. For what your primary use is going to be-towing a car-i wouldnt get a 1500. Quick question though does your trailer mount to a standard receiver hitch or is it a gooseneck ?