I am considering purchasing a bumper pull RV, somewhere it the 20-25ft range and between 3k-5k lbs. I am also looking at some different trucks. Ifound a 2001 QC 4x4 1500 Off-Road with 31k miles and was wondering if this truck would be able to towsomething that big.

 

I have a 99 with the 5.9L and 3.92 rear end and I can pull my dad's 16' landscape trailer without much problem. The trailer weights about 1700lbs empty and I really don't notice the weight during normal driving. Loading it up so that it weighs around 6500 lbs, I really didn't have much problems pulling it on the freeway at speed, or around town. Just when I was climbing up a long 6% grade did I have a slight problem where I just locked into second gear as is was hunting between second and third gear, and pulled it up doing about 45mph.

The 2001 your looking at should probably have the 5.9L and a 4.10 rear end, and has a quarter the miles my truck has. I say you should have no problems at all pulling that trailer.

 

If you have a factory tow package it is rated around 7K lbs. But, don't do it. That's the max. rating it COULD tow.
I tow a 5K lb. (loaded) Jayco 25ft. trailer with mine (tow package) in flat-*** Floriduh in summertime and its ok, but you definately feel the weight. No overheat problems or driveability issues, but it's a drag. At that weight use a weight distributing hitch though, or it'll pull your rear end way down. BTW, factory tow package consists of extra capacity cooling system, tranny cooler, higher output alternator, etc. NOT just a factory hitch. If you don't have the tow package, at minimum install an aftermarket trans. cooler.
WC

 

i have a 98 2500 with the 5.9, and i have 25 foot camper that weighs about 5k pounds and you def know its back there. i struggle up steep grades as well.

 

01 QC 4x4 with the 5.9, off road group, automatic, and whatever axle you're looking at 7150 max trailer weight. I disagree with Wayne on this - that's the maximum weight that Chrysler calculated to keep the truck fairly reliable.

I tow a 5500 pound trailer with my dakota frequently and it's a piece of cake. My Dak has essentially the same running gear - 5.9, 46re, whatever the heck transfer case, and 9.25" rear axle. I've got 3.92s in it, but for the Rams it doesn't seem to matter which ratio.

You want to have some overhead though. What's the gross weight of the trailer? Not the tare weight, but tare weight plus gear/water/etc.? I'd try to keep that under about 6500 so you've got some room for the random overload.