Heh, I'm looking at buying a used '99 dodge ram for towing a trailer. I haven't bought a trailer yet, but am thinking about a 25 ft witha possible slide. There is a really good deal on a 5.2 that I'm favoring, but I'm not sure if it would be enough for pulling. The difference between the 5.2 and 5.9 is roughly 30 hp and 35 lbs of ft torque. The problem for me is the lack of gas milage with the 5.9. So, is it that much of difference between the two. Should I go ahead and pick the ram with the 5.2 or will I regret it. I won't be travelling that much anyway. Help!

 

probably pick the 440BB


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Probably try to find a 5.9L, it is not going to have to work as hard as the 5.2L would...=better gas milage

its really up to you however... but if i woulda known what i know now... i would have tried to find a 5.9 instead on my current 318/5.2...
it is okay up to a point... high speed on interstate sucks for me... = no power
mostly probably because of the air i have to move over my front end... so if it is stock height level it would more than likely be okay...

i say +1 for 5.9 IMO for trailer towing

 

cummins bro!

the 5.9 if you are lookin at 1500 but i tihnk you could be 1000times happier when pulling, ive pulle dwith my dad cummins and my 5.9, the cummins is like butter!! its awesome to pull with

 

I have an 18' tandem axle trailer that I have used to haul across country (trailer and cargo box). The 5.2L does just fine, as I don't use the truck to haul all of the time, but she gets the job done.

 

Gas milage is about the same between 5.9 and 5.2...

They perform about the same... 5.9's feel a little more powerful, and they are but its not going to make you or break you in towing... both have plenty of ***** to tow.

 

I pull my 25' TT w/ the 5.9 and I am very happy with it.
I was in your situation last year when I got my new company truck (07 - F150)
It came with the 4.6l or I could pay $1200.00 extra for the 5.4l. Since it was not my vehicle I did not want to invest the money into something that I was going to give back. It turns out that the 4.6l is terribly under powered and is horrible for towing the above camper. (The reason I got the dodge) So I say go with the bigger motor. You can't beat displacement!

Joe

 

Neither: go with the V10!

 

Thanks for the info! I'm lookin at haulin a 20-25ft trailer with a possible slide. I'm thinkin it will be around the 65-7500lbs loaded. The truck is a stock 1500 4x4 with the 5.2. It doesn't have a lift so it shouldn't be like flying a kite on the highway. I've also heard if you need some extra umph you can also go with a programmer whichis not an expensive addition. Good to know the gas mileage isn't that different( really?).

 

a1500 5.9 will haul the traileryou're taking about, but if you're going to behauling itfrequently you should probably get a2500.

 

x2......2500= towing comfort.