So, i orginally bought my 1500 for a tow vehicle and I am beginig to realize that it may ot has what it takes to co what I need it to do, that is pull a CJ5 on a full trailer that one day will have a tool box compressor and smaller generator mounted.

I only owe 3k on it, should I take it to a dealer and trade up for a 2500 of the same year, or would the 1500 be able to pull every thing.

 

If you want a truck mainly for towing then I suggest selling it and getting a 3/4 ton. A diesel would no doubt be my choice for a pulling truck. But deciding what to do with your current truck and what to get is really up to you.

That being said, I have seen half tons pull loads like you are describing, but I don't recommend it. Its just too much on half ton components.

 

Most dealers will "pay off" you existing car note right now so I think I will be able to get a decent deal as my credit is pretty good, mid to low 700's I think. The problem is that I have like 175k on the odemeter and a slight dent in the passenger side door, but I think I should get at least 3k for it.

I would love a diesle, a standard one would be even more awesome. I just want something in the same year range, 95 96 97, because of the body styling.

 

have you tried towing your trailer yet. i think it'll do it, but you may see more downshifts on uphill than you like. you'll need a big transmission cooler. a buddy of mine towed a pretty good sized trailer a lot. his only problem was the transmission went out and needed rebuild.

diesels will pull anything, anywhere. but, they're not cheap to buy or to maintain.

i don't think you'll see a much difference in a 1500-360 vs a 2500-360. you'll see a little power improvement with 2500-v10 (and terrible mpg), and a huge improvement in 2500-ctd..

don't be mislead on dealer payoffs. its all your money.

 

Well, you do know that 3/4 and 1 tons have the same body style up till 2002, right?

And yes, don't just GIVE your truck away to the dealer. Although they say they will pay it off, its just a big fat lie. Trust me, they have to make money on it somehow or they wouldn't be doing it. Just sell it outright, unless you have no time and you don't mind letting them take ya with no lube.

Although you wont see much of a difference motor wise going from a half ton to a 3/4 ton with the 360, the drive-train and suspension will be much more up to the task. Lets face it, the half ton drive-train cant hardly stay together just pushing the truck itself around.

And as far as diesels go, you will nearly double the power as well as fuel mileage. But, the buying price will nearly be doubled also

 

A half ton is enough to pull the load you describe. With the new more powerful models out there, people forget the trucks we drive are far more powerful/safe to tow with than older models which were used for decades to tow loads similar to what you have.

The fact of the matter is that yes, for a tow rig a 2500/3500 diesel blows your half ton gasser away. However, the load you are talking about is within your 1500's tow rating.

This comes from a guy who towed his CJ7 with his 1500 for almost 2 years until I sold my trail rig. Oh, and besides the front band in my tranny going out because I misadjusted it my first service, my half ton components are holding up fine.

That said, I still recommend a 2500 diesel for a tow rig, but if you already have a truck that is capable, I don't necessarily see a need to rush out and get a different truck.

My 2 cents.

Edit:
After looking at your avatar, I notice your rig is lifted too. The larger tires and lift won't help you any in the towing department, that may be more of your issue than the drivetrain you're running.

 

I know that the pay off is just a ploy, and if I do it I will just re-finance through my bank. The problem is that alot of people wont buy private party if you dont have title in hand, because you are waiting for the bank.

The lift is what really concerns me, I can get smaller tires, but I dont want to lower the truck. When I bought it I did not realize this.

I also don't trust the tranny for this, and where I live is way to hilly. I can go from sea level to 4000 above and back down in a matter of 30 miles.

 

dude.. don't worry.. your 1500 can pull a CJ7 and some tools as well... I'd get a brake control if possible I assume your trailer has electric brakes?

 

Ur factory hitch is rated for 5000lbs so as long as the weight doesn't exceed that then ur fine. Anything heavier will need a weight distributing system which will bump ur capacity to between 8 and 10 thousand lbs. For the hilly terrain ur describin I'd recomend a heavy duty tranny cooler (Cheap at U-Haul). The install is pretty easy too.

 

i had a (well for two weeks) 98 ram 1500 5.9 4x4 3:55 with 265/75/16 and the guy before with pull a 5th wheel with no problems at all. the only thing he did was put air bags... if really think it ok do you have a trailer have you try? also were you put the jeep on the trailer make a diff.