Hi,

I have a '96 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD w/ tow package. I moved to arizona an I'm told that this truck will not be strong enough to pull my 2 horse trailer up to Flagstaff (steep grade). I have been told that I need at least a 2500 truck. So the dumb question..... what's the difference? I have seen other 2500 with the same engine and tranny. Help! I really like my truck and don't want to sell it, but need to pull a horse trailer.

 

Well it could be the same truck through in through, but main difference is suspension and gearing.
Personally I wouldn't want to be towing a two horse trailer very far in a 1/2 ton truck. Just personal experience.

Those that are telling you that you need a bigger truck are more than likely referring to either a bigger gearing and or a step up to diesel.

 

differance 1500-2500 we will get to later - lets get this figured out 1st
The tow capicity should be in owners manual, a placard on drivers door sometimes a decal in glove box....we can research all that but
need to know...

-trailer weight... loaded as it would normally be used- if you can tounge weight- 1axel or 2axel trailer

things that also factor in are -hitch rating, GVWR, Axel ratings, spring ratings, AND final gear ratio-

 

you should be fine, them folks who are telling you, you need a 3/4 ton are blowing smoke up your ***
ive pulled a 4 horse gooseneck 22 foot long, loaded to the brim with hay with a half ton just fine, through hills
just keep o/d off, and watch engine temps

 

2WD w/ tow package you may have 3.92 gears(which is a plus for towing) to check, pop the hood and look up under the hood and see what gear you have frist.... also if you think your going to keep the truck you will want to add a trans cooler and temp gauge... just my 2cents

 

your biggest potential problem is the transmission. you've got one cooler already, but you need to monitor your transmission temperature, maybe even add an extra cooler. especially in arizona. you should also get an oversized pan and service it regularly.

your next concern is brakes. does your horse trailer have trailer brakes. if not you'll have that "i can't seem to get stopped" feeling.

otherwise you'll be fine.

 

i get that I cant stop feeling when pulling farm wagons, its not fun, especailly when your pulling 10,000 plus lbs

 

You should be fine. I pull my big *** boat around with my 01 1500 360 4x4 and it dose well for a 1500 pulling around 10,000 lbs. I pull it in the MO/AK area and theres a rather large area of BIG hills up and down. My boat trailer has drum breaks on all 6 wheels though so IDK how mutch a diff your going to feel.

 

That is one big boat!

Depending on how much the trailer weighs, you can do it. But I will tell you this, invest in a good brake controller and a tranny temperature gauge.

 

and a good set of tires made to hold the load, some overload springs will help (i know i love em), and depending if you tow at night, adjust your headlights