No sense in buying a diesel if it's only going to be used for occasional towing, such as 5/6 times per year. Just to err on the side of caution, the 2500 with a gasoline engine will suit him perfectly. Diesels last a long time, but you're paying an extra $2500 - $3000 for the pirvilege of owning a diesel.

 

Now I am confused. I do think a diesel would be overkill although I will think about it.

This is what a friend of mine told me:

With 3.92 gearing, the 5.9 has a tow rating of 7450 lbs; the 5.2 is only about 6000 lbs.
With 3.55 gears, you'll lose about another 1200 lbs.
So, for your application, the 5.2/3.92 is borderline IMO. Anything with 3.55 gearing is out of the question.

I emailed dodge customer service about a 5.2 and they said it had a towing capacity of 4700lbs (3.55's).

They did not give me the specific about the 5.9 with the stock gears or the 3.92's.

Problem is it is really difficult to find something with the right gearing because it's not something that is advertised. Would it be easier to just find a 2500 and be done with it? Would the 2500 and stock gearing tow 5400lbs?

Thanks.

 

Just another thought, what kind of prices would we be talking about to change the gearing?

 

also found this for the 2001's

2001 towing

It's a bit confusing though as it lists a towing capacity of 7600lbs for the 5.2 and 5.9 with either gears. Dont think that sounds right?

and this

www.rvsafety.com/Chrysler-Dodge99.htm+RAM+%2B+1500+%2B+5.9+%2B+towing%5C&hl= en&lr=&strip=1]1999 dodge towing[/URL]

This one shows the Ram 1500 4WD 5.2 V-8 can pull 7800 with

a - Requires a 3.9:1 axle ratio OR
d - Requires a 3.5/3.9:1 axle ratio

What the hell does that mean? I suppose either then. Can someone help me clear this up?

 

There are a lot of variables that need to be considered.
1. Price range
2. Auto or stick
3. Price of diesel compared to gas
4. 4x4 or 2x4

There is no doubt the CTD is a power house and would be more than enough power but you will pay a lot more up front for a diesel. I don't know about prices where you live but currently over the weekend I seen diesel anywhere from $.50-$.75 per gallon higher than gas. OUCH! That sucks for diesel owners.

Do you want an auto or stick. I've heared a lot of horror stories about the autos. I also know a lot of people with them who haven't had any problems. If it is for just towing and you go with a gas I would recommend trying to find something with 3.92 or 4.10 gears. IIRC 3.92 gears only came in 2 wheel drives but I'm not for sure. Even quite a few 2500's have 3.55's. If you are thinking about a 2500 you may check into a V10 (very powerful and nice). I know you immediately think the mileage will suck but it wouldn't be much less if any than a 360 with a load behind it. Of course running empty there is a difference. The mileage doesn't drop much on them. A 5.2 really won't hardly be any cheaper than a 5.9 if buying used.

Overall if you find a 5.9 1500 with 4.10 gears and stock tires you should be fine for what you are pulling.

 

Alright, there's one thing you should understand. There's nothing "magic" about a gear ratio. Just because the truck doesn't have 3.92s, doesn't mean it won't be able to tow what a truck with 3.92s could tow. If you have 3.55s, you'd still be able to tow the same as a 2001 1500 with 3.92s would tow. The truck with 3.92s will tow the load EASIER, and probably get slightly better milage when loaded...but there isn't some magical spell that will stop your truck from towing just because your gear ratio is higher/lower. My '79 Ramcharger had 3.55s in it, and I towed well over 7,000lbs. with it several times. One time I even pulled a Semi w/ trailer down main street in town. I'm sure that was way over the max towing spec.

The information that you'll find on dodgeram.info and dodgeram.org is straight from the dealer material, so it is correct. And the information you see from Dodge is SUGGESTED ratings. It's what they put out there to cover their own asses in case something happens, or in case someone decides to try something stupid like towing a 20,000 lbs. trailer with their 1/2 ton truck.

Honestly, I think you're worrying too much about it all if you're only towing something 5-6 times a year. I'd suggest that you find a decent truck that you like (1500 or 2500)...(318 or 360)...(3.55s or 3.92s)...any combination of those options will work for you. If you get a truck with 3.55s, and it feels like the truck is working too much when you're towing your boat then you can upgrade the gears. Last I checked it was somewhere in the $300-$400 range. I'm not sure how many 1500s you're going to find out there with 4.10s in from the factory anyway. Unless it's an Off-Road package truck (or custom ordered), it will have 3.92s max....if it's stock. But that's just my suggestion.

 

you should be fine with the 1500 5.9 liter for towing. i tow a 6,000 pound boat with it no problem. I'm not sure what the gearing is but it works just fine especially with the O.D. off. even going up hills it pulls like a beast.

 

Ok, heres my 2 cents. Definately go 2 wheel not 4 if you possibly can. The 1500 will work fine but watch your tounge weight, you might need a little help in the rear. The 2500 will solve that problem if you dont feel like dealing with it. Gas not diesel! The cost up front of the diesel you wont make up especially if you dont drive it much. Watch the auto's! If you can find a 4sp with a granny gear, grab it. I didnt and I wish I had.
1 other thing , how far you hauling the boat? If you're just talking the launch and back. Leave the sucker in the water, you will use it more. And, rent a truck for drop-in and haul-out. Ofcourse thats if you really dont need the truck for much else than towing.

Again, just my 2!