So my 99 Ram 1500 2wd 5spd is my farm/work truck. I do some towing from time to time with my 06 Silverado LT but I would like to “retire” it just due to the fact it’s in much better condition than the Dodge, and I don’t want to beat it up if I can help it So with all that being said my dodge is a perfect work truck other than it being 2wd. I’m a little nervous about towing my tractor, hay, and utility trailers with it just for the simple fact I’ve never done any towing at all with a manual transmission in a 1/2 ton truck. I plan to install a trailer brake controller, some form of rear suspension “helper” system. I’m just curious to hear from you all on what your manual transmission truck has hauled or hauls regularly?

 

What kind of weight are we talking about?? Biggest problem towing with a half ton isn't the manual trans, it's the brakes. Are they adequate to control the load you are pulling?

 

Tractor and trailer weight combined possibly 4500-5000lbs. My trailers will vary depending on load. I plan to do all the supporting upgrades to the truck. Ceramic pads, slotted rotors etc etc. Not sure if I’ll upgrade calipers I’m honestly not positive there are upgraded ones. I’m just mostly concerned about the clutch slipping under load or as I’m gearing down. Just curious everyone’s experience with this.

 

Do you have dual piston calipers up front? If not, upgrading to the Light Duty 2500 calipers isn't a bad idea. You can also go to larger diameter wheel cylinders in the back. Much improved braking. I think the GM 1 ton wheel cylinders are a direct swap. (that information is laying about here somewhere.....)

As for the clutch.... age plays a role there, but, bear in mind, you have the NV3500 trans in there, which isn't the most robust.... If you are gentle with it, it will likely survive though.

 

I’ll look into those upgrades and I try not to beat on any of my equipment unless it’s absolutely necessary. Thanks for the tips and info.

 

You are in almost the same position I was in a few years ago. My 1999 5.9 Ram 1500 and 2006 F150 are my farm trucks. I use them to haul my Kubota and Bushhog from pasture to pasture. I didn't like using my F150 because it is my daily driver. On the Ram, I installed the light duty 2500 calipers up front and the GM 1 ton cylinders on the back (HeyYou recommended). They are a direct bolt on with no modifications. The stopping ability was noticably better. The electric trailer brake controller I have on the F150 helps. I will be removing it and installing it on the Ram soon. I installed helper springs but I'm considering swapping to air bags. Depending on the load, I sometimes use a trailer sway control hitch. It helps at higher speeds. Do not forget about proper weight and balance on the trailer. Take the time to load and strap it right. The load will ride much better. Keep us updated.

 

Will keep you guys updated I will definitely look into all the upgrades. Thanks for all the info. This is probably the most laid back informative forum I’ve been a part of.

 

Manuals were all that OTR trucks used up until the last few years. Just stay in the lower gears longer to preserve the clutch. Instead of going through the gears quick, delay the shifts and take it easy. As long as your brakes are up to snuff, you'll do fine.

 

In the fall of 1999, I loaded up my wife's 1962 Imperial Crown 4-door hardtop on our 16 foot Spectere carhauler trailer and hooked it up to my 1989 Dodge Dakota V-6, 4wd. The car weighs 4800 lbs and the trailer weighs 1900 lbs. I had a Drawtite frame mounted receiver hitch, Drawtite trailer brake actuator and a load equalizing hitch. I hauled the car from Puyallup, Washington to Dayton, Ohio. This trip includes Snoqualmie Pass over the Cascades and going over the I-90 Continental Divide.

I then went to pick up a '59 Cadillac in Delaware and hauled it back to Puyallup.

Yes, it can be done. Set your truck up properly and drive safely.

 

Manuals are better to tow with than autos.