Would a 1/2 ton (5.9 V8) be able to pull a 20 foot car trailer with maybe a 6000 pound vehicle? I really would like a 2500 Cummins, but that is out of my price range for now. I like the looks of a Reg. cab long bed, but might also do a extended cab short bed.

Basically what is the max towing for a 1500?

 

Towing capacity is around 7600lbs with the factory towing package. I think you're gonna be pushing it, since the car hauler probably weighs quite a bit as well...especially if it's 20ft long. Another thing to think about is braking for something like that. A brake controller would be a must.

You wouldn't need a 2500 Cummins to tow that...but a 2500 gasser would be a better choice. The HD trucks are setup better when it comes to load handling.

 

Well the reason I want a 2500 is to get the cummins. Id rather have a diesel. So I would only go 2500 gas if I got a real good deal.

EDIT: If Im going to be pushing it with the 1500 I def dont want to do it. I really hate when a trailer squats a truck right down. Ill spend the extra money on a 2500. I prolly wont even be buying a truck til late summer if I even by one.

EDIT 2: Can I put 2500 Rear springs in a 1500?

 

yes, the 2500 springs will bolt in

 

6000 lb. vehicle????? Is it a tractor or a crew cab dually? I pulled a tractor on a 20 foot hudson trailer with mine stock. It was not a pretty sight. If you are going to pull something that size at the least make sure it has a camper package.

After that I put the 3" suspension lift with an add a leaf in the rear ad 33" Dunlops. The add a leaf makes a big difference in towing/hauling. I Pulled the same trailer with no brakes across West Virginia mountains 2 lane route, empty with no problem and back, using the Interstate with a Ford Probe on it and did fine. Trailer brakes would have been nice.

I then pulled a 18-20' rental, no brakes, with wood floor to carry a 78 F150, 4X4, 6" lift, long bed mud truck. The size/weight behind me was pushing me around big time. Stayed around 50-55 with tight grip on seat cover...

Trailer brakes are a must!!! If it has dual axles it will have them and legally they are supposed to be used.

I now have an enclosed 16' Halmark V nose to haul motorcycles. Enclosed is a different animal. Would not pull anything larger with my 1500, not enclosed anyway. It pulls fine up to 75 MPH. then it gets a little squirrely. The brakes make a world of difference in stopping, which suck on the Dodge anyway. A sway bar would be a great improvement, but with the susp. and body lift, I haven't went through the effort.



Just a few examples from my experience............

 

It wont always be a 6000 pound vehicle, but I want to have the capacity to do that without sitting the truck right down. I guess if a good deal comes around on a 1500 I can get that and add 2500 springs, otherwise I want the cummins.

 

I haven't done much towing with mine, but I did have a 16' flatben on with a ton of hay at the front of the trailer, and I was squating low...I have a 5.2 and had plenty of power if I wasn't racing, but it was a bouncy ride though. You are going to need some kind of suspension upgrade if you get a 1500.

 

you could put in air bags too they will help keep it from squating down and let u carry a little more too