I would have to echo the whole bit is "WTH did you get the info about the 2500 being weak front end??" - Ive known the 2500's to be solid.

your towing weight I would look into a 2500, same with the offroading, I know that one of the pres's offroading the boytoy is part of - his wife has an 05 1500 HEMI, it appears stock with stock 17's - I have seen it offroading at a place they go with the Krawlers but I have NEVER seen it doing more than MINOR stuff, and then pulling out the Jeeps...

Properly Equipped (which would be more than likely modding the 1500 with about 7k of stuff to make it able) a 1500 MAY pull it, but you would be chancing something going THUD, BUMP or BOOM...

I plan on pulling both "Big Brother" and "Chance" (in my albums) along with a 2 horse slim Trailer with my 1500, the cars weigh about 4-6k, and I would use a flat bed trailer to haul them. I plan on definately modding my truck to support these with 4.56 gears, air bags on the rear, leveling kit on the front, a new CAI, exaust and tuner (like superchips flashpaq) - all that is about 5k from what I looked at, including labor and the more pricy avenues to do all this... but I am not one to take shortcuts that comprimise quality (most of the time-def not when it comes to my cars though)

so depending on what you want your pocketbook to be like... I would seriously look into a 2500... save some money both start up and long haul...

but thats my $0.02 on that...

--Cow-Chick--

 

7000 lbs. is too much for any half ton to pull on a regular basis without substantial mods. At the very minimum, look at a 2500 Hemi, but you should really be looking into a CTD. If you can find a '04.5-'07 5.9 CTD 4x4 with relatively low miles and in good shape, at a decent price, you've really found something, and should jump on it!!!

 

7000#s? No problems at all. My 2500 Hemi 4x4 pulls that without any sweat. If you know you are going to tow alot then get a 2500HD. Bigger brakes, stronger frame,etc... You dont need a diesel for that kind of weight. Plus the 2500HD Hemi doesn't have MDS and has a incredible exhaust note. It is the last of the genuine hard core gas Pick-up trucks.

 

From what I've been told.. 4x4 models usually have a lower towing capacity than a 4x2 model.

I have a 2006 1500 HEMI 2WD with 3.92's and 20" rims. I would not feel comfortable towing 7000 pounds on long trips. My wallet would be empty from the gas mileage.

My tow hitch is rated for 6000 and that's about all I'd feel comfortable towing.
If I wanted to tow heavy stuff for a long time I would've gotten a diesel.

 

ok see.... 2500 owner...

hint hint - lol

 

Think I agree with 04-fourseven. My trucks rated to pull 8600. 2004 Hemi, 4x4, quad cab, 3.92 rear end, 17" wheels. I know of lots of folks that tow travel trailers loaded up in the 7000 range. With a good weight distributing hitch and brake controller I think you'll be okay.

 

key words being the weight distributing hitch and the brake controller. take some load off the truck and put some on the trailer.

2500 would be optimal, but a 1500 when properly equipped and maintained (shorten up the intervals a little) should be fine.

 

I understand that if your going to be a snowbird and pull all the time, a 1500 is not the ticket. However, a weekend warrior that tows once a month to the coast or mountains, 1500 is fine, especially 7000 lbs. But that is my opinion, which is not to say that I am right or wrong.

Mentioned above is something about feeling comfortable because of the fuel mileage. If you start worrying about the fuel mileage when your towing, you need not be towing at all. Fuel mileage when towing should be that last of your worries when selecting a truck and trailer.

Ive towed a 7500 lbs trailer many times now on long hauls, with a steep grade in between, and felt fine and comfortable. I have a two year old son, and a wife eager to jump my ****; Im not going to put my family in jeopardy if I can help it.

I cannot emphasize enough though, BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH ANYTHING YOU TOW. Yes, a 2500 would be better, but guys, hes getting rid of a HD chassis. He wants to know if a 1500 HEMI will tow. Yes it will. "properly equipped".

 

What are you talking abought!!!!!

1500 ram suspensions are the week link, 2500 Ram front and rear supesnsions are built like a tank, you can't expect a 1500 suspension to be built stronger than a 2500.

A 1500 Ram is set up like a passenger car suspession, acceptable if your not hard core working your truck, but once your into towing, working the truck a 1500 Ram front suspesion, as with any ford or gem 1500 front suspesion wear out.



THe 35 gallon tank is only on the long box models, ie 8 foot box

 

I 2nd that, I too have no problems towing, and I have the 6sp manual and 373 ltd slip.