Where are you located. I think you can find better trucks for towing a 5th wheel for $7500 than a 1500 with a 4.7. 1500s were never intended to tow a 5th wheel, people do it, but it may not be the safest idea.

 

I'll vouch for the 5.9 - the old 360. I had a 1978 (yeah, I know, ancient) D-20 that I used to tow a boat. About 4500 pounds total. The engine did fine with it. In fact, in first gear (which was a granny or creeper gear), you could just let the clutch out and pull the boat slowly up the ramp. Not a lot of horsepower with its 2-barrel carb, but the torque was strong.

 

If its not too beat up i'd go with that. Then put airbags on the rear to help with the weight.

 

I got the 5.9 in my truck and i love it. Fuel mileage isnt that that terrible and like said upgrades are cheap. It has the power when you need it. I pull my 24' camper which weighs 3900 empty with no problems at all and i pull an equipment trailer with usually a small tractor or skid steer and it pulls right along. Go for the 5.9 man, it should suit you just right.

 

I have had ALL three engines. Hemi in current truck, 4.7 in my Grand Cherokee (but the more stout HO version) and had the 5.9 in my 2nd Gen 1500 RCSB 4x4.

The 5.9 is probably the best tow vehicle of the three, despite my Hemi having 100 more HP (stock). It's a low end torque beast compared to the Hemi, which reaches it's peak torque higher in the rpm band. The Hemi can be made into a more robust tow/haul vehicle with gears, the right cam and a better tune suited for this purpose, but "out of the box" a 5.9 just tows a bit better.

The only downside to this engine is that it does suck ***** when it comes to fuel economy. But save for the plenum gasket issue it's a very problem free engine and with just marginal care can last 200,000 miles plus and still be a good hauler. Plus, since it has basically been around since the late '60s there are parts and power adders out for it all over the place.

I've got nothing against a 4.7, but I think it's out of it's element in a QC 4x4 and adding significant towing is a bit much for it. Plus if this engine has an achillies heel, it DOES NOT do well when overheated and towing is a recipe for high temps.

IMO find you a late 2nd Gen/early 3rd Gen 5.9 but in a 2500 and you'll have a good mid weight (5-8,000 lb.) tow vehicle. The going price for used 2500 gassers is not much more than 1500 gassers at all, just harder to find...

 

Love it, thanks guys. For sure this is my new home! So I think I'll heed the advice and look for a 2500. I have towed a 5th wheel in the past with a 1/2 ton. I am only currently looking at my options for trailers. I don't have to go 5th wheel, it just can make my life easier. Either way I think the 5.9 is the way too go. I just need to be patient. Will keep you posted on what comes around. Thanks Jeff

 

i have the 5.9 and love it, the 5.9 and 5.2 are pretty much bullet proof. there really detuned from the factory get a sct tuner and i will a new truck !