I live in Fort McMurray (not too far east of the Rocky moutnains... actually in Calgary right now, looking out across the city at them.. they are beautiful aren't they), and we drive into the mountains every chance we get. We have a 19' travel trailer, and granted a CTD certainly isn't needed for a 19', our 1500 hemi almost drank us out of house and home. The CTD is much better towing for MPG, and for "hill management". Climbing is a simple task, and the extra weight of the CTD makes handling the wind in the prairies much less 'white knuckle'.

 

MY guess with a 2500 Hemi would be right about that 7 to maybe 8 mpg towing that big of an enclosed trailer on moderate hilly trips. At least a larger tranny pan (PML or Mag Hytec) and a temp gauge installed to start...

 

Towing something of that size in the mountains I would definitely want the heavier truck and my biggest concern would be the transmission. I would want the extra trans cooler, probably the temp gauge would be a good idea but the most important thing IMO would be to make sure you have low enough gears. Gears make it easier on everything in the driveline and probably on your wallet at the gas pump except when running empty and shouldn't be that bad even then.

 

OK guys here's your "holly S#!t" moment. Wish I had a CTD.



The wrong...1/2 ton pulling a 7000 lb trailer with a 5.9 gasser and 3.55 gears.
The right...I have a WD hitch, trailer brakes and most camping is done within 20 miles of home. (And I don't race to the campground)

 

I pull with the 2500 with Hemi. Make sure you get the 4.10 axle if you are buying used and that is if you use stock 31" tires. If you are single or just a couple then using a 1500 is probably doable but make sure it has at least the 3.92 axle ratio. The mileage in the flat is between 9-11 MPG unless you are going into a big head wind which I would try to avoid when possible. The 5.9 diesel would be better for sure if you can afford it.

 

i pull a 27' camper just fine. Its only 4600lbs though. I pulled it fine with my 04 ford f-150 with 35" tires and 6" lift. And the hemi does just as well if not better. the towing capacity for a 2500 is close to 9100lbs, if im not mistaken. and a 1500 is i think 8700? You're fine.

 

We have a 2004 Durmax Chevy and all it has gave us is problems and more problems so don't buy a Chevy buy a Dodge.....

 

umm this is a real old thread

 

Holy necrothread Batman! Plus your post is completely irrelevant to the OP. Internet much? LoL