I have a 03 1500 2wd 5.9L 4 spd auto 3.73 gears stock 17 wheels and tires.

I reguarly tow a 25ft toybox approx 7200 loaded.

I am looking for a little better towing power. I have a hard time keeping 60-65 in OD. This is on flat grades, I shift out of OD for hills and such as needed. If I keep it in OD I can get about 10mpg but once I shift out of OD I can only get 5-7. Also, I have tried varying the speed, say trying to keep it at 55mph in OD but the engine just doesn't like to stay there.

So I have two options, and I was hoping for options. Doing both would be a perfect world but I don't have the funds.

1. Install intake system, catback exhaust system, hypertech controller. Estmating cost about $1,200. This would give more hp and tq but I am not sure it would be enough to keep from having to drop out of OD on the road.

2. Install new gears. I was thinking 4.10 or 4.11. This would make it a little easier for the engine to keep the speed up to hold OD. Of course this may effect daily driving mileage, but should help in towing. I estimate about $500 for this option including install of gears.


Thanks for any help.

Get the gears.
My brother tows a race car/trailer with a Durango R/T 5.9. Not sure if they are 4.10 or 4.11 but it does a fine job.
Total weight is about the same.
Only time it's not great is real long highway rides, because the engine is spinning pretty fast.
It never has to kick-down though, which is nice.

As far as the O/D... keep it OFF!!
All that shifting is killing the tranny and it isn't helping you that much at all in terms of fuel economy. The only time the O/D will be any good is if you are towing fast, like 75-85.

I'm affraid you can't have your cake and eat it too. You want power so it doesn't shift but good fuel economy too. It just doesn't work both ways. The gears will help, though.

i agree gears would be your better route. 4.10 and 4.11 samething. it shouldn't make driving it with no trailer a problem with your fuel. i would check in to your price of install again it costed me about 685 front and back just labor on my cherokee but it is well worth the money it will help your tansmission alot. you might want to think about putting in and posi-traction if you do any off-road or so this would be the time when you do the gears. Russell from TN

Not sure if this helps, but I tow approx the same weight (Boat) with my 04 QC 4X4 Hemi. It is equipped with 392's with the 5-Speed automatic overdrive. With he Hemi towing at faster speeds is not a problem. The truck seems to tow a lot better at 70-75 range with the motor rpm's at approx 2,800. Of course at that speed my mileage is at 10 mpg and I have to keep a lookout for the Highway Patrol. When I tow at 60 mph in tow/haul mode I've been averaging approx 12 mpg if I keep the speed steady. Have you considered a supercharger? The supercharger will give you additional torque which seems is needed for your application.

Ditto drtelco. The HEMI's can't get into the power band at posted speed limits. I run about 70 to 75 in the RPM range 2800 to 3200. I never thought this would be a problem with the 3.92's. I think they were trying to squeeze some gas milage out of the HEMI. It does do good without a load though.

just a quick comment on your post. intake, exhaust + handheld tuner should cost you less than $1,000. I would also recommend looking at the superchips instead of the hypertech. Much better unit IMHO.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Within two months I will be testing a supercharger for Hemi applications. Since my vehicle will be the prototype I will keep posting results of the testing...I'm looking for some additional low end torque, but the 575 HP the supercharger will generate won't hurt either....

[Deleted by Admins]

Does anyone make a programmer for the 04 Ram 4x4 w/ 4.7

no, sorry. neither superchips nor diablosport have a tuner for that engine yet. I am showing both a stage 1 and stage 2 chips from Jet available but can't honestly say I have heard any feedback on your specific application. If you would like some information on the Jet chips, drop me a PM and I will forward you what I have.