I'm getting ready to move to Alaska and was thinking about picking up a Hemi to tow with. It will be about a 6K pound trailer behind a Ram 1500. Anyone have any thoughts on what to expect for gas mileage. What if I added a Superchip?

 

If this is like a one time or once in a while thing, you'll be fine, especially if the trailer at least has surge brakes. For that kind of weight on a more regular basis, you'd be better with a 2500 or better yet, 2500 with CTD. I've not pulled that kind of weight myself, as the heaviest I've towed was the bass boat I bought new in '99 and sold last spring. Total boat, motor, trailer & gear was about half what you're looking at, it had surge brakes and honestly, you couldn't even tell it was back there. I do know more than one person who has towed that much and more weight with a Hemi 1500 and other than guzzling gas at a considerable higher rate, reported no problems. My gas mileage was maybe 1.5-2 mpg less towing the boat, if that.
As far as the Superchips goes, it has a towing performance mode, and if nothing else will do a lot for the tranny shifts. However, if it's anything like the performance mode, you'll find it really "wakes up" when complimented by other mods such as a cat back exhaust and CAI.

 

This kinda move certainly isn't a regular thing. I will be picking up a boat after getting in achorage to fish out in Cook Inlet but I won't be making this big of a trip but maybe once more. If I could afford a diesel that is definitely the way I would go. I just don't think I can get into a diesel quad cab for around 30K. Anyone know about what mileage to expect?

 

Don't expect to get more than 10 mpg.

 

well in my hemi towing a toybox trailer I get anywere from 6-10. but theres a hill in socal called cahon pass right before lancaster and apple vally on the 15. By the time I get up to the top i lost a quater of a tank in fuel. Max speed with the weight is 50mph pinned. I also tow a wakeboard boatamd its almost like nothings back there.Get the desiel you may not need it now but later on you might.

 

Well I would say if you have 30k You should be able, to Find a CTD quad for around that depending on if your looking for brand new or a little used.. and of course what options what year etc... It says your in reno ? If you havent bought yet.. I got a used Hemi for 19k last year was 06 with 40k miles for 19K..
There were alot of CTDs for around 30k and under with around the same miles..
If your Set on New go to a Volume Dodge Dealer (Reno Dodge) and geta NEW 06 07 5.9CTD Should be able to Get one for close to 30k.. because they want them off the lot..
But With my Hemi Ive towed a car trailer about 2k pounds with a smaller car about 2600 pounds.. in tow/haul mode on a 130 mile trip from Westwood to Alturas.. Basically flat wtih some hills and got a average of 15 calculated..
And i use it to cut fire wood, and tow a trailer when i do, dont really know the wieght i would say around the same or alittle more.. and get the same kinda mileage and its got good amount of ups and downs..
But If i woulda had the 30k to spend i would of got the CTD
And from the couple people i know that have the ctd one had a 2004 with 50k that would get about 19-21mpg towing or not, another with a brand new 6.7 that is only getting 14mpg now got 10mpg during the first 10k miles but with diesels they get better as the miles go.
Hope this helps you alittle

 

i towed my trailer with about 2000lbs of trash on it. its a 14 ft tandem axle and i couldnt even tell the trailer was there. then again i have a 2500 heavy duty. i would atleast get the 2500 if your going to get one. i got about 10.5 mpg towing my trailer

 

i tow a horse trailer that big, get 10-12 mpg towing, no problems so far. you should be fine

 

I regularly tow our 5500# boat from Georgia to Indiana and back twice a year. I get 11.5 MPG with tow\haul mode on and the cruise set at 70. It handles it very well.

Mike

04 RAM 1500 QC Hemi on 20s
(no LSD cause it's crap)

 

Thanks for all the advice and info. I would only get a 2500 to get the diesel. Thanks Chris for the ideas on getting a diesel. I am not set on new but I wouldn't want a diesel with many miles. I look around or go to Reno Dodge and see what they have. If I can get into a diesel I will but I seriously doubt it. Anyway thanks and keep it coming if you think of anything more.