Hey guys I really enjoy reading all the posts on the site, yet I rarely submit a question.. I own a 2005 ram 1500 4x4 with a hemi. I purchased a new camper (5100 lbs)and I am going to pick it up next weekend. My question is. When I tow the trailer do I use tow/haul all the time or only when it is hilly? I am planning a long trip this summer , about 2000 miles. how well do the ram trucks handle trailers, I have never pulled with it. Any advice would be nice. Thanks fellas

 

check the book to be sure, and assuming u paid for the tow package(u get bigger trans,trans cooler,and a temp gauge,and better shocks) u should be fine up to 7,000 but like i said. a lot of people think the tow pack is just a hitch and thats y so many people have probs. with the trans. but if u have a tow button its only for hilly areas and ur trans temp would tell when 2 push the button. also u get 4 wheel abs with the tow pack standard is the front 2 wheels hope it helps

 

I'd at least get an aftermarkettrans cooler that suits your needsifI was you...B&M makes a good one. http://www.autoanything.com/coolers/65A3046A0A0.aspx If you already have the reciever for the hitch then you're good to go..

As far as tow/haul mode, I leave it on because you still get use of 4th on the freewayand it keeps the MDS off for us 06+ guys...mainly for the MDS though.

 

All good information. Tow ratings vary with gear ratio, curb weight, etc. Make sure the trailer has electric brakes and you have a brake controller. The truck's brakes alone won't stop six tons very well. Figure the trailer will weigh about 6,000# or so. You'll know it's back there. Just be careful -- make some short practice runs to get used to it. If you're not used to trailering, it'll pay to practice backing and watching your clearances. Many campgrounds have pull-through spaces, but it pays to know how to back a trailer. BTW, two-wheel ABS is on the rear wheels, not the front. Have fun -- my family and I did that many years ago and had a blast.

 

Hi.
Sorry to "jack" a thread but.................I have an 03 Hemi QC S/B 4X4.
I'll be towing a 2000lb carvan this summer.
The first time I've towed with a Hemi, but not towing per se if you know what I mean?
I have an O/D on or off button at the end of the auto gear change lever.
What do we guy's do with this O/D on off, instead of the tow/haul???
Al.

 

If your towing make sure OD is off, the overdrive cant handle the strain of the tow and you will tear stuff up

 

With the tow package you get a different alternator and battery. The tranny is still the same tranny, the cooler is the same, none of them have a temp gauge other than trans oil hot and they are all the same shocks. I am referring to 04-07's, I don't know if anything has changed with the 08's but I would guess not.

 

I'd leave O/D off in the city but on the freeway you'll want the O/D gears as long as the road is pretty level...on hills definately turn O/D off to keep you in 3rd.

 

Practice 'panic' braking in an empty parking lot.

Learn to let the slack from the trailer hitch come forward
before hitting the brakes full hard.

Learn about 'jack knifing' and how it happens, and when.

Remember that any crazy thing you have seen a driver do in the past,
may now happen in front of you with your trailer behind you.