I am looking at a 06 1500 with a hemi. It only has 15,000 mile in perfect shape but, I need some info. I will be using this to pull a 16' enclosed trailer, loaded about 4000 # This truck has 18" wheels and a 355 rearend. Will this handle the trailer and what type of mpg will I get without the trailer when on the highway ?

Thank You
dhtz58

 

Quad cab...mega cab? It'll pull the trailer just fine even with the 3.55 gears....i'm mainly asking for the mpg question

 

Whats the touge weight for the rear bumper? Because you may need to add more springs to tow a trailer.

 

He doesn't say anything about pulling using the bumper...i'm sure he has a hitch. 4,000 lbs isn't much...properly equipped rams are rated around 9,000lbs tow with aclass IV hitch.

 

Check a new 08 as well, they are almost giving them away. You might be able to get a new one for a comperable price and get a lifetime powertrain warranty.
My 08 has 3.92 gears on 20" wheels and I have towed 7500lbs with no problems. I always recommend trailer brakes as well.

 

Yes it is a QuadCab.The traileris a V nose ,all aluminumH & H with 2 sons MX bikes and gear. It does have a hitch on it and will be wired for electric brakes. Tongue weight is 200 I believe. Only twice a week do I pull the trailer to the tracks. The rest of the time I do mostly highway driving. My thought was that with the hemi, the 18" wheels and 355 rearend the gas milege should be very decent. The other truck i test drove had the hemi, 20" wheels and the 392 and on the highway it was doing 19.8 mpg. Thank you and anyother input would be helpful.

Thanks
dhtz58

 

The truck will handle thatload with no major problems, although the 3.55 gears are terrible for towing.
Anything much over 5k will have the tranny searching constantly with that gearing.
If possible, I'd opt for a truck with 3.92 gears and 17 or 18" wheels...

 

Swapping gears isn't a big thing so I wouldn't pass up on a truck because of them. If you've never done it before there's write-ups on the internet that can guide you. If you have a 4x4 it'll be more expensive and time consuming...but get used to hearing that .

For a truck that size your mpg will be good IMO...from what i've noticed on this site the QC average around 20-22 highway. The 3.55 gears are better for mpg so if it was me i'd keep'em. Stick with the smaller wheels...the less unsprung weight the better. Tow/haul mode might help with any gear searching..if not put it in o/d off and that will for sure. The truck won't wanna drop to second when you're going 60 in 3rd

 

Thank You for all your help ! Feel much better now. The truck is in showroom condition and the price a good fair number but, if it won't do what I need it to do, it doesn't matter on how good of a deal you ended up with.

Thanks
dhtz58