I have a 2003 1500 4.7 w/ 3.92. I have heard it is rated anywhere from 6200 to 7800! I think it is really around 6200-6800. We just bought a toyhauler trailer and it starts at 4100 empty, add bikes and msc and I think we end up around 5200-5800. When I hauled it this weekend we took it over the Grapevine (so.cal, very steep grade) and I was getting 4-8mpg @ 4k rpm doing 40 mph, 8-10mpg @ 2500-3100 rpm doing 55-65 mph on the flats, this was killing me. Also, I used to drive semi's and am used to down-shifting so driving an automatic is weird. My reg mpg is about 18-22. My truck is my commuter so I need to get decent mpg. What I was wondering is:
1. Am I hauling to much weight?
2. Will I kill my truck doing it?
3. Is it normal to just stick your foot into it and slowly climb that hill?
4. Would a 2500 Diesel be better? What is the towing capacity on that truck? What would my usual MPG be?
This is our 3rd Dodge and I just love my truck so I want to keep it happy, not wear it down. Would love to know what the best combination would be. Thanks.

 

I would say it's too late now since you already bought it. But the 5.9 would have been a much better option since you are carrying very heavy loads up hills. If you are having to floor it and crawl up hills that is not good for your engine at all.</P>


There's always the decision that has to be taken when buying a truck, better gas mileage or more power, you chose better gas mileage.</P>


BTW, you get 18-22 mpg?? No one else I have seen on here or anywhere else gets over 14mpg and a lot of others are getting single digits with no load. What's your secret?<IMG src=smileys/smiley33.gif border="0"></P>

 

I don't know if that is my average, it is just what I get on the HWY going to and from work, pretty flat road. No mod's as of yet. This is where the gas matters to me, my commute.

When my foot was to the floor it was only at 4100rpms, not really that bad at all, it's not like my engine was screaming or anything, I would have backed off then.

I did not have to choose between power and mpg, we just got the trailer and I have had the truck over a year. I am just concerned about abusing it.

Edited because our van is a 5.2, not 5.9.<edited><editID>spam8170</editID><editDate>38020.4872685185</editDate></edited>

 

I had an 02 Dakota, Quad Cab, with the 5.9 engine and also have a T.T. with a dry weight of #3800. Under way I estimate that my actual towing weight was around #4500. My truck had the 3:55 axle which was not the best for towing, but I would get around 9 to 10 Mpg. while towing. The weight was just too close to the line for comfortable towing. The truck just had to work too hard to suit me.

I have traded for the 04 Hemi, Quad Cab since that time, but have not yet towed with it. I do not believe that you will be satisfied until you trade up. Of course the 2500 Diesel would be excellent, but the 1500 Hemi like I have should be sufficient also. I have found that using your tow vehicle to commute with is just not compatible. The diesel would probably come closer to fullfilling the bill for both. A vehicle that will tow just will not be economical to commute with.

If you do decide to trade, don't forget to opt for the towing mirrors.

 

I've got a TT that has a towing wt of about 5000#. This varies somewhat depending on how full the tanks are. I'm towing it with my 2001 RAM diesel dually. Some may think that towing that load with my truck is overkill. When I got my trailer I was the proud owner of a 1999 Ram 1500. That truck had the 5.2 V-8 with 3.55's and an atx. I added an Airaid intake system and a cat back exhaust. I got 13-14mpg around town and 8-10 mpg towing. Climbing hills wasn't always fun, but the truck did it's job. With the Cummins powered 3500, I get 16-17mpg around town and 13-15 mpg towing. AND I'm always going at least the speed limit! Another benefit is in most places, diesel fuel is cheaper than all grades of gasoline! In response to your questions,(1) NO-sounds like you're within your towing capacity and combined gross vehicle weight rating.(2) NO- as long as you stay within the weight limits you shouldn't break anything, but like I've learned, the ratings provide info on the max towable weight without damage or danger they don't mean you'll be happy towing the max allowable. It's obvious you're not real happy with your truck's performance with your TT in tow.(3)Take your foot off the gas a little. I found with my 1500, that the truck couldn't climb any faster floored than it would if I backed off a little. Save a little gas and enjoy the scenery.(4)How often do you tow your trailer? How frustrated do you get slowly climbing those hills and how many hills do you encounter? I've got the diesel and I'd never go back to gas for a tow vehicle. According to Dodge's web site a 2500 Diesel Quad Cab/ short bed will tow 13350 with the 6speed and 13550 with an atx. These ratings are for the current H.O. The new "600" may well have higher ratings. I would think MPG's would be about the same as I'm getting. The Cummins option is now approaching $6000, if you don't do alot of towing and you don't deal with alot of climbing when do, you can buy a lot of gas for 6 grand!! On the other hand get the diesel, ya can't put a price tag on happiness!!!

 

From the sounds of it your hauling too much. The answer to whether or not its tearing up your truck is yes, especially that particular engine and drivetrain. I get about 6-8mpg towing a 7000lbs tractor but I have a HD package w/ a 360cu/in 5.9L V8, Normal rpms though (55mph= 1500-1800rpm)

 

What is the towing capacity of a 2007 1500 4.7 V8....ive read that its around 7000 pounds for the quad-cab, but was wondering if there was any difference for a single cab?

 

Even with a 3.92 that 4.7 is overworked the way it is without putting a load behind it. With the added weight of yourtrailer its screaming for fuel trying to get out of its own way.....the 4.7 just doesnt make the torque to keep it moving.If you think adifferent truck would be better then gofor a cummins-they will pull just about anything, give you better mileage than any gasser, and last forever.