Hi- I am considering buying an 06' Ram 5.7l V8 engine. I need to have tow/haul, etc to tow a two horse trailer (approx 10,000 lbs). Anyways, the dealer just called and said the truck they got from auction has tow haul but does not have the reciever, etc. They can put it on for $500.00 or I can get it done at an auto place (like a Cole Muffler) for $200.00.

I have a few questions, one being is there any difference in towing ability if the reciever, wiring, etc is added now? Secondly, I would like to be able to go in and get the price down from what was quoted ($17,900 with 34,000 miles) so is there generally a price difference for a truck with the reciever already installed v. having the tow/haul package but no reciever?

Thanks,
Ava

 

I would just tell the dealer that I am going to walk away unless the truck is complete. Bet you they budge and put the receiver on for free wiring etc... for free. I mean they can't very well advertise it as having the Tow/Haul package if it doesn't have a receiver. As far as getting them to budge, Go look at the truck, Tell the sales guy you think you can get a better deal elsewear, and start to walk away, I would put money on the salesman asking you want and "Going to talk to his manager".

17900 for and 34K mile 06 with a half tow haul package is not that great.

I bought my 05 dodge ram 1500 Hemi Bighorn (Sunroof, Heated mirrors, stepbars, etc...) With 4wd and full tow package, 23K miles and lifetime powertrain warranty for $17,000, And I beleive I could have gotten a better deal even then If I had my wits about me.

**Edit** Also this truck was off corporate lease, Which generally means they were well taken care of and the maintance history can be traced. Making them more valuable at dealerships.

 

double check the vin number before doing anything from dodge. i use to work at southern auto auction in east windsor ct, we would strip on truck to make another worth selling. even though they say it has tow/haul, make sure there is a tranny cooler from the factory. also check the leaf springs, there should be an extra one in the group compared to a regular truck. having the hitch installed after by a reputable dealer like u-haul or someone else is fine. but you will need a tranny cooler. as for the price, get the vin and do a carfax, make sure it is not a rebuild. but if it is a repo, the bank wants to unload it. tell them 15,900 or ask to see what they paid for it at the auction.

 

I think you are getting confused. On the shifter there is a button for Tow/Haul mode. That has nothing to do with the actual tow package! Every Ram has that button. Now, there is a 4pin harness already back there on all Rams regardless of tow package!
The factory Class IV hitch made by mopar can be purchased for $130 on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE...spagenameZWDVW

7 pin factory style wiring harness runs $80 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge...spagenameZWDVW

So basically, the dealer wants to charge you $300 for labor for one of the easiest tow hitches and wiring to install! It should only take them 1hour topps to install it. Just tell them you'll pay for the parts of they cover the labor! I would def get factory parts for the Ram. Aftermarket is a chop job of wiring and the reciever just isn't the same! Also, the factory tow parts are very good quality!

 

Bottom line is the OP can get what he wants for the price, W/o having to add on anything.

 

17.9 is an okay price but if your going to be hauling 10k lbs...opt for a higher mileage diesel from a used truck dealership. You'll be happier with your decision.

 

This is an 1500 right? I didn't notice it being said anywhere.

 

just bargain with them. i got my tow hitch and bedliner thrown in for free. since they do these type of things so often, they get big discounts meaning there is no way it really costs them half a grand to do that

 

if it didnt come with a tow package ( not tow/haul button like ddog said) then it probably comes with the not as great (opinion) 3.55 gears like mine did. mine didnt come with a tow package but the dealership took care of me and put one one without extra cost to me. good luck.

 

Good point! Your gonna wants numerically higher gears for towing. I think your better off going straight to a 2500 and getting 4:56's.