I just found this sight today while doing hemi research. I am looking to buy a 1500 quad cab with the 5.7L and would like to ask you guys a question. In previous posts I have read in this forum about towing, it seems that people are having trouble towing anything over 7000lbs. Is that correct because the main reason I want to upgrade from my 02 dakota quad cab 4.7L is for towing. I don't understand why anyone is having trouble towing something that is 1800 lbs under towing capacity. My dakota has a 4700lb capacity per manufacturer and I have towed a 4500lb camping trailer with gear and it didn't hardly feel like the trailer was there exept for when climbing steep grades.

 

i wonder if people notice that thing labeled "TOW/HAUL" on the shifter. Gee, i wonder what it's used for. Think that has some sort of impact on it?

 

The 4th gear is still too tall with 3:55 gears. This is compounded by the low towing-RPM torque of the Hemi.

Father-in-law has this setup - and it hunts a lot when pushing wind (6,000 lb 5th). Has to drive faster (thus sacrificing fuel economy) to keep it in the power band.

He had the TSB done - I am not convinced that will address his problem.

Get 3.92 with 17's in a 1500 or 4:10 in a 2500.

Dave

 

Dont believe all of what you read.

Sounds like youve been towing so you know about the "things" that need to be considered. I own a 05 Hemi qc 1500. I tow a 5090lb Travel Trailer. Doesnt do bad. But with myself, wife and three rug rats, Im just about at GVWR. I fix that by taking off the tailgate and putting the spare in the trailer with has some GVWR room. A 7000 lb trailer is probably too much for this truck. Better fitted for a 2500.

If you go for the 1500 may I recommend :

Do get at least 3.92 gears (I believe someone here told me thats the best stock you can get)
Do get LT275's. Stay away from the 20's they drastically reduce weight capacity.
Do get the Tru-Cool Max transmission cooler installed in series if you will be towing at all in the mountains. I just put one in. Total for parts and labor was around $260.
Do not use "Tow/Haul" on grades.
Do go to a local scale and weigh the truck with options. My Ram came in a few hundred lbs over the manufacturers weight. The 5261 below is inaccurate for my truck. I weighed my and it came in at 5530.

Stuff on the Ram :
2005 RAM 1500
SLT, Quad Cab, 4x4, 6.25 Ft, 5.7L HEMI Magnum V8 Engine, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
With 3.92 Axle Ratio You Can Tow 8600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)[i]=6650
Payload[i]=1389
Curb Weight[i]=5261
Curb WeightFront/Rear=3075/2186
GAWR[i]Front/Rear=3900/3900
Gross Combination Weight Rating(GCWR)[i]=14000


Overall Width [in]=79.9
Cargo Area (Bed) [ft3] - Height [in]=20.2
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) - Turning Left [ft]=46.0
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) - Turning Right [ft]=44.9
Overall Length [in]=227.7
Cargo Area (Bed) [ft3] - Width (Wall to Wall) [in]=66.4
Track - Rear [in]=67.4
Cargo Area (Bed) [ft3] - Length [in]=75.9
Overhang - Rear [in]=47.9
Ground Clearance - Approach Angle [DEG]=21.1
Track - Front [in]=68.0
Ground Clearance - Breakover Angle [DEG]=18.8
Wheelbase [in]=140.5
Ground Clearance - Departure Angle [DEG]=27.4
Overhang - Front [in]=39.4
Ground Clearance=8.6
Overall Height=74.7
Cargo Area (Bed) [ft3] - Width (Wheelwell to Wheelwell) [in]=51.0
(I think I have more stats somewhere if you need 'em)

Feel free to plug the numbers into this weight Demonstrator I found out there in web land.

http://www.geocities.com/vidalch_1/t...monstrator.xls

 

P.S.

Im going on a White Water Rafting trip next Tuesday. Pulling the camper up I-77 from NC to WV. Never been up that way ... heard that there are some quite steep grades. ... Will let you guys know how I make out.

 

Was just looking at this thread again.

Do need to make a correction. Sorry ... should really start re-reading my replies before sending them out ...

"Do not use Tow/Haul on grades"
should read

"Do used "Tow/Haul on grades" "

Sorry again ..

 

I've towed the car on the left with a heavy Uhaul trailer and didn't even know the thing was back there unless I looked in the mirror. Oh yeah.. Never had a problem.