I currently have a 2003 2500 Cummins with LOTS of miles on it and I want to replace it with a smaller truck because I don't think I really need a 3/4 ton diesel for what I do. My truck is mostly used for picking up/delivering classic cars and usually 150 mile trips or less. Most of the time it just sits in the shop. So my question is will an 06 1500 quad cab 4x4 hemi be capable of towing one car on an 18ft car trailer properly or will it be struggling? I have looked up the specs and it shows a 3.92 gear ratio is rated for 8300lbs so that should be no problem right? Thanks for the suggestions.

 

shouldnt have an issue at all

 

Ok good, do these trucks hunt for gears while towing all the time or do they seem to stay locked up in over drive nice once they get up to speed? I have been in 5.3 chevy's that just wont stay in OD with any kind of a load on them and it is very annoying! Maybe the tow/haul mode in a dodge makes them stay in OD a little better?

 

I have a 07 with the hemi. While pulling my 22ft stratus bass boat it will occationally shift into overdrive but when pulling my 24ft camper it will not. Running 65-70 in drive rpms are roughly 2500-2700. It seems to pull better in drive and the hemi likes higher rpms. Also, I have no mods on the truck, so with a tuner etc. it might do a little better. Just my .02.

 

I would say you're not going to be able to pull that trailer in OD. In my experience it has always been better to pull my trailers with the truck in Drive (I don't have a tow/haul option.) I think if you try to pull that trailer in OD the truck will be popping in and out of OD and eventually overheat the tranny.

 

You're gas mileage might suffer more pulling a load with a HEMI as opposed to your diesel.

 

I disagree. OD is fine unless you're pulling some serious hills. If you have tow/haul use it. If you only have O/D off, use it on big hills. Other than that, cruising in OD is fine

 

I try to avoid OD when pulling my 25' boat. Even on the flats, a headwind can kick you in and out too much.

 

I know I will be using more fuel than my diesel but I do not put enough miles on to make up for the cost and cost of repairs on a diesel so I thought I could get away with a gas 1/2 ton. Where I live it is very flat to so maybe it will work out.

 

You'll be fine for the light duty you'll be putting it through.