Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum, as a matter of fact this is my first time in any forum so I hope I am going about this the right way...was looking for some advise on towing a camper trailer with my 2003 Ram 1500 with a 4.7, 4x2, quad cab, 20" wheels, 80k on the odo and the rear end is making some noise that's all I really know about it other than I love my truck. From what I have read on the towing capacity is should be 6,350 lbs, the trailer I was concidering is about 26' 4,500 lbs dry. I know there is theory and there is reality, I would love to hear the reality of even if it breaks my heart, would love to hear from someone who has been there and done that, I've been told just do yourself a favor and get a 2500, but I won't part with my 1500 to make a short story long need to know what I can realistically expect if I try to tow a about 6,000 lbs trailer including cargo with the truck mentioned, any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

thanks again,

Andy

 

Well to begin with you're probably over the limit as 20" wheels deduct 1000 lbs. from the best scenario towing rating, 3.55 gearing also deducts 1000 lbs. from 3.92 gearing.

Properly equipped, 6000 lbs would be realistic but I'd check the gears and consider re-gearing and if you're gonna spend the coin then go with 4.10 gears.

A deeper tranny pan that lets you get more fluid in the tranny wouldn't hurt either...

 

Thats a long haul and a lot of weight. IDK that I would do it but it is possible.

 

thanks for the info.. coin seems to be the fix all lol! appriciate the response.

 

I towed a camper with an 04, quadcab, 4x4, 4.7L. 3.92 gears and 20 inch tires. Trailer weighed around 5000lbs loaded up, 3500 rating when empty. about 24ft total length. Had a quad in the box of the truck as well. It was slow, but ok. Hills I was down to 20mph at times 7-8% grades in the mountains). Flat land would hold 65 not bad... but no more was really possible. Was rated to tow 7000 lbs or there abouts. You're probably ok, but you'll find the trucks a lot sluggish.

 

If you do opt to try it out, MAKE SURE-----that you do a complete cleaning treatment and fresh coolant refill on your cooling system BEFORE you attempt towing.
The 4.7 is a good little engine, but it doesn't tolerate any overheating whatsoever.