I currently have the above truck and when I take it camping and pull my 07 outback that says it weighs 4600 pounds dry it feels like I'm running that truck into the ground. Can't do over 60 without racking RPM'S or getting 6 MPG. I've been the only owner of the truck and its got just over 80000 on it. Is it a weak hemi? Or is this normal? And what can I do to help? Other than trade it on the 06 5.9 mega cab I'm eye ballin.

Appreciate your help

 

What is the all-up weight? Depending on gearing and wheel size, you should be able to tow up to ~7,800#. More details are needed to reasonably answer your question.

Do you tow often enough to warrant the greater maintenance cost of the diesel? Diesels get better mileage, but that's partly offset by the higher cost of fuel. Your fuel cost/mile won't be much better than the Hemi.

 

Not sure what your asking about the weight? tire size is 265-70-17. 3.92 Axle Ratio. And it's an Automatic.

 

Maybe you mean loaded weight on the camper? Guessing around 5000.

 

I suspect the loaded weight is more than that, but I don't know. You should be on your third set of plugs by now. A TB cleaning may help. What fuel are you using? Is that 6mpg flat ground or hills? With a GCWR of around 11,000#, you're moving almost six tons.

Does the '05 have tow/haul? If you drop the tire size to 245s, you'll develop a bit more torque (the highway rpm will go up, so that might be a wash).

 

Swap gears.. Put in a set of 4.56's

 

He'll be lucky to break even on fuel cost. It'll take a long time to make up the gear cost. Highway-only miles may never break even.

 

You are probably right about the weight. Ummm still on my first set of plugs, i'll take care of that soon. The fuel grade doesnt seem to make a difference, and it's rolling hills not mountains. I do put into tow haul when pulling the camper. I just didnt know if i should expect it to do better or not. Or if it's worth throwing money to upgrade some stuff or chip it. Im no mechanic, so changing the gears would aslo be something that i would have to hire done as well as the plugs.

Thanks for the advice

p.s. whats a TB cleaning??? I know i know....Rookie

 

Sorry, "TB" is the throttle body. Cleaning that can seriously improve idle and throttle response. A dose of Sea Foam may benefit, as well.

"By the book", plugs should be changed at 30K. I let mine go 40K-50K. Use only copper plugs (stock Champions, not my favorite) or NGK 5306s. If you pay someone to do the plugs, it'll run you $200-$400. Plugs will cost about $30 for the set of 16.

A gear change will run you $900-$1200, more if you want to change/add LSD. That's why it's hard to break even when you do that. You could chip it to gain some power, but even that will be hard to break even, mileage-wise.

 

On flat ground you may not be able to maintain 4th gear but 3rd gear should not be a problem maybe 2500-2600 RPM. If you are running in 3rd then 8MPG is probably about what you would get. What kind of mileage are you getting without towing.