I have never towed before, so I have some newbie questions.

First, this is my set up and my application:
* 2006 1500 Mega Cab with 5.7 Hemi
* 4x2
* 3.73 axle w/LSD
* Did not come with towing package
* 3,000 lbs. race car + open or closed trailer (about 5,000 to 8,000 total)
* Driving some good size hills in CA such as Pachecho Pass and the Grapevine

Is the Dodge OEM hitch good or should I be looking at aftermarket products?

I have a four pin connector. What is involved in getting a 7 pin added?

Is it reasonable to think that I can haul a 5,000 or 8,000 lbs load up a hill with a 1500 Mega Cab Hemi?

Besides the hitch, the 7 pin connector, and wide mirrors, is there anything else that I should upgrade e.g. oil cooler, trans cooler?

 

The bumper hitch ( ball ) is only good for 5000 Lbs, The tow package comes with a receaver hitch, I Don't rember what class, but I tow over 6000 Lbs on the receavier hitch with my 2500 Ram 5.7 6sp

The tow package adds a 2nd radiater with electric fan, 750 amp battery and HD altenator and all ready has the 7 pin conecter and wire harnes for electric brakes.

I have a 6sp manual reg cab . but I think a trans cooler/oil cooler are on Automatic tow packages.

I'm skeptical of using your truck to tow that amount of whieght, the Mega cab is on a 2500 Frame, so your ok thier and the 373 will tow fine, But your going to have to add a trans cooler, oil cooler and really watch the engine temps.

The 5.7 in the Mega cab and 8000 Lbs is going to be slow and you need electric brakes and up grades to the power train..or you will blow up the engine or transmisson.

Once this is complete, your Fine...One advantage for you is 2wd are lighter and can tow more tha a 4x4 mega cab if all is taken care of.

Best to read te bible in the dash board for info.

 

Here is the specs for a 2005. http://www.new-cars.com/2005/dodge/d...er-towing.html It does not fit your truck exactly but will give you an idea. Remember, maximum tow weight is based on a gooseneck not bumper tow. Bumper tow is based on the class of receiver. If you have not bought one yet you may want to look into a class 4 hitch.
Assuming dodge did not cheap out in 2006, you should have a factory oil and tranny cooler. For the weight you have these will work fine. The extra HP of the engine will compensate for the gearing - which isok for towing.
Wiring in a brake booster and 7-pin is a simple job if you're even slightly mechanically inclined. Just take your time and follow the directions. I did mine from scratch and it took about 2 hours.
That is a lot of weight to tow with a 1500 frame and you will know it's back there. Just be sure your trailer has brakes and it will make all the difference in the world. Get thestabilizer bars for the trailer and you will be glad you did. It will help you keep control of the trailer. 5000 to 8000 lbs is a lot for a first timer but everyone has to start somewhere.Remember, it's not just weight butdrag as well. Just take it easy and give yourself plenty of room.
Use the engine to help slow your decent on hills so you don't overheat your brakes. The tow/haul, as useless as it is most of the time, will upshift the tranny to slow you down. Learn how much pressure it takes on the pedal to upshift the truck into third and hold it there for the hard hill climbs. The tow/haul will not allow a 1to1 ratio when towing so in hilly terrain you will start hunting for a gear. Don't go to oversize tires or it will get worse depending on what size you go to. Like what was mentioned, read the manual. It will tell you of the tranny temp light and what to do if it comes on and other little tips but experience is the best teacher. On a well maintained vehicle it will be easier to overheat the tranny than the engine.
Oh, and remember to swing wide on your turns and never take anyone's word that you're "hooked up and ready to go". Always, always, always double check your safety chains and be sure you're locked in. There is not really a right way to tow as each situation can express different obsticales but, there are plenty of wrong ways! Just be sure all your basics are covered and you will be fine.

 

I towed a loaded open dual axleflatbed with a Liberty on it (approx total weight 6000lbs) from TX to CT. I have a 1500 2wd QC Hemi w/3.92 LSD. I highly recommend more gearing and electric brake module. On level ground I was able to leave the OD on without it shifting constantly. When it got hilly I turned the OD off. Only problem I had were the TN mountains. I was lucky to get 60 going up some of those grades. Otherwise I had no problems at all. This was also with the Superchips Perf towing (91). Worked like a charm.

 

Thanks for the good info. I'll go for an open trailer with electric brakes which I should be able to pick up for under two grand..

The local Dodge parts guy quoted the hitch at $109 and the 7 pin connector at $79. He said that it was a half hour install job. :-)

 

the dealer will install a 7pin connetor with electric brakes for 79?

 

Just going by memory here, but I think that bumper hitch is only rated for 500 lbs, not 5000. That's why you see so many trucks with the bumperball hanging off of a severely warped bumper.

The hitch receiver in the tow package is rated for 5000 lbs towing without the weight-distributing equipment, and a bit more with it in place. I've towed over 6000 lbs with the standard tow package (Hemi Quad Cab with 3.55 gears, 4x4) so I'm sure there is a bit of a safety factor in there. I just made sure to give myself the braking room.

 

No, the part is $79. I did not ask about labor.

 

Another towing newbie question -- what is "weight-distributing equipment"? I have heard that mentioned in other posts.

 

That could be anything that distributes weight across the vehicle and trailer. In this case it refers to "sway" bars or stabilizer bars. It strengthens the point of connection between the truck and trailer and eliminates the bow and flex that would normally happen at the receiver. It "spreads" the weight out instead of allowing it to focus on a single point.

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/WD/w...stribution.htm Here are some examples....