Thanks for the replies. I think I'll wait and watch and see what people with 2011 trucks are reporting re towing. I think Dodge upped the tow ratings, but I'm not sure what they did to raise the numbers. My '06 3500 5.9 CTD is great for towing heavy, but the harsh ride (empty) and constantly clutching in stop & go traffic are getting old (like me) .

After following threads on the new 6.7 CTD with all the smog krap and much lower MPG I've ruled that out.

Thanks again

 

I can tow 5500lbs or so easily and feel well within the capabilities of my Ram.
Could I tow 10,000lbs, yes but I would not becuase my experience with towing is to stay around 50% of my margin. This does not mean I am right or wrong in my equation, it means that is my comfort zone. Just to tow 10000lbs across town or for a short distance fine but I Would want a 3/4 ton 2500 for anything more. Just my .02 and overpriced at that.

 

I would at least test drive the 2500 with a hemi or 5.9 then since you don't like the new deisel even if it's just going to be used a few times a year. Even though the 1500 seem to tow well, that would be my choice for a safe 10k tow.

 

Hi Radio,

Thanks for your input. Actually, I use the truck almost everyday. It would only be used to tow the big trailer a few times a year, the rest of the time pulling a small boat, utility trailer and fetching stuff from Home Depot or going to the dump etc. I'm hoping to find a good compromise between tow and load capability and driving comfort with no load or tow.

Thanks for your input!

 

Honestly, if you gotta go Dodge, then I say at least a 2500.

If you really want a 1500.... I can't believe I'm saying this....

Look hard at Ford. The towing capacity is there, and from what I understand, they can handle what they are rated to tow much much more than their Dodge and Chevy counterparts.

Even their 3.6 ecoboost system in the F150 is rated to tow the same as a Ram 1500...


All that said, the new 2500's and 3500's ride a like a dream compared to 2nd and 3rd generation rams.

 

Just because they are rated at the same weight does not mean that it will be a good towing experience. Case in point, my previous truck was a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab 2WD with the tow package. The engine was 4.8 with a 3.73 axle. It was rated at same GCWR limits as my 2009 Ram CC 2WD with the 3.21 rear end. I think it was rated to tow 7000 lbs, that's more than my Ram.

Even though the Sierra was a great truck and towed OK most of the time, it struggled with towing in any wind and or hills. I was in 2nd gear in some spots (uphill and headwinds) struggling to make 50 MPH with big rigs on my *** where there was no passing. I hated it and my wife was really sick of listening to me bitch about the towing experiences. It was so bad, that I did not really want to take the trailer out on certain trips.

Now the Ram with the 3.21 is no towing champion, but I just got back from our yearly trek to the mountains before the first big snows arrive. The towing experience is much more pleasant - yes even with the 3.21 axle. Towing the same trailer is easy and I can cruise at 65 MPH even on the hills.

Another thing, I get better towing MPH with the Ram than with the old truck.

 

My trailer is approx 8600 gross weight and with everything in, I'm pretty close to that, not the greatest setup although it tows alright... With weight distribution, air suspension in the coil spring and LT tires you should be fine... 390hp and 405 f/p of torques...

 

Never once did I say that the truck would pull better than a Ram.

1500's aren't made to tow anyways. That's a fact.

 

I just got my 2010 Ram 1500 and I have not towed with it yet. I traded in my 2003 Ram 1500 Hemi that I used to tow with. I have a 20' open car trailer that I use houl my 1937 Studebaker president with. It is a heavy car and my 2003 Ram did a great job and returned 10-15 MPG depending on the speed limit. I hope my 2010 will do the same. I am glad no one told my 2003 that it wasn't made to tow. I have towed cars all over the western USA with it.
Jerry in AZ

 

My 1500 tows great, that's a fact! I'm afraid to ask but what exactly are 1500s made for then? I used to tow a small boat trailer with my 89' Mustang (4cyl engine). It towed that with ease and you could probably make an honest statement about it not being made to tow, but a truck? The Mustang was sold at 120K miles for $500 above KBB high price.

6500lb 24ft trailer, WDH, brake controller. Truck sits level with WDH set up properly. 3:92 gears helps but I had a 2003 with 3:55s and it still did the job, traded in at 140K miles and it still had the power from mile 0. Would tow more with this truck so can upgrade trailer later. Probably keep it under 8500lbs even though the truck rated at 9500lbs towing. 10K is pushing it as far as the 1500 ratings go.