I am thinking about buying a 2003 ram van. It is the coversion with the 5.9l and 3.92 rear end. Are these a good vehicle for towing loads around 5K. What expereinces do people have here with this van?

 

Is it a 1500, 2500, or a 3500 (1/2, 3/4, & 1-ton respectively)?

 

it is a 1500.

 

5,000 lbs. is too much tow weight for the 1/2 ton vans. It's not just the engine power, you have to also consider suspension sway and panic stop braking power.

Anyway, the maximum trailer weight (with brakes) for a 1500 is 2,018 kg (4,450 lbs.)
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2003/...ons/index.html

 

That is referring to the base model. I understand what you are saying. I plan on replacing my grand cherokee with the van because of the above issues.

I found a post from trialer life that the 1999 ram van 1500 with the 5.9 and 3.92 could pull up to 9100 lbs. My trailer weighs about 3500lbs so either way I am ok. With that higher weight I would need an equilzer hitch and sway bars to be safe.