We have a Dodge 1500 with the 5.7 hemi Dodge engine,(3.92 gears).
I want to improve my towing capacity. As it sits I'm close to the max allowed, although all axel's individual capacities are well within allowable limits. When towing it sucks gas like kids and koolaid on a hot day. It is also pretty gutless towing (7000# total load). We are leasing the truck until next June. So I have lots of time to kick tires.
As I looked I found that the 2009 Dodge 2500 comes with a 5.7 Hemi engine (gas option). It sounds like the same engine I have in the 2008 1500. Based on the 09 brochures, the 09 2500 Mega Cab can pull about 1700# (807kg) more than the half ton using the same engine. How does that work?
So how does that same engine pull more trailer, when it is also pulling a heavier frame?
Fort Kent Dad aka FKD
Fort Kent, Alberta Canada
09 Rockwell 8319SS
08 Dodge Laramie 1500 QC 4x4, 3.92 gears with the Hemi.
I would say the Rears! But then again it would handle the heavier load with the stronger suspension and bigger breaks! I can not think of anything else! Oh yes. It will suck more gas!
Good luck!
2006 CHEVY 2500HD 6.0L 4.10 Ext Cab
Wife, 3 kids + one in the oven! (boys so far!... 1, 6 and 7 year olds), and our dog RIGZ.
It is not only a motor that dictates the towing capacity. It is also the frame, springs,tires,wheels,bearings. Any how, you get the picture. A Hemi will be a hemi no matter what chassis it is installed in. In other words, it will suck gasoline. If you really want to conserve, get a 5.9L Cummins in a 2500 series truck from 06/07 and travel down the road happy.
Am meber here (Hannibal) tows a decent size 5th wheel with a HEMI 2500. he just switched to 4.56 gears. I believe he originally had 4.10`s. hopefully he`ll be here soon to help you out.
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 8yrs
Daughter Marissa 7yrs
Dog Shadow
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear, Hellwig sway bar
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Fortkentdad wrote: We have a Dodge 1500 with the 5.7 hemi Dodge engine,(3.92 gears).
I want to improve my towing capacity. As it sits I'm close to the max allowed, although all axel's individual capacities are well within allowable limits. When towing it sucks gas like kids and koolaid on a hot day. It is also pretty gutless towing (7000# total load). We are leasing the truck until next June. So I have lots of time to kick tires.
As I looked I found that the 2009 Dodge 2500 comes with a 5.7 Hemi engine (gas option). It sounds like the same engine I have in the 2008 1500. Based on the 09 brochures, the 09 2500 Mega Cab can pull about 1700# (807kg) more than the half ton using the same engine. How does that work?
So how does that same engine pull more trailer, when it is also pulling a heavier frame?
Well, I did a little research, and I would say you are likely closer to 8,000 lbs than 7,000 lbs, unless you travel very light. Your trailer UVW is 6,129 lbs. from the factory with a GVW of 8,076 lbs. Also, looking at the floorplan, (very nice floorplan by the way) I would say that trailer with two slides and high profile is definately in the 2500 (3/4 ton) category. You say the Hemi is thirsty, and no doubt compared to the Cummins diesel it is thirsty, but tests have shown the Hemi is actually slightly more fuel efficient than the larger GM 6.0L or the Ford 6.8L v10. So I doubt your fuel mileage concerns will be addressed by ANY gas burner, though the GM 6.0L and especially the Ford 6.8L v10 will have more grunt. So I would suggest you consider a diesel equipped 250/2500 truck for your next purchase. Sure it will cost substantially more, but will be more powerful and get better fuel mileage as well. I personally think a Hemi 2500 with 4.10 gears could tow your trailer just fine, but my definition of "just fine" and yours may be slightly different. You have to remember I'm towing with the old 360 which is less powerful, and just as thirsty as the Hemi.
I don`t know. those old first gen magnums had alot of low end torque! especially the 5.9. and yes they are thirsty, but I think it can run right with the Hemi! I towed with one for a few years too.
dodge guy wrote: I don`t know. those old first gen magnums had alot of low end torque! especially the 5.9. and yes they are thirsty, but I think it can run right with the Hemi! I towed with one for a few years too.
The 5.9L 360 is definately a throwback to an earlier time with its low rpm torque. I have towed my trailer with a 4.7L equipped Dakota and can tell a difference in that the 4.7L likes to rev whereas the 360 doesn't spin nearly as fast, doesn't have to.
I don't know if it could run with the Hemi 5.7L though. Maybe in a few years when I replace this one (perhaps with a nice, gently used Hemi Ram) I'll find out.
* This post was
edited 06/26/09 10:33pm by surveyorjp *
i used to tow with the same dodge 1500 you have. let me tell you it seemed to struggle with my 7500 lb. loaded trailer. I now have a 2008 dodge ram 2500 with the hemi and 4.10 gears. what a difference. the gas mileage does suck but with the bigger suspension and tires it pull a ton better. now i know diesel is nicer but didn't have the cash for that. also i don't live near mountains or have travel to the mountains yet, so i don't know how it will go there. hope this helped.
kwmjd wrote: i used to tow with the same dodge 1500 you have. let me tell you it seemed to struggle with my 7500 lb. loaded trailer. I now have a 2008 dodge ram 2500 with the hemi and 4.10 gears. what a difference. the gas mileage does suck but with the bigger suspension and tires it pull a ton better. now i know diesel is nicer but didn't have the cash for that. also i don't live near mountains or have travel to the mountains yet, so i don't know how it will go there. hope this helped.
Thanks for the first hand experience. I've been reading up on Dodge & Ford 3/4 ton trucks, these are the likely choices as both have good dealerships near by. If I could get a deal on a diesel I'd look at it very carefully, but I also use the truck for winter transport, and diesel's I've been warned do not like the bitter cold we get up here. My dearly beloved's PT convertible has first dibs on the garage so the truck is outside all winter.
I do live near enough to the mountains to want to take a trip that way some day. And I've heard that the transport cops in BC do not always post the "RV Excempt" sign on all the weigh stations like the do here in Alberta.
I'm looking at a crew cab with long box, in part to get more interior room, and in part to get the longer TV which is supposed to help with the handling on a 34 foot trailer.
Glad you are enjoying your Ram 2500, even if it sucks gas.
I am pulling a 34' 5er a little heavier than yours with a 2500 Quad Cab and the Hemi. If you get in the hills with a little harder pulls you will notice the fuel economy going down. Between the 2500 and the 3500, the only difference is 1 spring leaf. The quad cab that I have is rated at 8900 GVW and GCVWR is around 16000. The newer ones may be a tick higher. With the Cummins in the truck you might not be able to pull as much weight and stay within the limits but you will be pulling it better and faster up hills. The weight of the diesel deducts from your gross total weight allowable. I have gotten as high as 10.5 to a low of 7.3 towing ours depending on the terrain. Good Luck and Happy Camping.
* This post was
edited 07/10/09 11:18pm by an administrator/moderator *
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Dan and Lori Branson
Anna 1 (the rescue) Sarah (the rescue)
and Beau (waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)
2005 Dodge QuadCab 2500 4x4 Hemi
2009 Open Range 337RLS
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