Will the Dodge ram 2500 with the Hemi be big enough for a Sprinter 311? We are moving up in the world from a 1989 Jayco Pop up to a 311. Currently we have a Ram 1500, but plan on trading it in for a 2500. This is going to be the first time we are towing anything this big.
As far as out trips. Most will be within 50 miles of our house here in central PA. I really can't see us taking it on extended trips, but I don't want to rule them out.
By the way, glad I could join here and look forward to participating.
I tow a Passport 3220 with a gas 3/4 ton Chevy. I don't have any problems. I am about 7350 loaded. How much does that unit weigh?
Edit:
My 32 foot Passport is the same layout but 6290 dry and 7500 loaded.
they are the same length overall.
It would appear the Sprinter is a bit more high end, has the larger outdoor kitchen, pullout sleeper couch and I don't have doors to seperate the front room and the bunkhouse, just curtains.
The Sprinter is is heavier than I thought it would be. I would think you are close to the trucks limits. What is it about 11,000 for towing.
I can honestly tell you NO. We have that exact TT bought this March. Towed it with a 2006 F150 with the 5.4 v8 and I can tell you that you will find that the suspension of the half ton truck can handle it ok with a properly adjusted WD hitch. the problem comes in with the engine and trans capability. I knew when I bought the TT that a more powerful truck was in my future and immediately started shopping to find just the right deal. Several months later and I just picked up my 06 Ram 3500 this past Tuesday. I will tell you that if you are in mostly flat country and don't plan to go cross country you should be fine for awhile but eventually the heavy loads on the drive train will take a toll. I would say go for it. You may find that it is ok but perhaps not as enjoyable. The 2500 will be good but I will tell you that TT is easily 10,000lbs + fully loaded. I just don't see the power in the hemi for long term. A season or two shouldn't kill it. Just make sure you are diligent in maintenance like oil changes, trans fluid, diff oil.
The 2012 Ram 2500 Big Horn CC 5.7 4:10 Auto LWB 4X4 is rated to tow 11,062# TT with five passengers leaving a payload of 1,624#. The TT you are looking at has a GWR of 10,995# so you will be with in the trucks ratings, all be it just in.
By changing to the Cummins you would have a tow rating of 12,253# and a payload of 1,597#.
If it were me, I would go with the diesel or wait and see if the 6.4 Hemi makes it's way to the HD Rams. There has been talk of that happening maybe mid year 2013. Also it is reported at All-Par that a "Supercharged 6.2 Hemi has been all but confirmed, and is due to appear around 2015 with an estimated (by us) 480-540 horsepower. It will have MDS (with the automatic, not the manual) and will use a clutched pulley for the supercharger; the engine uses 6.4 style cams and will not be available without the supercharger (the 5.7 and 6.4 fulfill that requirement). Statements that this engine will be available alongside the 6.4 reinforce speculation that a moderately detuned 6.4 will be used on Rams."
Don
Perrysburg Dodgeboy 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SLT Cummins HO
2005 Keystone Cougar 304 BHS
Chrysler the only one to pay back 100% of their loans from the Government. *The Old Car Company" still owes 1.6 billion. Is that better Chuckles
I didn't purchase the TT yet, but it is a verbal agreement that is most likely going to happen. I am getting it for around 6000 off of value, so it is hard for me to pass up. it is a 2008 with less than 500 miles on the tires. Purchasing it from a very good freind of mine that keeps it on a plot of land that he owns. Kept inside throughout the winter. He used it a couple times a year, so it is like new at a 20 year old price.
I can not afford a new truck. Actually can't afford any truck, but my thoughts were to trade in my 2005 Ram 1500 to a 2500 and only have to add a couple thousand to it. So in all actuality, I am looking to purchase a 2003-2006 Ram 2500.
75 percent of the time, I am going to be taking it the 30 miles back over to my buddies plot of land to camp with him, and 3-4 times a year making a 100 mile one way trip.
That vintage truck will be perfect for you. Get a decent hitch & enjoy the ride. I'd suggest looking for a truck with the 4.10 rear end (the 3.73's knock off about 2,000 off the GVWR).
As far as diesel vs. gas....personally I'd go with the less expensive gas engine since it sounds like you're out of the mountains & on a budget.
2012 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2 FX4
2012 Keystone Cougar HC321RES
I pull a travel trailer of similar weight (actually mine is probably about 750 lbs less) with my Ram Mega Cab 1500 HEMI which is actually a 2500. I did change the gears out to 4.56s. I live in Louisiana so no grades to deal with, but have towed near Gatlinburg, TN without issue. I would definitely recommend finding one with 4.10 gears at the least - the gears definitely help.
Good luck with your search.
2007 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, HEMI, 4.56 gears
2010 Saab 9-5 Aero XWD
2012 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring AWD
2010 Crossroads Zinger 29DS
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