RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
My new to me 02 Ram 1500 QC 4x4 5.9L the day I brought her home last month! It might be a little used but it was paid for in full before it left the dealer :B
http://www.dodgetalk.com/gallery/files/1/2/0/0/5/7/2785474_1.jpg
http://www.dodgetalk.com/gallery/files/1/2/0/0/5/7/2785474_3.jpg
http://www.dodgetalk.com/gallery/files/1/2/0/0/5/7/2785474_9.jpg
RE: Newbie Second Thoughts
I bought a used 2002 Ram 1500 QC 5.9L gasser this past winter. I bought it to serve as a TV for my wife and I's 19foot TT that we aquired last year (havn't hooked it up yet). The sticker on the cabinate inside the camper says it is 5300lbs loaded. I assume this means with water etc. I thought the truck with it's 5.9L would no have a problem towing 5300lbs + gear as long as I turn off the O/D but after reading this forum for a few weeks you all have me concerned that my highway performance will be horrible. Will my TV be able to pull my camper down the freeway with confidance? Will I find myself turniong 3K rpms all day? I know it "will" pull it but is my camper really too much for my 1/2 ton for long trips without damageing the drive train?
Thanks!!
We'd need more info to tell you confidently, but you are probably fine.
Truck info:
- GVWR 6800
- Max tow capacity 7850
- Max payload capacity 1450
- Rear end ratio 3.92
- 4x4 / 2wd? 4X4
- Stock tires? Yes on stock 20in rims
- Curb weight 4990
TT info:
- GVWR Unkown, in stoarage right now (its "loaded" weight per the sticker is 5300lbs)
- Ready for camping weight, we travel light (stuff for two people for a weekend) but I would need to actually weight it to know.
Hitch / Towing info:
- Factory installed tow package (receiver, electric connection, transmission cooler, bigger radiator, etc.)? Factory tow package, receiver, in bumper electric connection, HD trans cooler.
- Weight distribution bars? Are those the bars with the chains on them that I connect to the hitch and loop a link onto the hinged braket on the trailer then tighten by lifting into place with a bar/pipe? If so...yes.
- Brake controller? yes
Camping info:
- How far do you usually travel? no more than 3 or so hours travel time.
- How often do you plan to go camping? once to twice a month
- Will you be going outside of your home state (to hillier terrain)? There is not really and hilly terrain around here, there are some steep ones here and there but nothing like traveling through mountains etc.
You might not have all of these, but if you can answer most of them you'll get better feedback. Without seeing the numbers I bet you'll be just fine. Yes, you'll run at higher RPMs than you're used to - that's where gas engines make their power. No, it won't hurt it. No, it's not straining.
Remember that you have to drive different with that TT behind you. A lot of us advocate slowing down 5-10 mph and taking it easy in the right lane. It'll help your fuel economy and you are on vacation, after all. :B
RE: Newbie Second Thoughts
Ahh thanks for helping me with the numbers there, I am at work and was just about to run out into the rain to get them :). Mine is the 4x4 so it looks like I should be fine then, thanks for the advice everyone!
Newbie Second Thoughts
I bought a used 2002 Ram 1500 QC 5.9L gasser this past winter. I bought it to serve as a TV for my wife and I's 19foot TT that we aquired last year (havn't hooked it up yet). The sticker on the cabinate inside the camper says it is 5300lbs loaded. I assume this means with water etc. I thought the truck with it's 5.9L would no have a problem towing 5300lbs + gear as long as I turn off the O/D but after reading this forum for a few weeks you all have me concerned that my highway performance will be horrible. Will my TV be able to pull my camper down the freeway with confidance? Will I find myself turniong 3K rpms all day? I know it "will" pull it but is my camper really too much for my 1/2 ton for long trips without damageing the drive train?
Thanks!!
