Travel Trailer towing 5 speed vs 6 speed

BryanPS · Jul 14, 2016

I am looking at an '07 1500, 5 speed, 5.7l V8 SLT, 3.73 axle ratio with only 18,000 miles.

I have a 6000 lbs travel trailer I run on hills and Highway.

My questions, am I better off getting a '13 or newer Hemi 6 speed, 3.55 axle ratio? Is there a huge difference in 5 speed vs 6 speed when towing hills or highway?

Ultimately I know there's only about a $3k difference but, is the added cost really worth it when the '07 has such low miles?

And finally, am I asking the right questions?

Thanks for responding.

coldfusion73 · Jul 14, 2016

Well the '07 will have leaf springs to...personally I would go newer...I've never had the 5 speed so I don't know how it would tow but I towed with a '12 with the 6 speed and 3.55 and it towed my 6000 lb TT really well

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DannyMK2 · Jul 14, 2016

normal daily driving theres no difference between the 5 spd and 6 spd. the 6 spd may tow slightly better when you have tow/haul engaged. its not going to be a huge difference though. the newer motor has more power, that would make more of a difference. the 07 didnt come from the factory with 3.73's. i would verify you have the gear ratio correct.

you are within the limits of both trucks but me personally, i would look for a truck that has 3.92's if this is something that you want to tow frequently.

ExpressRules · Jul 14, 2016

BryanPS said:
I am looking at an '07 1500, 5 speed, 5.7l V8 SLT, 3.73 axle ratio with only 18,000 miles.

My question would be are you sure it only has 18,000 and not 118,000? If it only has 18,000 it was driven for an average 2000 miles per year.

BryanPS · Jul 14, 2016

As for the leaf springs, I think I'm ok with that. That's what I on now with my '05 and they handle decent enough.

I looked into the 3.73 and, I found the towing chart online and yeah, it only lists the 2500'search that year having the 3.73 so that's curious.

Lastly, unless the digital OD is easily disabled, the dealers picture of the odometer shows 18000.

Not on topic of original question but, oddly the dealer has it listed about $4000 over KBB. Wondering why that is.

Anyway, thanks for thoughts everyone.

mtofell · Jul 14, 2016

BryanPS said:
I have a 6000 lbs travel trailer

It this loaded or "dry" weight?

Travel Trailer towing 5 speed vs 6 speed

BryanPS

Junior Member

coldfusion73

Member

DannyMK2

Senior Member

ExpressRules

Senior Member

BryanPS

Junior Member

mtofell

Senior Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Staff online

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page