1998 1500 V6 tow capacity / rebuild?

My neighbor has a 1998 Doge Ram 1500 V6 Magnum truck he wants to sell for $1000. I was thinking of buying it from him but it has a problem with the transmission. He said if you drive it for more than about 10 miles the transmission temp light on the dash comes on and the transmission will start slipping. It has right at 200,000 miles on it. I was wondering if this would be worth buying and having the transmission rebuilt? I was thinking of using this truck to pull my 24 foot camper but don’t know if the V6 model is heavy duty enough to do this. Should I try to find a V8 model or is the V6 adequate for occasional towing use? The engine itself runs good but I don’t know how reliable the V6 models are once you get above 200k. He has owned it since it was new and taken good care of it. I looked underneath the truck and did not see any major leaks. Thanks for any advice people familiar with these trucks can provide.

The 3.9 V6 is not a strong motor.

I highly advise you find a 5.9 V8 for towing.

I think a 98 3.9 Ram is likely worth more as a parts truck (provided the body is clean).

i have owned a 98 with a 3.9... wait and find a v8. mileage is just as bad as the 5.9, and you get none of the power.

OK Thanks for the posts. I'll hold off and see if I can find a 5.9 truck then.

i had a 3.9 until i did a motor and tranny swap to a 5.2 but

The towing Capacity for the 3.9L Rams is 3300 Lbs

here are the stats for the 1998 3.9L V6 dodge Rams

1998 Dodge Ram 3.9L V6

Edmunds Type: Large Truck
Where Built: Mexico/United States
EPA Class: Standard Pickup Trucks

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 204.1 in. Width: 79.4 in.
Height: 71.9 in. Wheel Base: 118.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.6 in. Curb Weight: 4009 lbs.
Gross Weight: 6010 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.2 in. Front Hip Room: 65.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 66 in. Front Leg Room: 41 in.
Maximum Seating: 3

Performance Data

Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 10.6 sec. Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 145 ft.
Road Holding Index: .75 g Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.9 liters Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 175 hp Max Horsepower: 4800 rpm
Torque: 230 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 3200 rpm
Maximum Payload: 2001 lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD Turning Circle: 40.6 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 14 mpg / 20 mpg / 16 mpg

Range in Miles:
Manual: 364 mi. / 520 mi. / 416 mi.

IMO i wouldn't pull more than 2500 LBS with the 3.9 Though Chrysler says it can pull more.

Good Luck on finding a truck tho!!!!!