Ok, I imagine this has been well discussed in the past. But...
Anyway, somewhat by accident, I ended up with a 2013 Ram 1500 with 3.6L, 8 speed auto, that actually runs.
And I do a fair amount of towing. Varies from light up to around 8000 lbs.
It has a Turbo, and is rated around 300 HP.
For comparison, a vintage Chevy 350 is rated somewhere around 200 to 300 HP.
Anyway, everyone seems to think one needs a big engine to tow. But, I'm not so sure. The 3.6L Turbo engine has a fair amount of get up and go, and I can mash the pedal down to merge onto the freeway.
Running light, I can get 23 to 24 MPG.
Towing through Nebraska/Wyoming, I got some E85 (engine is FLEX), and dropped the MPG down to about 11.5. But usually it is around 15 to 16 MPG loaded.
I run equalizer bars, but could really use a bit stiffer rear end for the pickup. And my headlights are often out of focus (why don't they make them auto focus?).
I'm not convinced that I actually need more HP. Perhaps I should throw on some tractor weights up front as a counterbalance.
Now, the engine doesn't hold back much going downhill. I often find myself shifting into 3rd or 4th, and still need to use the brakes. Why hasn't RAM put Jake Brakes onto these engines?
Anyway, I would imagine a 2500/3500 pickup would be more comfortable for towing, but they are a bit expensive
So, what are other people's thoughts about working a 3.0L or 3.6L engine? Larger?