Advice for towing car with a 5.7/3.92

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hrams4x4

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I have a 2019 ram 1500 5.7 with 323 gears. I just got back going to Northern Indiana with a U-Haul car hauler rental to pick up my 69 Corvette 427 and bring it back to St. Louis about 340 miles each way, did great at over 17 mpg empty and over 15 mpg with a Corvette on trailer.
 

Ratman6161

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According to a mustang site, ~2860. I expect the trailer to be under 1k, so under 4k total.

I'm trying to baby this truck a little, as I want to make sure I make 200+k on it. And I know a good running engine also runs cleaner, and "cheaper"...
Under 4k is nothing. I used to tow more than that with my GMC Canyon with 3.6L. So quit worrying and just do it, assuming your truck is in good repair.
 

Willie Mosher

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You got the3.92 so all be fine,
Park it 65 mph, in joy the ride.
I think 5.7 w 3.92 tow 8500 lbs ,
U-Hal an car is 5000 lbs,
 

gfh77665

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Air up the tires to max pressure allowed. Check all fluids. Other that that just drive easy, brake and accelerate easy, 65-70 mph.

I would not worry much about the oil viscosity, but if it makes you fell more confident you certainly could go to a 5w-30. It won't hurt and might give a tiny bit more protection, but not enough to matter much. I would change it out only if the change interval was close anyway.

All good, enjoy the trip.
 
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PaleFlyer

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Air up the tires to max pressure allowed. Check all fluids. Other that that just drive easy, brake and accelerate easy, 65-70 mph.

I would not worry much about the oil viscosity, but if it makes you fell more confident you certainly could go to a 5w-30. It won't hurt and might give a tiny bit more protection, but not enough to matter much. I would change it out only if the change interval was close anyway.

All good, enjoy the trip.
I'm running at 5k interval, and I'm around 4k on this change I think, so planning to change before I run. I've seen a lot of guys on here say that 20 weight oil doesn't belong in the hemi, and looking at some of the stuff guys have posted about the changes to the manual between like 2010 and 2020, I'm inclined to believe FCA changed the oil to get a better JP Power Cost of Ownership, and screw the long term. Plus the "sudden" appearance of the lifter/cam issue...

Because 5W-30 is more expensive/unit... At least where I am looking for PUP.
 
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JPT

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Where are you renting? I've read stories of places like uHaul not allowing their trailers to be rented to people pulling with 1/2 ton pickups. Might want to call ahead first.

Other than that your truck should handle it fine. I'd bump the tires to or close to max psi, fluids all fresh, minimum weight in the bed of the truck, working trailer brake controller, etc. The normal stuff you'd check before going on a trip.

I've never heard this before. They did it with wranglers with softops (required hardtops), but if you go to uhaul's site, you can reserve a car hauler simply by putting in the 1/2 pickup and the vehicle you are towing. Now, if you don't have the right class hitch (it asks you), it will not allow you to rent the car hauler.

5.7 4wd with 3.92. I have since added bags, as you can see, I am nose up. But I towed this from Long Island NY to Palm Beach FL.

TEUrLZQl.jpg
 

RamFP620

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I've never heard this before. They did it with wranglers with softops (required hardtops), but if you go to uhaul's site, you can reserve a car hauler simply by putting in the 1/2 pickup and the vehicle you are towing. Now, if you don't have the right class hitch (it asks you), it will not allow you to rent the car hauler.

5.7 4wd with 3.92. I have since added bags, as you can see, I am nose up. But I towed this from Long Island NY to Palm Beach FL.

View attachment 499801
I did this setup once. Durango V6 pulling a Buick Century on the car hauler. Granted it was only a 3 hour drive.
 
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PaleFlyer

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I've never heard this before. They did it with wranglers with softops (required hardtops), but if you go to uhaul's site, you can reserve a car hauler simply by putting in the 1/2 pickup and the vehicle you are towing. Now, if you don't have the right class hitch (it asks you), it will not allow you to rent the car hauler.

5.7 4wd with 3.92. I have since added bags, as you can see, I am nose up. But I towed this from Long Island NY to Palm Beach FL.

View attachment 499801
Yeah, I put in my truck, and the mustang, and it said "No issues hommie". Did see the "no softtop", which I don't get, other than maybe roll over chance.
 

djtomy

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I have the same 1500 5.7 3.92 you may want to get rear springs first from tough truck 1211 coils, I Just ordered mine. then again, I am probably be heavier than your tow set up. second pic with less water. 350 vs 175 gallons.
What bags are you using?

Weight

1500# machines
950# trailer
water
3173 vs 1461 350gal vs 175gal @8.34lbs a gallon
650-850# misc. equipment

6223 vs 4050
 

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tron67j

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My recommendation, don't go changing anything before you do the trip other than motor oil if it needs it. If you do a transmission flush or something else, you could end up with unintentional consequences like dislodged dirt that clogs your filter halfway into your trip. Just drive normal and leave service to when you will be local for awhile after the trip.
 
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PaleFlyer

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I have the same 1500 5.7 3.92 you may want to get rear springs first from tough truck 1211 coils, I Just ordered mine. then again, I am probably be heavier than your tow set up. second pic with less water. 350 vs 175 gallons.
What bags are you using?

Weight

1500# machines
950# trailer
water
3173 vs 1461 350gal vs 175gal @8.34lbs a gallon
650-850# misc. equipment

6223 vs 4050
Rebel stock Air Ride. I realize I said bags, but I'm not actually sure it is bags.
And not looking at doing suspension work for something I will do maybe 2 more times. I was looking more PM style work to keep the truck in good shape, versus "maximizing" the ability to tow.
 

JPT

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Yeah, I put in my truck, and the mustang, and it said "No issues hommie". Did see the "no softtop", which I don't get, other than maybe roll over chance.

When I had my wrangler, I and all the wrangler forums could not figure it out. A wrangler hardtop is nothing more than thin fiberglass, it does nothing to protect or reduce rollover potential, it might actually make it worse as the added weight raises the center of gravity.

I had a 4" suspension lift, 1.25" body lift, 35" mud terrain tires and I would have been able to rent a small motorcycle trailer with a hardtop, but a stock wrangler with 31" tires, and a soft top wouldn't have been able to.
 

RamInfo

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Not surprised at all. Back when Ford Explorers were having all the tire and rollover issues, UHaul wouldn’t pair a trailer with the Explorer. But if you input the Mercury Mountaineer (same vehicle, different badging) it would OK the rental…

best,
DG
 

djtomy

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I just put the 1211 rear springs last night. Its super easy.. best $190.00 I spent for towing
 

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OutpostRam

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Change your rear differential oil if you haven't done it already, if you have change it after the trip.
I change mine every 2 years or so. Just a drain and fill is all that is needed and it is easier than changing the engine oil.
Great advice. Especially if you tow. If you have the limited slip in the rear, ithe fluid will get dirty after 20-25k miles with clutch plate debris. Use the 75w-140 full syn fluid and modifier.
 

nekkidhillbilly

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hit the tow haul button and step on gas. its a half ton truck its designed for this.
 
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