Hemi vs Pentastar - Towing Recommendations

[DaleJS]

We have a Travel Trailer 3660 lb dry, GVWR 5700 lb, hitch weight 335 lb and a 2013 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi and 3.92 axel ratio, which tows well but it is time for a new truck. We occasionally travel in mountainous areas, such as the Cascades, Kootenays, or crossing the Rockies. Don't need to hurry much, but don't want to overheat or stress the drivetrain. With reliability of the transmission and engine as the main consideration and fuel economy a secondary consideration, which engine and axel ratio would you recommend?
I would like to get the Pentastar (for its fuel economy) if it can do the job well, but will it reliably do the job?
The trailer is not particularly aerodynamic and is about 8' wide.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Pics of said trailer? Weight matters less than frontal area.

 

[Trailmaker]

We have a Travel Trailer 3660 lb dry, GVWR 5700 lb, hitch weight 335 lb and a 2013 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi and 3.92 axel ratio, which tows well but it is time for a new truck. We occasionally travel in mountainous areas, such as the Cascades, Kootenays, or crossing the Rockies. Don't need to hurry much, but don't want to overheat or stress the drivetrain. With reliability of the transmission and engine as the main consideration and fuel economy a secondary consideration, which engine and axel ratio would you recommend?
I would like to get the Pentastar (for its fuel economy) if it can do the job well, but will it reliably do the job?

The 2500 with the Hemi 6.4 and 4.10 gears is my favorite combination.

 

[SniperDroid]

X2 ^^^

 

[69GWC]

I would still look at the 5.7, sure the 3.6 will do it but the 5.7 will do it easy and be less taxing on the drive train then it would be on the 3.6.
My 2 cents

 

[star_deceiver]

I've got the 3.6 with 3.55. It does the job. I tow this maybe a couple times a year. Coachman 223RBS. 900lbs tongue and a wet weight around 5500-6000lbs.

Test drive a bunch of trucks with both engines and pick the one you like dailying better.

Nice and behaved Calgary driving will get me 11L/100kms. When we took the trailer to the island last year, mileage was between 25-35L/100kms.

 

[Elvira]

You won't find a big fuel savings, if any, between the hemi and the v-6. I think you would like the extra torque and hp of the 5.7. Gearing, 3.55 or 3.92 would do the job...but 3.21 would also work towing. The 8 speed compensates for the hwy gear 3.21 with different ratio's, hemi's like to deliver their best hp and torque over 4000 rpm anyways. If you only tow a few times a year, the 3.21 gear may give you a better mpg the rest of the time. Just a thought for you...

 

[Farmer Fran]

I would stick with the 5.7, 392 final and add a 33 gallon tank in the 5th gen. Towing will be smooth and easy. MPG in the cascades might hit 6 so be ready.

As long as you are not trying to win a race that combo should work for years.

 

[DaleJS]

I've got the 3.6 with 3.55. It does the job. I tow this maybe a couple times a year. Coachman 223RBS. 900lbs tongue and a wet weight around 5500-6000lbs.

Test drive a bunch of trucks with both engines and pick the one you like dailying better.

Nice and behaved Calgary driving will get me 11L/100kms. When we took the trailer to the island last year, mileage was between 25-35L/100kms.

Thanks. Is the E-torque 3.6 noticeably better for towing compared to the regular 3.6?

 

[DaleJS]

Pics of said trailer? Weight matters less than frontal area.

Added a photo and a few words to my original post.