Towing large loads

[OLEred03]

I have a 2003 1500 2wd with a hemi. My question is what is the limit on what these trucks will tow in real life and not by the sticker? I’m about to be getting ready to pull a 31ft pull behind camper and on some occasions I’ll be pulling a skid steer or a mini-ex. Also what are the differences in the frame between a 1500 and a 2500? If my truck can’t pull what I need it to I’m debating finding me a 2500 4x4 with a hemi that has been wrecked so I can pull the trans/transfer case front end and rear end out of and put it under my truck. I’m good with fabrication and welding so that won’t be an issue. I’m just looking for some ideas and some input in this. It would be cheaper for me to go this route than what it would be to buy another truck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HemiLonestar]

If it's stock then whatever it's rated for by the factory (ya know, the people who designed it). Trying to tow anything more is both unsafe and illegal. Significant differences between the 1500 and 2500 frames; can't just swap running gear and call it good. The loads you're describing are suited to a 2500/3500, especially considering you have a much older 1500. Modifications to cooling system, drive train (like power and gear ratio), etc can enhance it's ability, but legally you're bound by what the manufacturer's rating is. If a cop sees you towing that much weight with a half ton there's a better than even chance you're getting pulled over, and not just ticketed.

 

[dearchristopher]

how much weight exactly are you trying to pull? probably an easier question to answer. either way, if you have to ask, i assume it's over the gcvwr for the truck and you're probably gonna have a bad time

edit: just noticed you're in a RCSB too. just being honest, i towed a 27' length travel trailer with my old reg cab and really hated it. white knuckle the whole time, the wheelbase just isn't there to feel truly comfortable

 

[OLEred03]

Thanks guys! I think I may just try to find me a 2500 with a hemi around the same year model as mine that has been rollled or wrecked and just fix it. The weight on my camper is 7250, and I have 3.92 gears. The equipment I will haul from time to time is 12,000 plus the trailer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HemiLonestar]

The equipment I will haul from time to time is 12,000 plus the trailer.

Yeah you're definitely gonna want a 2500 at least for that. Try to find an 05 or newer if you can. Then while you're fixing you can build a 392 stroker torque engine for it and it'll yank **** around no problem.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Yeah you're definitely gonna want a 2500 at least for that. Try to find an 05 or newer if you can. Then while you're fixing you can build a 392 stroker torque engine for it and it'll yank **** around no problem.

What’s better about an 05 then a 4 or 3?

 

[HemiLonestar]

What’s better about an 05 then a 4 or 3?

Tuning ability, both engine and transmission.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

 

[BWL]

I believe the 03 is first year and known to have problems. You could get by with the 8000lb travel trailer, but 12,000 lbs on a trailer is just way too much for that truck. That's probably 15,000 or more total. I've pulled more than that once with my 1/2ton, but it was fairly flat and the 1 hill I did in 4low. I know the tow rating on a 2500 or 3500 isn't much more according to the factory, but trust me they are far more capable.

 

[HemiLonestar]

I believe the 03 is first year and known to have problems. You could get by with the 8000lb travel trailer, but 12,000 lbs on a trailer is just way too much for that truck. That's probably 15,000 or more total. I've pulled more than that once with my 1/2ton, but it was fairly flat and the 1 hill I did in 4low. I know the tow rating on a 2500 or 3500 isn't much more according to the factory, but trust me they are far more capable.

First year hemi, yes. Known to have problems, debatable (155,000 and counting on mine). The biggest issue with an 03 is that you can't really custom tune them properly.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk