Decisions...Eco or Hemi

Depends on the trim level of the truck you choose. A full crew cab 4x4 has a 7900lb tow capacity. You will go over that when you fill your trailer with your gear.

You need to check the web site or your dealer for the specs of the configuration you want to buy.

Welcome to the forum btw.

If the ED does meet your towing weight requirements and configuration then I would opt for the higher ratio limited slip differential, and remember too that because diesels produce a lot of torque down low, it should be quieter inside when towing. Also the ED's throttle response at tip-in is a bit long, but when towing or crawling it does a better job at modulating that for a smoother start.

zoomie said:

Depends on the trim level of the truck you choose. A full crew cab 4x4 has a 7900lb tow capacity. You will go over that when you fill your trailer with your gear.

You need to check the web site or your dealer for the specs of the configuration you want to buy.

Welcome to the forum btw.

Click to expand...

Yes, full crew cab with the 6'4" box. I have gone to the website and find no real answers. Waiting to hear from the dealer.


Thanks

Is your truck going to be a everyday driver? Yes - Eco

Do you love to stomp the pedal and want instant speed? Yes - Hemi

The only major choice is air ride or springs - For overloading I would use springs with a airspring insert to help with sag. It will take weight off the springs but know your axle will still have to bear the whole tongue weight. Or about 800LB of tongue with your config.

http://www.amazon.com/LIFT-60818-1000-Air-Spring/dp/B001OMVCIC/

If you live in a mountainous area then I would move from a 1500 to a 2500 or a HD, the reason is they have better inter coolers,you know your truck can take the weight, and will not struggle when it comes to hilly conditions. This is a problem with Ecos and most other 1500s.

RLM said:

Yes, full crew cab with the 6'4" box. I have gone to the website and find no real answers.

Click to expand...

Here is a link to a neat chart at the end of this note.

You can change configurations at the top of the page. I found a "Big Horn, Crew, 6'4" box, 3.92 gears Hemi - 10,500 towing capacity.

The same truck with an eco diesel is 7,700. Just under what you need. I think you need a hemi, or if you really want diesel then you need to move up to the 2500.

There are lots of opinions on this site that are fun to read, but you should include the stated facts from the manufacturer in your decision making process.

Ram Trucks - Towing Capacity Chart

Is 8000 lbs dry weight your actual weight or the gvwr? Reason I ask is a buddy's 32' Jayco is in my barn right now and the actual dry weight of the trailer is around the 5300 lb range if I recall. The sticker on the side however shows the gvwr at nearly 8000 lbs.

From my experience, an 8000 lb dry weight camper is usually 5th wheel material.

8K lbs. empty (dry) is a GVR in the 11,000 lb range. Too much realistically for any 1500. You need a 2500 even though both the Hemi and the Ecodiesel can physically handle the load.


I recommend neither unless you are looking at a 8,000 GVR. Then I recommend either. If you like lousy fuel mileage, get the Hemi. If torque and great fuel mileage is your thing, get the EcoD.

< Heartland Lightweight Trailers | Heartland RVs


The link should take you to the trailer that we have. My Hemi pulled it fine last year so I know a new Hemi will pull it. I like the ECO, I don't pull the trailer often, I just want to get opinions on how people think it will pull it. If the link does not work, it is a North Trail 33BKSS. It says dry weight is 7595lbs and GVWR 9600lbs and hitch weight of 695lbs.


I originally misread it...thought it said 7950lbs so I rounded to 8000lbs.

mountains or flat lands

The bottom line is are you towing in the mountains or on the plains? Are you pulling it 1000 miles or 25 miles? If your hemi is pulling the trailer for your needs now, I can tell you that the EcoDiesel will tow it at about half the cost. My 2012 Hemi pulling my 27' trailer was averaging 9 miles per Imperial gallon(7 1/2 miles per US gal.). With the EcoDiesel, I average approx. 22 miles per Imperial gal(18 miles per US gal), no mountains, average to slightly hilly country.
More bottom end power, less noise with reduced rpm's.

Well, picked up the Eco today so hope it turns out to be a good truck!

We hope so too. Let us know how you like it as it's used a bit.

Congratulations RLM, we'd love to know all about it. Pictures are always appreciated too.