Dodge 1500 Towing Capacity (2002)

I am in the market to buy a truck, mainly for carrying light loads aproximately 60 miles. I will also use it from time to time to haul a 16' trailer (@2000 lbs.) and small tractor (@2500 lbs.) I went to a trailer/tow hitch installation shop to ask their opinion on this truck, and they could not have been more negative. They said that the trailer harness for this truck bolts on the frame in a manner that was no better than using a bumper hitch. They suggested Ford or Chevy. I like the styling of the Dodge most, but I do not want to make a mistake. I was thinking of buying one of the 4.7l with automatic trans. models currently on sale and adding a stock hitch and transmission cooler.
Another thing I have heard is that I do not want to tow this kind of load with a 1/2 ton truck.
Any guidance given will be greatly appreciated.
Another thing I have heard is that I do not want to tow this kind of load with a 1/2 ton truck.
Any guidance given will be greatly appreciated.
Tagged:
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
As far as the hitch thing, I dunno. I haven't seen an '02 mounted up and I wonder how many the hitch shop has seen? Sounds a bit like BS to me. I've had 13,000# on the receiver hitch on my 01' Ram and nothing fell off:) The trucks didn't change that much this year and I can't imagine they removed the rear frame. Take a look at one with a factory hitch and see how it's mounted.
I'd buy one with the factory towing package anyway as it's usually cheaper/better IMHO. It's usually only a couple hundred bucks for the package and includes the hitch, wiring, adapters, tranny cooling, and sometimes some other heavy duty items that would cost alot more to add yourself.
engine. Kcram wrote #318 in Dodge Ram {2000) unveiled about the newer engine. I get the 4x2
in the new 4.7 OHC V8 270/325 if it is out next year. With 24G,DG4,DSA,,DMH,AHC,WF5 and M9**.
Could try 4.7 240/300 this year engine with that
stuff. I would have to agree working trailer bakes too on trailer.
I also say get the stock towing package, if it breaks while your towing well you can tell dodge its their fault because the truck was rated for that trailer.
I will be towing a 27' TT that is 5500# loaded about 10 times a year.
What would be the difference in towing with the 5.9 or 4.7 when they rated almost the same.
Thanks!
Stop busting on the 5.9:(
It's a low end grunt motor. It peaks power BELOW 3000rpm. I've loaded my truck to the spring stops and it pulled fine (just didn't handle real well). C'mon at least test drive it.
I was thinking of trying to buy one of those base 4.7l models advertised cheaply and adding on accessories. Can one add the 3.92 gear ratio option?
Ineedatruck you situation is a little different, if you plan on towing frequently or driving in hilly areas go for the 5.9 if it is a commuter truck go for the 4.7 with both of them I recommend the 3.56 rear end for fuel economy, if you are towing and feel the need for the 3.92 rear end you should be looking at the 3/4 ton trucks. My experience is that the 360 gets around 18mpg on the highway 15 mixed and 11-12 towing a 5000# trailer,this is with a 2001 ram quad w/360, if you go by the sticker expect 1-2 mpg better with the 4.7. Hope this helps.
SEE YA and good luck on the new truck
It is a nice truck. I have never owned a Dodge, but if I was looking for a new truck I would put the 2002 Ram on the test drive list.
That is basically what the after-market shop told me. When I spoke to a dealer, he said that they can install the towing package on a 1500, which would include a hitch, receptacle and transmission cooler. He added that the only thing you would miss out on is a larger oil cooler than the one that comes with the truck.
This makes no sense to me because a 4.7l w/ 3.92 axle ratio is rated at something like 8400 lbs. How can you tow that with a bumper hitch?
ineedatruck you can tow up to 10,000# with a class IV hitch if you use sway control bars and electric brakes.........SUPPOSEDLY I would not attach a 10,000# trailer to a reciever hitch if I have that much I would go for a gooseneck
If so, this should not concern me? The after-market guy behaved as though though someone insulted his mother in describing this as a defective design -- he really discouraged me from the Dodge.
Thanks in advance to everyone who answers. I really need advice on this so I do not screw up.
I know it sounds nuts, but GM and Dodge are covering their tails here.
Bob
Don't get me wrong, I don't dispute the value of trailer brakes. The issue I have really is with state laws that say over a certain weight you must have brakes, below that weight there is no need for trailer brakes. Here in Maryland that limit is 3000 pounds, which is also a common figure used in most states. Trying to find a trailer in this state that is rated under 3000 pounds, and with brakes, is next to impossible to find.
The other point I was trying to make is that some truck manufacturers suggest that these vehicles can tow great loads—which is true—if the trailer has brakes. However, as far as I know, Ford makes no reference whatsoever to having trailer brakes restrictions on any of their trucks. Does that mean Fords are better at towing? No, not at all. It does, however, *suggest* to customers that Fords may be better, because they are *implying* that trailer brakes are not an issue with their vehicles. Do I agree with that? Absolutely not.
Bob