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RAM 1500 Trailer Hitch questions

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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-03          92607


OK, you guys have helped me before. My grandfather passed away, and I am flying down to Ft. Lauderdale to pick up his 2002 Ram 1500, reg cab, short bed, V6, Auto, A/C, 2WD truck. It has 1600 miles on it, and I will be trailering a Uhaul trailer back home near Pittsburgh this week, before trying to sell it. I would keep it if it were a super cab and 4WD...kids and snow. Is anyone familiar with the bumper hitch that is standard on this truck? What length ball shank do I need for this bumper...I will be short on time, and need to buy a 2" ball ahead of time. Also, what about a 4 pin harness...is there one on the truck already? Any experience pulling a 6x12 enclosed trailer, about 3000# or so with this set up?



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BillMullens
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 649 Central West Virginia
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2004-08-03          92611


My '03 Ram measures 2" from top of bumper to bottom of hole so you'd need at least that plus room for the nut on the bottom (if it is the same as mine). Looks like a 1" diameter shank will fit. Max tongue weight is 500 pounds on the built-in bumper hitch. The 03's had as standard a flat 4-pin connector (even if you don't have the towing package) but don't know about an 02.

That V-6 will have its hands full towing 3000 pounds.

Sorry about your grandfather.

Good luck and be careful,
Bill ....


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kubotaguy
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 360 Shepherdstown, WV
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2004-08-04          92658


Blueman, sorry about your grandfather, but I think that V-6 is going to have its hands full pulling that trailer especially once you get closer to Pittsburgh. I'm not sure what route you are taking, but if you get into the mountains in WV, I know it will really pull down on it. We used to pull 2 four wheelers on a 6 X 10 trailer with a Ford F-150 V-8 and it would really pull it down on Interstate 68 in MD & WV.
Good luck and be careful and remember if it is an automatic, no towing in overdrive. If the truck doesn't have a transmission cooler which I doubt it does, keep an eye on the temp. guage. ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-04          92660


Yeah, I know this isn't the ideal trailer towing rig, but I have to get some stuff back from Florida, and the truck itself is too big for a tow dolly or trailer behind a rental truck, according to Uhaul and Ryder. Hopefully, if I take it easy, I won't leave the tranny in WV before I get home... ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-09          93012


Just a follow up...the Dodge did fine, it now has 2800 miles on it, and, unfortunately, I now have to think about selling it...can't afford 3 vehicles and a tractor! I have alway driven Ford pickups, but this Dodge was very comfortable and drove well, even pulling it's maximum recommended trailer weight. Quite impressive. ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-17          93721


If anyone isn't too bored with this truck saga yet, I have decided to buy a Dodge Quad Cab with a Hemi. I guess my first choice would be the 2500 with the Cummins (Chief, I know you love yours), but a bit pricey, and more truck than what I need. So I'm looking at a 1500 with the Hemi (more engine than what I need, but man, their commercials are right...SWEEEEET!!!) Any comments? Options recommendations? ....


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BillMullens
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 649 Central West Virginia
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2004-08-17          93727


My favorite options on my 4.7 2wd Ram:

Premium seat (electric adjustments incl. height and a 2nd "hidden" center console under the middle seat)
Limited-slip rear
Lowest rear gears you can get (highest numerically)
Folding mirrors (I think it is standard equipment but can't remember - have to fold one to get in a standard garage door)
Sport Package - just for looks.

I like my chrome 20" wheels, but the tires haven't come down in price any, can't say I'd do it again.

Good luck,
Bill ....


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yooperpete
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1413 Northern Michigan
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2004-08-17          93741


There are some Dodge forums out that discuss the Hemi. From what I understand you will have power to spare to burn rubber, however, they suck gas like crazy and are real poor for towing. From what I've heard they constantly downshift to keep the rpm's up. I don't have anything against them only passing on what I've heard. They are a sweet looking and sounding truck. ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-17          93743


I haven't done alot of research yet, and I probably won't tow alot, but I would hope with the torque the Hemi delivers, it would be able to tow OK. Yeah, the gas consumption is my big sticking point right now, especially since the truck will replace my Jetta TDI for my commuter vehicle!!!! ....


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BillMullens
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 649 Central West Virginia
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2004-08-17          93766


I wonder if the downshifting is the transmission, regardless of engine? My friend's 360 Ram is always looking for the right gear. I guess you'd get used to it, but it is annoying to drive occasionally.
Bill ....


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AV8R
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 882 North Central Wisconsin
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2004-08-18          93807


ALL of the new small displacement V-8's need to rev to make power. Thank the EPA emmission standards and MPG requirements.

Get rid of the TDI for a Hemi as a commuter, are you nutz? ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-18          93809


AV8R, yeah, I sure am going to extreeeeemes! As I mentioned before, I've been plagued by little annoying crap with the TDI...nothing with the powertrain (yet, although I'm wondering if my CV joints are going now, 93K), just little pain in the a$$ stuff...like my fuel guage, etc. We recently had a 3rd child, and I simply don't have enough room...it would be nice if I could keep it, and buy the truck...but that might limit my other toys... ....


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AV8R
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 882 North Central Wisconsin
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2004-08-18          93811


Just playin' with ya a bit. I can understand.

FYI: just replaced my first CV (did the whole half shaft) on my 86 Jetta, 162k miles. The half shafts/CV's on these cars are larger than what I saw on a newer Chevy 4x4. ....


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Blueman
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 243 Washington, PA
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2004-08-18          93813


AV8R, hope you have as much luck with the '01 as the 86...you mentioned before about the door handles...I have the same thing happening...and VW USA's response to me since I have 93K miles is pretty much "too bad"...(when I called about their design of the trunk latch...PLASTIC!) ....


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