Upgrading Ram 1500 to Tow TRavel TRailer
 

I’m planning on buying a new truck for towing a ball hitch travel trailer fulltiming, and I DON’T WANT A DIESEL. The Dodge 2500 Hemi falls a little short on tow rating compared to Ford F250 V10 or GM 2500HD 8.1, but after reading a number of threads on performance improvements on this and other Dodge forums, I think it would do the job with the right modifications.

Further, I have a problem with the height of F250/Ram2500/GM2500HD but the trailer is too heavy to consider a F150 or GM1500 as their small blocks wouldn’t cut it without a lot more engine grunt, but as the drive train for the Ram 1500 is the same as the 2500 except for the axle ratio, and the 1500 is 600 lbs lighter.…….hmmm!

Based on past experience, factory tow ratings are to be taken as guidelines not requirements and, as there is no set criteria for these ratings, certainly not legal limits.

I presently tow a TT that, loaded, is 1500 lbs over the rating for my Grand Cherokee 4.7HO, but the drive train has enough grunt to cope with mountain grades quite well and a Hensley Arrow weight distributing (WD) hitch (www.nosway.com) takes care of the short wheelbase & light curb weight. I plan to use the Hensley with the larger trailer and am confident that it will provide the same compensation with the Ram 1500 and the new TT GVWR 11,500 lb

I would appreciate feedback on what I have in mind, not only the improvement to be gained but also the ease of fitting and compatibility with other mods, the source(s) for the best quality parts . I am physically limited and no longer up to doing mechanical work so would be grateful for advice as to the costs of the various parts and installations.

2005 or 2006 Ram 1500 QC (or MC) Sport/Laramie, 5.7 (or 6.1) Hemi, Full Time 4WD

1. Replace O/E P265/70R17 tires w/ LT265/70R17 (same as Ram 2500 O/E)

2. 4.56 Gears = 10% increase from Ram 2500 Optional 4.10

3. Long Tube Headers - Edelbrock??

4. Free Flow Exhaust - Possibly eliminate cat and fit true duals??

5. K&N (or other) Cold Air Intake and/or Filter

6. Lower 2” front / 4” rear - Will this be OK for towing with WD hitch?

Any other suggestions??

Thanx