I have a 2002 Cummins with the HO & 6spd manual and a 13 longhorn 1500. While both are rated to TOW . . . you have to look at the carrying capacity. The 1500's are ONLY going to be around 1300lb. Put a 700lb tongue weight and then yourself in truck, and then anyone else, stuff in the box, etc, you can see where you quickly are BEYOND the carrying capacity (according to Ma Mopar) of the 1500. However, check rating on your Cummins - it will tow the trailer, as well as you and your stuff. Sure the Longhorn I have tow my travel trailer fine, but the Cummins does it "with ease" compared to hearing the Hemi and the 8spd Auto shifting . . . must say, would rather tow with a Cummins, and 3/4 ton !!! Don't be fooled by "how much you can tow", you have to look at ALL the ratings !!! It's all the manufacturer's doing it . . .
An 02 HO is very different beast from a 92
That is true . . .but what I am getting at is the actual GVW rating between trucks. Don't think that the "newer" Ram 1500 are great . . . look at the Ram forum and you will find most are not happy with the "low" GVW rating of the 1500. I would think that the 92 250 would have much better GVWR than a newer 1500 - they are ONLY a 1/2 ton (1000lb) rated machine. The concept of the 1500 (or any 1/2ton) towing up to 12,000lb, is more than just the engine/tranny, brakes . . . especially if you get pulled over by the troopers.
In British Columbia, years ago, the provincial truck cops, were pulling over every "light truck" and weighing them - any 1/2 ton with a camper in the back was turned back and not allowed on the roads in BC . . . according to the manufacturer's GVWR the trucks were overloaded ! . . .
Just my two cents worth . . .
