Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: frank]
#306427
05/03/09 05:13 PM
05/03/09 05:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 415
Indiana
Pentastar440
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 415
Indiana
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Make sure that you are plated correctly. Some states are really cracking down. Truck must be plated for the weight of the combo. Make sure that all lights and equipment are working properly. Make sure that your breakaway and battery are operable. You don't want to get 1000 miles from home and find out you are not legal. Also, be careful when braking especially in curves,ramps, and on wet roads. Take it easy and pay attention and you should be fine.
'65 Belvedere II - 446-Indy,727 transbrake,Dana 4.56
'38 Plymouth 4Dr - 408SixPack, A518, Dana60 4:10
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: MoparforLife]
#306430
05/04/09 02:26 AM
05/04/09 02:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,152
SO. CAL.
70blackfish
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,152
SO. CAL.
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Quote:
Recommend a load equalizing hitch and make sure that your brakes work properly with the trailer braking slightly ahead of the truck to slow the truck rather than the truck slowing the trailer. 
He said it all!!!!
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: frank]
#306432
05/04/09 08:01 AM
05/04/09 08:01 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
I have a stock 95 ram 1500, 5.9 auto short bed. I need to pull a car in an enclosed trailer 1000 miles. Don't know the actual trailer weight, I'm guessing about 2500 pounds. (enclosed 20 foot car hauler). Car is a 69 GTX minus engine, trans, and most of interior. The FSM says my truck can pull up to 7,700 pounds. Can't afford a bigger truck right now. Will I damage my truck?? Your thoughts.
I tore up a 86 2500 5.9 dodge truck pulling a 24' enclosed through the mountains. It was not enough truck in the mountains. It was a very scarey trip for me, last time I ever used that truck even after I replaced the burnt valves. My brake rotors were warped too after that trip.
Will a 1500 do it? Yes. Is it enough truck? definetly not. A short bed truck will be fun. Better have a sway control on the trailer, you will need it. 1000 miles will be enough to convince you, that it is not near enough truck.Go for it. 
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: Challenger 1]
#306433
05/04/09 09:31 AM
05/04/09 09:31 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,648
GA
Boosted
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,648
GA
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It will pull the trailer but it will work doing it. These weight ratings are for a flatbed trailer with a load. This is a big box trailer that will not like wind at all and will take more to haul it. A short bed truck will sway way to much without some kind of sway control.
I would make sur eof the brakes ont he trailer are up to the task of stopping itself and the truck. Also plan on this not being a speed limit pull so add extra time for the trip.
I for one would not do it, but I know sometime you just do not have much of a choice...
2011 RAM3500
1967 Fastback Barracuda with some go fast goodies.
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: frank]
#306434
05/04/09 09:47 AM
05/04/09 09:47 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,949
land of 10,000______'s
BDS871Cuda
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,949
land of 10,000______'s
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Quote:
I have a stock 95 ram 1500, 5.9 auto short bed. I need to pull a car in an enclosed trailer 1000 miles. Don't know the actual trailer weight, I'm guessing about 2500 pounds. (enclosed 20 foot car hauler). Car is a 69 GTX minus engine, trans, and most of interior. The FSM says my truck can pull up to 7,700 pounds. Can't afford a bigger truck right now. Will I damage my truck?? Your thoughts.
I had a 96 Ram 1/2 ton 4X4 with 318 auto.
We took a trip to Myrtle Beach S.C., coming from
Minnesota. The truck pulled a 31' 5th wheel camper
that weighed 8500 lbs just fine. We never used
O/D and on the big hills we put it in 1st gear
and took our sweet time. Trans cooler yes.
We had no need for a gauge, just one more thing
to worry about.
Snap your neck, mega G-force launch, is all I want!
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: frank]
#306435
05/04/09 09:50 AM
05/04/09 09:50 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
What's your opinion on putting duel exhaust and a cold air intake on the truck? Any real help? I know it will add some power but not sure if it's worth the money. Thanks
No don't do it. Save the money and put it toward a better truck when you can afford it.
You don't need the extra power as you need more suspension and BIGGER BRAKES. You don't need more power if you can't stop it.
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: BDS871Cuda]
#306436
05/04/09 09:54 AM
05/04/09 09:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
We never used
O/D and on the big hills we put it in 1st gear
and took our sweet time.
.
Hopefully you weren't in first gear out on the highway trying to keep it going 55MPH. 
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: Challenger 1]
#306437
05/04/09 10:08 AM
05/04/09 10:08 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,005
U.S.S.A.
JohnRR
I Win
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I Win
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,005
U.S.S.A.
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Quote:
Quote:
Will a 1500 do it? Yes. Is it enough truck? definetly not. A short bed truck will be fun. Better have a sway control on the trailer, you will need it. 1000 miles will be enough to convice you, go for it.
I agree , it's not a matter of pulling it it's a matter of STOPPING it SAFELY .
And as someone mentioned if you got stopped and the hitch and it's pieces are not rating for the weight you have hanging off it ....
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: RUNCHARGER]
#306441
05/04/09 01:46 PM
05/04/09 01:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
The brake issue is not an issue if the trailer brakes are rigged and adjusted correctly.
I drive semi and I can tell you that when pulling two trailers I effectively have more braking power than when pulling one.
In a pickup/trailer situation each unit is supposed to be braking it's own weight. If you are using the truck brakes to stop the trailer it is not setup correctly and you're going to run into problems.
Sheldon
What happens when the trailer plug accidently falls out and he has no trailer brakes or something along those lines?
NO way No how is it OK TO PULL A ENCLOSED CAR HAULER with a 1500 truck. I hope your not around my equipment and family when your out there with your little truck and your big old trailer. 
Did you see the story about the camper and race trailer that were blown over by the wind yesterday in the race section? web page
A 8000 pound camper is not the same as a 20+ foot long car hauler. Most car haulers have a GVW of 10000 pounds(2- 5200 axles) There's more wind drag with a car hauler than a camper IMO. Side wind will affect a car hauler more than a camper because there is more area to block/catch the wind. I've pulled both alot of miles.
I've had my Hazmat/tanker CDL license since the first year we were required to get them. I was grandfathered in(didn't have to take the skills test driving) to get my CDL license since I have been driving commercially since 1979.And I employ, train, test,maintain a satisfactory rating with the DOT and document 6-10 hazmat drivers since 1984.
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Re: How much can a ram 1500 really pull?
[Re: RUNCHARGER]
#306442
05/04/09 08:53 PM
05/04/09 08:53 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,331
Clinton, NJ
njmopar
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,331
Clinton, NJ
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I am not a semi driver, but I do know that electric brakes are nowhere near as powerful as the tow vehicle. Yes, they do some major work, but you cant expect them to compensate for weak tow vehicle brakes. Plus they are drums, so they fade big time on long decent. Sometimes downshifting just doesn't cut it and the trailer just pushes you big time.
The other issue is that many electric brake controllers don't react or work well when in slower speed stopping situations. The sensors don't sense the change in inertia at low speeds. As a result you plant your foot down hard in panic and hope your truck can stop you. The ones that actually read line pressure from your hydraulics are the best, but most people just get what you can buy at AutoZone. I find I had more "oh sh!#" moments when I was in 35 and under stopping situations then at highway speeds. At speed, the controller works fine.
Take it from me, that gen Ram 1500 does not have good brakes at all, they are pretty wimpy. Get a good set of fleet duty pads and shoes (I bought Satisfied brand) that wont fade and bleed your brakes to get any moisture out that may boil. Or you will just make a bad situation worse.
Last edited by njmopar; 05/04/09 08:54 PM.
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