Would the Dodge 2500, 5.7 Hemi be a good tow-er?

I don't have the 5.7, but the 6.4 with the 373 gears. My previous trailer weighed around 7600#, and the truck towed it great. My new trailer weighs around 10000, and it still tows good, but my gas mileage is now between 9 and 10 mpg.

Try to get a later year model with the 66RFE (68RE gear sets) than the 545RFE. The 66RFE is a legit 6 speed, even if the ratios are poor compared to a modern GM / Ford 6 spd. 4.10s are a must, as the tranny has a very tall 6th.

The 545RFE was a 4 speed with a 5th gear programmed in, that later received a "marketing 6th gear", which became the 65RFE. Thank God that never made it into the HD trucks.

I expect the following compared to current Suburban.

1) Noticeably better control/handling.
2) Slightly more power/acceleration.

I strongly encourage Ram's 6.4L and 4.10 axle to change #2 above from slightly to noticeably. Selection is lower, but fuel consumption and power are both better compared to 5.7L.

It should be a great truck, curious what year though? You already have a gas engine, so you know that you'll need to let the engine rev at times to create enough power. The 5.7 will be thirsty, but you can buy a LOT of gas with the money you save from not buying a diesel. If the truck is in good shape, I wouldn't hesitate for a second!

I towed an 8,300 lb loaded TT with a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 5.7l and it was a great match. At your weight you'll be set.

The 5.3 is gutless for towing. It will get you there with no frills. The Suburban has a lot of climate controled space which is one of it's positives. Well, it revs good too..and that's a must in the mountains.

Not sure what year of Hemi you are talking about, the older ones were 345hp, newer in the 2500s were 383hp. Either way, with a 6500# load you'll be good to go.

Before this Dodge 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi, I had a Chevy with the 5.3L. The Dodge feels like it has 100 more hp than the 5.3L which I found to be very gutless. This despite the fact that the Chevy had 3.73 axles and the Dodge has 3.55s.

Our TT forum will have lots of actual owners that can give you their input. Ask the mod to move you over there.

For that weight, it will do just fine.