Dodge 1500 Diesel

Before you buy. Be sure to check out the payload. I have read the Ram 1500 diesel has very little. "some" are overloaded when you hookup with a empty truck. Seems diesels are pretty heavy.

I don't assume a 5000 lb trailer would cause issues for a half ton Ram, but yeah for sure check the payload and axle ratings. It would probably handle that size trailer really well. Not a ton of power, but good torque and I think it has an 8 speed.

You might also look into that new Titan XD. It looks like an interesting heavy-half option that should get better mileage than the big diesels.

Probably a pretty good match for that trailer, as long as the payload numbers are right.

You'll probably solve the frequent shifting issue. But not sure the mpg is going to be much better. Towing, at least. (I'll probably be lots better unloaded).

The EcoDiesel would likely do very well towing that small of a trailer. MPG would certainly be increased, but I am not sure what you mean by "improved performance".

The Hemi has more HP, and the EcoDiesel would have more gears, so you likely would shift more in the new truck if that is what you are trying to change.

I just picked up a RAM (not a Dodge, since they and Ram Trucks split back a few years now) 1500 with the 3.0l diesel. I have not towed with it, but with the Green Diesel Tune, I am getting on either side of 30 highway with it. Head on over to Ram1500diesel.com and lots of friendly people will assist you in answering your questions.

9-10mpg is quite good for any high walled RV pulled by a gas engine. You may get 11-12mpg with any diesel, the Ram 1500 3.0L or Ram 3500 6.7L. Are your towing miles that significant to justify? 9mpg vs. 12mpg @ $4/gal for either fuel towing 5000 miles saves $555.

If the trans is shifting a lot by whatever definition you have, then lock out the highest gear or two. Also use tow/haul mode. Preventing the transmission from using too high a gear will provide less shifting nuisance, better throttle response, and possibly use less fuel. At 65mph on flat highway, I recommend keeping your engine in the 2500-3000rpm range.

+1. I think the ecodiesel would be a great match for a 5k trailer.

Another Ecodiesel Read

I'd personally get an Ecoboost if I were buying a half ton, but the Ecodiesel does put up some impressive fuel economy numbers.

If you're willing to give a $4000 premium just to get an underpowered foreign diesel in a "truck" with the lowest payload in its class, just to (maybe) save a few bucks at the pump, go for it. The hemi you have now is a much better towing machine, but I have to agree, that 9-10 mpg is bad. Chevy/GMC and Ford both have better options in payload and road/towing fuel economy.