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Mid 2000’s Ram Hemi 1500

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
Hey Everyone,

I hope your day is going well.

How did the Ram 1500 with the hemi pull in the 2003-2008 model years with the 3:55 or the 3:92 rear axle ratios? I have ruled out the Ford and GM twins.

Any feedback would be appreciated, especially the ones with experience.

The mission is going to be a basic around the home truck with the occasional use as a utility trailer hauler and a smallish TT/Hybrid hauler.

Thanks,

Jeremiah
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~
17 REPLIES 17

ib516
Explorer
Explorer
Well, you're in luck.

I currently have a 2007, Quad cab, 4x4, 5.7L Hemi (345hp/375tq), 5 speed auto, with 3.55s. It pulls my 17' hybrid much better than the 2006 Chevy, extended cab, 4x4, 5.3L (295hp/335tq), 4 speed auto with 3.73s it replaced. The 5.3L just seemed down on power compared to the Hemi; much more than the specs would lead you to believe, even when going from 3.73s (Chevy) to 3.55s (Dodge). The 3.55s are the ones to get for light towing IMO. The Chevy in 3rd was at about 2800 RPM @ 60mph, the Dodge is about 2400 RPM at 60 mph in 4th(?). Neither truck will use their top gear when towing. The RV is a light weight, but it is a 2010, and therefore is a full 8 feet wide.

I use the Torque App to keep an eye on engine and transmission temperatures while towing and, as you can imagine, neither truck had any issues there. The 5 speed transmission is the biggest improvement. With GMs 4 speed 4L60E, it had 2 ratios to use. Direct (3rd) and 2nd. With the 545RFE, it uses 2nd, 3rd and 4th depending on the terrain and wind. The Dodge also has a bigger fuel tank.

Both get about 10 mpg pulling the RV in the pictures.





I also towed this RV for a few trips with a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. It did ok on flat terrain with no wind, but was all over with side winds and really worked hard on grades. I only used it for short local trips on the prairies, but there are a few valleys here, and it got up to 3/4 on the engine temp climbing them even though they were short climbs. Definitely tail wagging the dog some there. I knew it was only temporary so I didn't invest in a WD hitch though I should have.

Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

All_I_could_aff
Explorer
Explorer
I can’t imagine you having trouble if you stick to the lighter end of the travel trailer and hybrid selection. I pull my 3000 pound hybrid trailer with my 210 HP 4.0 L V6 Explorer and 180HP 3.3 Xterra. I’d be mostly concerned with exceeding your rear axle weight rating due to people and stuff in the bed, in addition to trailer tongue weight on the hitc i’d be mostly concerned with exceeding your rear axle weight rating do to people and stuff in the bed, in addition to trailer tongue weight on the hitch
1999 R-Vision Trail Light B17 hybrid
2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer
2002 Xterra rollin’ on 33’s
1993 Chevy Z24 Convertible
Lives in garage 71,000 miles

Lwiddis
Explorer
Explorer
"Smallish" as in how heavy wet/loaded and how long? Engine "muscle" isn't an issue most of the time even in the Rockies and Sierras.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad