My budget limit for my tow vehicle is $23K. That puts me in the Dodge Ram 5.9L 2003-2007. I was only considering the 6.7L 2008-2010 because of the diesel exhaust brake. But those trucks are around $30K, which really exceeds my budget. But if an exhaust brake is a "must have" then I'll have to figure out how to afford it.
So here's what I've found for max trailer weights for the Dodge Ram 3500 QC 4WD LB ST DRW:
2004 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,450 lbs
2004 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,450 lbs
2005 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2005 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs
2006 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2006 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs
2007 5.9L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,500 lbs
2007 5.9L 4.10 axle ratio = 15,500 lbs
2008 6.7L 3.73 axle ratio = 13,450 lbs
2008 6.7L 4.10 axle ratio = 16,450 lbs
Dry weight of the trailer is 10,700 lbs. GVWR of the trailer is 14,200 lbs.
Here's the math I figure:
13,500 lbs max trailer weight of tow vehicle with 3.73
-10,700 lbs trailer dry weight
-600 lbs water and propane
-400 lbs motorcycle
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= 1,800 lbs cargo
I don't think I'll have even 1,000 lbs of cargo. It's just for me, my dog and cat. I think that if the Exhaust Brake is not a "must have", then I'd rather save $$$ and buy a 2004-2007 5.9L and maybe not be concerned so much if it's a 3.73 axle ratio.
