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Regular
Posts: 62
Location: Houston | Thanks to those of you who have answered all my questions as I attempt to learn enough to buy my first truck/trailer. I have decided to buy the truck first, then the trailer later, probably this winter. I plan to purchase a basic steel 2-horse BP with dressing room--these seem to check in around 2500-3000 pounds. Most of what I've seen around here are slants, but I'd really prefer a straight load if I can find one. My 1 horse is smallish, around 14.3/950. I feel confident I won't buy/haul a 2nd horse, but would like to be conservative and get a tow vehicle capable of pulling it with 2 horses on occasion. I have found a very reasonably priced, low mileage 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.2 L V8 Magnum, 2WD extended cab. The sticker says long bed but I forgot to ask the wheelbase. Rear axle ratio 3.21 according to the sticker. The sticker on the hitch says weigh carrying 5000/500 and weight distributing 10,000/1000--second number is tongue weight. I would want the weight distributing hitch, right? Is that something that I just purchase separately and it gets attached to the receiver that's already there? Salesman says it's a Class III hitch. He also says that instead of a separate cooler for the transmission, the transmission fluid is routed by the radiator and cooled that way somehow--sorry, I didn't totally grasp that part. Do you think this truck would safely pull my intended trailer? Do you know where I could find the manufacturer's towing guide? So far I have struck out searching for it for 1998 Ram. What additional questions should I ask the dealer? By the way, I am in Houston, so no snow/hills. I would not be routinely hauling long distances--just occasional show or clinic or (hopefully not) vet. Thanks in advance for all the help I know I'll get here! Jennifer |
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Expert
Posts: 1416
 
Location: sc | I would pass on that one. A 3.21 is a poor towing gear ratio. All auto trannys are cooled through the radiator, vehicles set up to tow require an additional external tranny cooler.....usually part of a "tow package". Edit: NEVER, EVER listen to a salesman. Ask here, or someone you trust for truck buying advice. Edit again: 99 model shold be close to a 98 http://www.trailerlife.com/downloads/99towingguide.pdf Apparently a 3.21 is worse than poor. Notice note "h"....... "Towing not recommended with 3.21:1 axle ratio."
Edited by chadsalt 2008-07-29 9:51 PM
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Regular
Posts: 62
Location: Houston | Thanks...3.21 ratio is the thing that was making me nervous. Thanks for the advice--I know that all info from a salesman is suspect. That's why I am trying to look stuff up on my own as well as asking here. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
 
Location: Vermont | If you are not is a super rush...start checking some of the dealerships that deal in leases...because PLENTY of trucks are coming off lease and the dealerships are in a panic as to what to do with them... Heck, Chrysler as a Corporation is pulling the plug on their lease operations... http://www.daylife.com/article/028l4JT55P3pt/articles/all/1 |
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Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | One time, fore I knew better, I pulled a 2h TB trailer with a Dodge Ramcharger. Had the big engine, but the 3.2 gear ratio. Suffice it to say I had it flat on the floor to go uphill and could only get up to 25 mph. I cried all the way, scared spitless. That was many years ago, but I can still remember rocking in the seat saying "Go, go....go) and hoping something didn't blow up before I topped the hill. So keep looking, and that salesman either has no clue what a towing package is, or though he had a easy mark in you. |
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Regular
Posts: 62
Location: Houston | Thanks! Looks like I'd better skip this one...I hope I find something that won't totally bust the budget. I think dealers in Houston are not as desperate as those in other places--economy is still pretty good here and Texans still love their trucks. But I'll keep looking! |
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Regular
Posts: 62
Location: Houston | And thanks for that link to the 99 towing guide--that footnote (h) gave me my answer. "NO!" |
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Expert
Posts: 1416
Location: sc | Are you using http://www.autotrader.com/ ? I found that to be a very useful website when I was buying my truck. Plenty of search options to "drill down" the truck youre looking for. |
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Regular
Posts: 62
Location: Houston | Wow, thanks for the www.autotrader.com suggestion. I had not looked there and it is very helpful! Now the dilemma is whether to buy new or used...if I go for the "nice" medium mileage used ones, I approach the price of a new basic truck with a warranty. I'm not too worried about the horses snowballing, but the truck purchase could.... :) Thanks! Jennifer |
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 Veteran
Posts: 235
Location: Bucksport, Maine | I just bought a 4yo truck with 44k miles on it... paid half (HALF!!!) what it cost new! Don't buy new!! |
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Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
