Posted 2008-07-29 8:30 PM (#88545) Subject: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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!
Posted 2008-07-29 9:34 PM (#88548 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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.
Posted 2008-07-29 9:57 PM (#88550 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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.
Posted 2008-07-29 11:56 PM (#88560 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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...
Posted 2008-07-30 12:02 AM (#88561 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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.
Posted 2008-07-30 1:03 AM (#88565 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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!
Posted 2008-07-30 7:07 AM (#88571 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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.
Posted 2008-07-30 8:10 PM (#88633 - in reply to #88545) Subject: RE: Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
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.... :)
Potential tow vehicle-would this suffice?
