I currently have a 2003 Ram 1500 P/U with the 4.7 engine. I've discovered that towing a travel trailer is somewhat prohibitive. The motor's just too small, even for an ultralight trailer.
I found a 1999 2500 Van Conversion with 80,000 miles for $4500. I'm not sure if it has the 5.2 or 5.9 engine. Does anyone know how much this van would tow, with either engine? I'm looking to get a trailer that weighs just under 5000 lbs., dry.
When I was a teenager, the brother of one of my friends had a Dodge van conversion, and I thought it was the coolest thing on the road. I've always thought I'd like to have one. I drive cross-country every other year and just think a van would be the most comfortable way to go. It it'll tow too, I think I'd have the best of all possible scenarios!
Mazdax605
08-04-2007, 11:30 PM
I went from a 2003 Ram quad cab 2wd Hemi to my 2001 Ram Wagon 2500 8 passenger with the 5.2 litre,Nad while the hemi towed my Jayco Kiwi 23B better than the van it wasn't that much better. I think I got around 10-11 MPG towing with the Hemi,and it towed pretty well,and I got 8-9 MPg with the van last month towing through the moutains of western MA,and north eastern upsate NY.The van was more comfortable than the truck for my wife,and kids,and I enjoy the utility of the van more than the truck,but they both have their strong,and weak points. My camper has a GVW of 4950 which is probably what yours is as well.The GVW is fuly loaded,and I bet we are pretty close to the 5000lb limit with all the food,clothing for 2 adults,and 2 kids,and the other various stuff you need for camping. I felt pretty safe,abd stable towing with the van,and I would hesitate to tell anyone esle to do it if they wanted to.I will say however that my 92 Ram 250 pickup with the Cummins diesel,and 5-speed tranny was a towing champion,and I really miss that truck,but the van is a nice compromise for my lifestyle of towing occasionally,and needing to haul stuff to the dump every now and again.The dual Ac system,and removable seats are great for the family,and I don't regret selling the Hemi,and getting the van one bit.I loved the Hemi quad cab,and I miss it a little,but the $400 a month looks better in my bank account,or in my mortgage than it does looking shiney in my driveway collecting dust.
Dodgevanman
08-06-2007, 12:54 PM
The 4.7 and 5.2 are pretty close in power, but I think the 5.2 is a bit more torquey and more reliable. That's just my opinion.
stev
08-07-2007, 10:18 AM
I've been towing a 19-1/2 foot travel trailer camper around now for over four years with our Dodge Ram 12-passenger Van/Wagon that has the 5.2L/318cid Magnum engine and 3.92 rear gears.
The camper weight dry is 3,000lbs. Loaded with food, gear and cargo, for an almost two week trip through the state of PA, the van pulled it very well. We had the van packed too with nine people. In fact, the Pocono Mts were not bad towing though with the temps reaching the upper 90's. I kept the speed around 50~55 mostly.
Sure, the 5.9L/360cid engine would have made those Mts and hills an easy hike, but the 5.2L/318cid did well.
We once owned a B1500 with the V6. We used that to tow back then, but it was very limited to the flatter highways.
Having good synthetic rear gear oil, 10W30 freshly changed and the IAT mod can really help with the engine power demands.
Dave may have other pointers to give since he's towed from so. CA to TX recently.
