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Old 11-23-2013, 10:56 PM   #1
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towing with a dodge 1500 4x4 hemi(2013, 2014)

Is anyone towing a 17b with a dodge ram hemi V8, 4x4 with a 6 speed transmission. I am probably going to purchase one next week as an all purpose 4x4 for getting winter wood, light hauling, and doing trips with our new 17b when we pick it up in June 2014. Any experiences would be appreciated, particularly findings on fuel usage. Thanks
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Old 11-24-2013, 05:44 AM   #2
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I tow with a 2012 v6 ram. But, I tow a 5.0. I do tow a boat about the same weight as your camper. No problems at all. You will have gobs of power. I would look at your receiver height. I had to put a drop hitch on to keep my boat level during the tow. Measure the distance from the receiver to the ground and make sure that you can get the accessories you need to tow your trailer. With a 4x4 you will be tall. You will not need weight distribution with that truck for sure.
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Old 11-24-2013, 07:57 AM   #3
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Have you considered the upcoming diesel options? I know a few people with the hemi, and though lots of power, their fuel economy is not very good at all.

Methinks harley Jim has this truck you are asking about.
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Old 11-24-2013, 08:20 AM   #4
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I have a 2009 Ram Hemi BigHorn Edition with a cap on the back. Tows wonderful pulling the Escape 19'. I did add air bags to the rear coil springs and keep about 10 psi to eliminate squat. You will probably not need that with the Escape 17. I did not need a w/d hitch with the air bags.
Gas mileage can range from 10-14 mpg towing and with the 25 gallon tank I start looking for gas after about 3 hours or 200 miles. Not towing, if you are careful you can eek out maybe 16-18, when the fuel saver kicks in. Great towing machine, I can drive for 24 hours and no feel burned out because of the ride quality. I'd suggest you get the extra 8 gallon tank if possible for a little extra range.
Diesel is not yet available, but I here they are having problems with the mating of the motor and transmission. May want to wait until the first batch is made. The hemi is a hoot to drive, you can make the truck feel like a sports car when you want to.
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Old 11-24-2013, 09:45 AM   #5
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Thanks Jim for the reply on the Ram Bighorn. Is yours a 4x4? I have been driving a 2004 ford ranger 4x4 with a 4 litre v6, and know it's not the greatest on fuel economy although I've never figured out the actual mileage.(When it needs fuel I fill it). The reality of living in the mountains, heating with wood, camping along logging roads, etc. is owning a 4x4 truck. In your opinion do you think I will see much difference in fuel economy between the Ranger and the Dodge? I've spoken to a few people who have gone from 4 cylinder to v8 and the general opinion is not much difference. Nice to have the power when needed, but maybe the v8 isn't working as hard all the time?
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Old 11-24-2013, 11:09 AM   #6
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Yes I have the 4x4 set up and the "trailer mode" button which locks out o/d. IIMHO you will see a difference between the v6 ford and the v8 hemi, maybe 25% so 16mpg down to 12 particularly since you are in mountains thus the eco-mode will not activate while under load. It will on a flat road(even while towing) if you use the raw egg pedal method.
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Old 11-24-2013, 04:47 PM   #7
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Thanks for the posts guys. I have been looking on the U.S. environmental protection Agency website for fuel economy on different trucks, and the full size 4x4's with gas V8's all seem pretty close. My decision is almost made for the dodge.( They are giving me a good price quote being their year end) The diesel trucks are just not in my budget at this point.
If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm listening!!
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Old 11-24-2013, 05:35 PM   #8
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We can have a drag race……..
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Old 11-24-2013, 05:44 PM   #9
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My money is on Don. He will be pulling a 17B. Much smaller and lighter than your 21 Jim.
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Old 11-24-2013, 06:05 PM   #10
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I did not mean towing, but funny anyway As a side note, my 2009 Ram came with a "lifetime" warranty, on power train of course, but still, "lifetime"
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Old 11-24-2013, 06:24 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
I did not mean towing, but funny anyway As a side note, my 2009 Ram came with a "lifetime" warranty, on power train of course, but still, "lifetime"
The question is always, who's lifetime?
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Old 11-24-2013, 07:03 PM   #12
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Jim, It's all about the skill coming out of the chute!! Good luck, I'll be waiting for you at the finish line!!
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Old 11-25-2013, 02:39 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
As a side note, my 2009 Ram came with a "lifetime" warranty, on power train of course, but still, "lifetime"
I assume that's a warranty against manufacturer defects, not a guarantee that it will last forever. Excellent, but maintenance and repair of parts that wear out will still be required.
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The question is always, who's lifetime?
The lifetime of the drivetrain!
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Old 11-25-2013, 08:11 AM   #14
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If you are considering the diesel, look into the costs of fuel and maintenance (and the upcharge for the diesel engine) vs fuel economy. It will very possibly work out in favor of the gas engine.

I ditched my deisel and went gas. On these light trailers, the diesel was overkill. Really, even the hemi is overkill but it is nice to have a full size truck, and the extra power.
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Old 11-25-2013, 08:14 PM   #15
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My '96 Tahoe 5.6L V-8 4x4 has "1500" attached to the door trim if that helps.. ... Regular gas, ranges from 12-16mpg depending on the terrain, drive feels like you're sitting on your living room couch. However, I seen the latest ones got poor reviews.

Oh, did I mention the'96 is paid for?
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