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Old 09-19-2013, 08:56 PM   #1
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Dodge Ram 1500, What do I need?

I recently bought a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, reg cab and bed, 2WD. I have my eye on a 1978 31' Sovereign. I do not have any towing equipment on the truck currently. I have read so many different things in the threads, I'm wondering if someone can give me a clear answer about what I need in order to haul this airstream. I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling. Thanks!
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Old 09-20-2013, 05:34 AM   #2
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Welcome to the forums.
Google "Hensley Arrow."
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Old 09-20-2013, 06:12 AM   #3
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While you're looking at the Hensley Arrow, look at their brake controllers also. We tow with a 2001 Ram 1500 quad cab, and it handles our 22' Safari quite well. We don't have the Hensley hitch, but their brake controller has done a good job.
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Old 09-20-2013, 06:34 AM   #4
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Well I would also be concerned about axel ratios and transmission coolers. I would say if you are going to tow alot in the mountains that you should consider a bigger truck like a 3/4 ton or get a trailer ready 1/2 ton truck that has a towing axel, towing mirrors, transmission cooler etc. Most off the line 1/2 ton trucks are little more than cars. That trailer is probably going to be around 6000lbs empty and over 7000lbs loaded. What is your truck rated to pull like it is now? Look on the lable on the door.

The Hensely or Propride Hitches are top of the line but may cost close to what your trailer cost you.

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Old 09-20-2013, 07:32 AM   #5
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3.73 or higher axle. Stiff tires (load range E would be best). Transmission cooler. 7 pin wiring harness for lights and brakes. Brake controller. Class 4 hitch receiver. Towing mirrors. Big fuel tank. A truck with a factory towing package should have all of the listed stuff already. The hitch. It would be good if the truck has disc brakes on all 4 wheels.

We use a Reese straight line hitch and a Voyager brake controller. Maybe $800 or so.
You will probably have around 1000 lbs tongue weight. The stiff tires are needed to control sway and improve drivability.
Look at your rated towing capacity and payload and axle ratings.
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Old 09-20-2013, 08:14 AM   #6
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Welcome to the forums - tons of good information here!

You don't mention the engine size. If you have the V6 in your truck, you won't have the power to move a 31' very far. A V8 - likely fine, especially if it's the 5.7 liter. Like others have mentioned, check your specific vehicles towing capacity.
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Old 09-20-2013, 09:06 AM   #7
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Those trucks typically came with a 3.55 or 3.92 axle ratio. The 3.92 is what you want to tow with and the 5.7 v-8.
If you have the 3.55, try towing with it, probably alright on the flats but no good in the hills.
Think about re-gearing the differential to 3.92.
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Old 09-20-2013, 09:07 AM   #8
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Checkout the Ram forums, I'm sure there are lots of discussions of what exactly is included in the factory towing packages, what upgrades owners have made and what trailers they have towed.
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Old 09-20-2013, 11:25 PM   #9
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Thanks!

Wow thanks for all the great information! Exactly what I was looking for.
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Old 09-21-2013, 09:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cehensley View Post
Wow thanks for all the great information! Exactly what I was looking for.
Send me the last 8 of your vin I can tell you what your truck was built with.
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Old 09-21-2013, 10:43 PM   #11
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I'm with Kevin (post #6). If you have the 5.7 L Hemi, you have a very strong engine. A V-6 won't cut it. We have a 2008 Ram with the Hemi and love the power. However, we're towing a 22 foot Airstream, not something 31 feet long. Even with the hemi power, I wonder about towing a trailer with the weight of a 31. Maybe someone who tows a 31 with the hemi can comment here.
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Old 09-22-2013, 05:55 AM   #12
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I'm with Kevin (post #6). If you have the 5.7 L Hemi, you have a very strong engine. A V-6 won't cut it. We have a 2008 Ram with the Hemi and love the power. However, we're towing a 22 foot Airstream, not something 31 feet long. Even with the hemi power, I wonder about towing a trailer with the weight of a 31. Maybe someone who tows a 31 with the hemi can comment here.
I towed our 31' with a Ram 1500, standard cab, short bed, and 4.7L. The truck had too short a wheelbase, and we ended up with a Hensley Arrow to keep the trailer from shoving us around. That part worked very well. After a couple of trips through the mountains in that configuration, we ended up with a larger truck, because the engine was struggling with the weight... Even though we don't really need it now, we still have the Hensley.
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