I think that's a lot of weight for a 1500 truck no matter what gear ratio or engine you have! Run the numbers to make sure the truck/trailer combination doesn't exceed your maximum gross combined weight limit, and that each axle doesn't exceed its individual limit.

That said, I'd definitely want some low gears to pull that rig with any 4.7, especially a pre-2008 8-plug 4.7. Even the 2008 and up 16-plug version still likes to make its power at higher RPM than a Hemi... The 4.56s would definitely make a difference.

 

Your 33,s, being a larger tire will change your rear end ratio. So check that out before changing gears. I do agree that that sounds like a lot of weight for for that truck/engine combo

 

thanks for the reply,I know that i'm pushing the limit but the trailer is only 6200 ready to roll. so im still under the stock 6600 tow rating and i would think with the gear change would make it ok.. the 7500 number would be with all the camping crap and with water for dry camping..i can't see me dry camping very much if at all

 

Ack, just did our first trailer tow with a 2004 Ram 1500 with the 4.7. Trailer only weighs 2600 loaded, but the 4.7 has no pop pulling. Bang on the pedal and it's not very quick to downshift even in the tow/haul mode. Only got about 9.5 mpg on mostly highway.

 

I have an 03 QC 1500 with 4.7l engine. My trailer is a 33ft 6800lb fully loaded coachman ultra light. I use a hensley hitch. I plan to purchase a 6.7TD in two years when I turn 62. I pull from Arkansas to Washington State to my deep sea fishing boat yearly with this trailer however, here are my Mods: RV HD torque converter, HD kit in 545RFE trans, 4:56 gears with anti-slip, Type V hitch, Finned diff cover with temp monitor on the cover and trans pan, Firestone Air Bags, 3/4 T drive shaft with special yoke and u joints, Throttle body spacer (only lowers your peak torque RPM), and aftermarket, oversize radiator. I also added the HD fan clutch fan. Also aftermarket slotted and drilled rotors all around. Free flow magnaflow exaust converter with 70 series muffler into a 4" tail pipe. This truck has to cross three major mountain ranges each trip. The only thing is I rarely tow over 65 MPH and 60 MPH seems optimum for my set-up. Yes, I know I am pushing the limit on the truck, but I feel I have minimized the risk. I have to say, the TD Ram will be a welcome change in a few years. I once got into a 40 MPH headwind near twin falls ID. The truck wouldn't shift into third so I had to pull in second at 42 MPH until I could find a campground to wait out the wind! Other than that one instance, the truck has been a champ! Oh yes, I was supprised when I began monitoring Trans and Diff temp, that the Diff will run way hotter than the Trans when towing at 65 MPH! Monitor your temps! Good luck! Wish I had bought the Hemi on 03! One more bit of advice, I only use Casteroil Edge Synthetic oil in my 4.7l. This oil will not break down and create sludge! I change it religiously at 3k miles. Good luck and have a great day!

 

Well to the OP, you just said yourself that you're exceeding the maximum tow rating for your truck. The 4.10's does help that a little, and 4.56's would help even more, but your tires also hurt. So you're at your limit or beyond, just be careful.

 

Need. More. Truck. I'm sure it will squeak by, but the truck will let you know it doesn't want to pull that much. My buddy pulled a boat with his 4.7 and it was always above 4,000 rpm.

 

I had a 4.7 that actually struggled towing a 3000 pound pontoon boat. It was not all the truck's fault as it had something like 3.50 gears....4.10's would have no doubt made a difference.

We are looking at a 4800 pound toyhauler for towing out Kawasaki mule (1100 pounds) so with our "stuff" I estimate about 6500-7000 pounds....bought a Hemi Mega Cab with 3.73's and am anticipating having to change to 4.10s....

 

Have you considered another set of (cheap) wheels with smaller tires just for towing?
That would solve your problem I think.

 

OK I have some experience here on this one, I towed a 33' Keystone Hornet with 2 slides that weighed in 8000lbs plus loaded from Maine to Florida several times and I can tell you it is doable. You will sacrifice mileage but the truck can do the job. I set my 2004 ram QC with a 4.7 up with K&N CAI, Gibson dual exhaust side sweep, Hellwig spring helper kit, and I used a nice equalizer hitch setup that distributed my tongue weight perfectly. The truck obviously does not have the power that the 5.7 has, but dont be fooled into thinking that the 4.7 cannot do the job. Can it be done easier with a bigger engine etc? sure... but if you set it up right it will work for you. Good luck friend!

 

I had a 4.7 and it struggled pulling a pontoon boat...it only had 3.55 gears and I know that was a part of the problem.

Trades for a hemi with 3.92 gear and tow our keystone trailer with ease...i don't think you have enough motor...

 

I had a 4.7 with 3:55 gears in a 02 Dakota reg cab 4x4. It had trouble pulling itself. It would have to shift down to go over a speed bump.

 

Just keep in mind guys that the pre 08 4.7L is a lot different than the 08+ 4.7L. My 2010 4.7L with a couple minor mods is as strong as my buddy's old 05 hemi.

 

I tow a 25ft. Travel Trailer with a 6500 lb. GVW with my 2007 4.7L QC w/ the Thunder Road package. My Ram is rated to tow 7700 lbs. with that package but I would never want to tow any more than I do now.

My towing performance is barely adequate and it is not just about the weight. The wind resistance from that big square box behind me affects the performance and fuel economy (9-10 mpg towing) as much or more than the weight.