Good idea?

[jsturkie]

Guys, I think I'm about to buy a 1995 Key West CC 19' w/135 merc. Would I have problems towing this girl w/ 4.7 Dodge ram 1500 2 wheel drive? The last thing I need is to start dropping trannys. I've pulled a 19' bayliner before but I dont think it's quite as heavy as this Key West. Thanks in advance!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Good idea?

it shouldnt be a problem the 4.7 is a strong engine. what axle ratio do you have? 3.55 will be a little harder, but it will still do it. 3.92 and you will be just fine for sure. either way the truck will handle it, it has a tow rating of around 6000 depending on specifics.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Good idea?

trailer brakes,

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Good idea?

trailer brakes,

good question...02 and up should have 4 wheel discs also...thats what i have with no trailer brakes...trailer never had brakes on it but the truck gets the whole setup sittin down pretty quick and safe anyways.

 

[jsturkie]

Re: Good idea?

Thanks guys. Yes, its an '03 with rear disks. Thanks again!

 

[capt sam]

Re: Good idea?

as stated shouldn't be an issue. KW lays up a lot of glass on their boats so they're heavy but it should be fine.

 

[cadunkle]

Re: Good idea?

Dodge automatic transmissions are the weakest out there. I would eitehr get another truck or convert to a manual trans. If you don't have the money to spend on another truck (most of us don't), get the biggest stacked plate transmission cooler you can find and you may be fine with that. Heat is the enemy.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Good idea?

I have to disagree about the Dodge transmissions being the weakes one. I drive my friend's boat / truck combo for him, an 02 1500 Ram w/ 4.7, and a Sport Craft 20' CC. It works fine for long distances, never had any issues. That is also a fairly heavy boat.

However, an S-10 I had with a 4.3 could not even tow a very light (1750lbs) 17' bowrider. Three transmissions later and I had to get rid of it.

I would have to say, of the big 3 trucks, Dodge would be my favorite, followed closely by Ford, and Chevy holding up the rear.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Good idea?

Dodge automatic transmissions are the weakest out there. I would eitehr get another truck or convert to a manual trans. If you don't have the money to spend on another truck (most of us don't), get the biggest stacked plate transmission cooler you can find and you may be fine with that. Heat is the enemy.

the vans but not the trucks, their truck trannies are very tough.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Good idea?

in 2002 they solved most of the old tranny issues, and went with the 5 spd automatic which is pretty dang tough. will tow almost 10,000 lbs stock.

 

[ne7800]

Re: Good idea?

Dodge automatic transmissions are the weakest out there. I would eitehr get another truck or convert to a manual trans. If you don't have the money to spend on another truck (most of us don't), get the biggest stacked plate transmission cooler you can find and you may be fine with that. Heat is the enemy.

I have a 1999 1500 quad cab 4x4 with 144,000 miles that is used exclusivly for snow plowing, pulling the boat, and pulling my 28' 5th wheel camper, and it has the original trans if they are taken care of they are fine

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: Good idea?

I tow my 22' Century Hardtop with my 06 Dakota QC 4x4 with the 4.7, don't have any problems with it other than I could use about a foot more wheelbase. I have a tandem axle with brakes on one set.

 

[TexasBayFisher]

Re: Good idea?

Keep it under 60mph and you'll be OK. It's people who drive like speed racer while pulling a boat or trailer are the ones who have problems.