What is the tow capacity of a 2001 dodge ram 1500 v6?

25

Asked by canchaser May 20, 2008 at 03:58 PM about the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Question type: General

I need to haul a small horse trailer (bumper pull) with one horse. Total weight is probably 4000 pounds....Can the v6 1500 do it? I am considering purchasing a 2001 and need to know if it is safe and not too hard on the motor. Thanks!

7 Answers

83,745

My '07 1500 with the V6 had a tow capacity of 3,550 lbs. 2001 should be similar as I believe they were using the 3.7 engine in that year as well.

480

Not that it makes much difference but the 2001 has a 3.9L v6. It is maxed out at towing 3500 lbs. It's going to work hard, but it will pull it. You may want to consider getting a smaller horse.....or a v8. I have a 2008 5.7l HEMI mega cab. It pulls 8000 lbs like it's not even there. The Magnum v8 is a pretty good motor too. If you are going to have a full size truck, you need a full size motor. Never could figure out why they would want to put a v6 in a full size truck...

480

P.S.....DON'T BUMPER PULL 4000 LBS!!!!!

1 people found this helpful.
20

The term bumper pull in horse trailers is misleading. It is opposed to a gooseneck configuration. A weight equalization reece style frame hitch still is called a bumper pull with respect to horse trailers. There are various class hitches that can safely pull a smaller two horse trailer if it's attached to the frame and it is an equalizer hitch. Go by the manufacturer recommendations not what someone tells you. You most likely need a V8 because you will have to add the weight of the tack, saddle, and any water, hay, and passengers. That said , 4,000 lbs easily can become 5,000 or more but that is still a relatively smaller load. Generally you want to tow with a margin of reserve power so you probably should get a 3/4 ton truck with a V8. You may want a bigger trailer later anyway. If you must use a V6 check the axle ratio too. Some provide more torque hence greater towing capacity.

1 people found this helpful.
20

In addition most two horse trailers themselves generally weigh between 2300 to 2800 lbs by themselves. If you add two medium size horses at approximately 1,000lbs each you are already above your estimated load. There are a few expensive aluminum trailers as light as 1800 lbs but your money is better spent on a tow vehicle with a greater capacity. Truck manufacturers offer V6 engines because not everyone needs to tow anything and it allows for a lower priced new truck to be offered to those who couldn't otherwise afford it. Many people just use a pickup for mostly light or bulky items. It's simple economics. Truck towing capacities can vary greatly based on many factors such as any particular truck having a tow package. Make sure you know the exact specifications of your exact truck. Knowing the year and model and engine isn't even enough. Check your tires for their load rating as well. Cheaper tires can reduce your tow capacity too.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 90 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $2,500.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,850
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
325 Great Deals out of 13,693 listings starting at $3,800
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
204 Great Deals out of 8,074 listings starting at $3,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
143 Great Deals out of 8,222 listings starting at $3,000
Used Dodge RAM 2500
28 listings starting at $9,900
Used Toyota Tundra
47 Great Deals out of 984 listings starting at $9,992
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 730 listings starting at $9,975
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
117 Great Deals out of 3,534 listings starting at $4,950
Used Dodge Durango
55 Great Deals out of 1,906 listings starting at $6,987
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
25 Great Deals out of 1,696 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Mustang
39 Great Deals out of 1,657 listings starting at $7,999
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
26 Great Deals out of 797 listings starting at $3,590

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.