2003 3500 towing questions...

[RJOL]

I'm thinking about buying a 2003 3500 HO 4X4 SRW Quad Cab Long Bed and would like any member opinions on the following:



1. Any opinions about the new auto transmission and towing up to 13,000lbs (I have a 5 speed now, but might consider the auto... if it is up to the task).



2. Is the bed any higher then the 2001 4X4 (I didn't have to flip my 5th wheel axles to tow with my 2001, but it could be a problem if the bed is any higher with the 17" wheels etc. ).



3. Are the stock trailer towing mirrors adequate or will I need to get the extension mirror option.



4. Is the new gear ratio (3:73) enough for towing a 13,000 5th wheel, or is the 4:10 needed. If you don't think it will work well with the auto, how about the 6 speed.



5. Any "must have" options, that you did get or didn't get but wished you had.

 

[livetodrive]

Welcome RJOL,



Some answers and opinions in rough order of importance. Numbering is your question numbers.



3. Get the trailering mirrors. On the 3rd gen truck you pay a bit more, but keep power and heat.



5. Options:

= Folding flat load floor (quad cab only) is a wonderful innovation and very expensive to add later. Glad I got it.

= I like the power driver's seat and front center under-seat storage. The former is especially helpful on long drives and well worth the extra $500 or so. Glad I got it.

= I skipped the $750 cassette deck and speakers, figuring $750 would buy quite an aftermarket upgrade if desired. The basic (SLT) CD stereo has been fine, although I'm still contemplating a subwoofer. Glad I skipped it (factory cassette, etc. ).

= Side air bags add peace of mind. Be advised that passengers are not supposed to lean against the window to sleep (when moving). Glad I got 'em.

= Factory keyless entry deletes passenger-side key lock. Still a handy feature. Glad I got it.

= Laramie adds a handy garage door opener. I didn't care for the package otherwise (got SLT). Glad I skipped it.

= Factory tow package is worthwhile if you tow. My replacement bumper's hitch receiver has a much higher rating than the factory receiver, but the factory one should be okay for most uses. Glad I got it.

= The only Mopar accessory I added was the locking fuel cap. Better running boards, etc. are available in the aftermarket.

= Any other particular options you're wondering about?



1 & 4. 6-speed is the way to go, IMHO. I'd recommend the limited slip, but not 4. 10 axle unless you are going over 21,000 GCW.



2. I'm not familiar with the height of the 2G truck. 3G is high, but may or may not be higher than 2G.



Happy shopping!



Alan.

 

[Fireman]

RJOL



I have a 6spd, so I can't speak to the new auto, BUT if Iwere to get the auto to pull a 13K# trailer I would definitly get the 4. 10 gears. The OD gear is taller in the autos, so the 4. 10 would be the logical choice. Also with that weight trailer your GCW will run a minimum of 21K when you are loaded.



The '03s seem to be taller. My trailer certainly doesn't compress the suspension on my 3500 as much as I did on my '01 2500 4X4.



The new electric flip out towing mirrors are great and a bargan if purchased on the truck.



I got the Laramie package so there weren't too many options left. I like them all The fold flat rear floor is great as is the storage bin under the middle front seat. Limited slip and tow package... of course.



You're gonna love your new truck, they were built to tow and they are quiet refined.



Fireman

 

[dewdo]

Has anyone ever had a rear tire blow why pulling a trailer. That is one thing that can really get the old adrenalin flowing. It happened to me once many years ago and I still ain't over it. It was more exciting than some of the fire fights we had back in Korea in 1950.



I opted for the dual rear wheels for when I am towing or hauling. It takes away some of the towing weight, but for me it was worth it. With these new fangled RV's you just never know what or how big of a unit you will be towing or hauling. I had no idea of having a slide in to go along with my fiver until it dawned on me I couldn't pull my boat in most states while pulling a trailer or fifth wheel, thus the 11. 5 slide in.



It's tough when you discover you didn't buy the right rig for the job you wanted to do. I always said it was much better to overkill than underkill.

Be like a Boy Scout. "Always Prepared. "



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Barry]

Final drive ratio Manual/3:73s is 2:72



Final drive ratio Auto /4:10s is 2:82



They are almost identical. If you are buying an Auto to pull a 13,000# trailer... ... ... get the 4:10s imho... ... ... .....

 

[Dean Upson]

I have a 6 speed Laramie just like Fireman's except I have 4. 10's. I would also recommend the Laramie package and if you like the 5 speed, you will love the 6 . The Jacobs brake is a very sensible option if you are going to tow 13,000#. Do like I did and get all the options you can get and then you won't wish you had a more expensive "add-on" later on.



Dean

 

[Prairie Dog]

For towing I would definitely go for the towing mirrors because the stockers don't even have a convex shape on the passenger side. The view is noticeable small compared to any "normal" right side mirror. The visibility sucks!