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Early 2000's Dodge 2500 5.9L turbo diesel 2wd question
April 13, 2020, 04:15 PM
old rugged crossEarly 2000's Dodge 2500 5.9L turbo diesel 2wd question
Realistically what is the weight that this truck could tow. Could it tow 16k? 20k?
And I am not talking around the block.
Thanks
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
April 13, 2020, 04:21 PM
cee_KampThis web site says 12,100 lbs. for a 2002 model.
http://trailers.com/tow-capaci...m_2500_2WD_3974.html
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USPSA Chief Range Officer April 13, 2020, 04:44 PM
Johnny 3eaglesYou might pull a trailer that heavy but stopping is an issue.
If you're goin' through hell, keep on going.
Don't slow down. If you're scared don't show it.
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there.
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April 13, 2020, 04:55 PM
ersatzknarfI have a 1997 Ram 2500 with the 6BTA Cummins (for sale, by the way, not that anyone around here is buying stuff like this).
The hitch receiver is rated for 10K lbs.
Brakes are magnificent

April 13, 2020, 05:08 PM
sourdough44‘Early 2000 Dodge’ is enough to give me pause, they usually don’t age well.
April 13, 2020, 05:51 PM
hrcjonHow? bumper pull, 5th wheel. what tranny, what rear end. For what purpose and distance? need a bit more.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
April 13, 2020, 05:56 PM
bigwagonThere should be a GCVWR on the sticker in the doorjamb. Subtract the GVWR from that number (also on the sticker) and there's your answer.
April 13, 2020, 06:27 PM
hrcjonor maybe not. There are of course other limits that may apply like the hitch, rear axle, etc.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
April 13, 2020, 06:35 PM
Wrecklessquote:
Originally posted by sourdough44:
‘Early 2000 Dodge’ is enough to give me pause, they usually don’t age well.
Dunno, I'm driving a 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 and it's still going.
La Dolce Vita
April 13, 2020, 06:37 PM
mark_aquote:
Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Realistically what is the weight that this truck could tow. Could it tow 16k? 20k?
And I am not talking around the block.
Thanks
Since warranty is no longer a concern, the real question is what will your state title it for? I have a friend that has a 2nd gen with a 5.9. He took the bed off and it is classified as something besides a pickup truck. He regularly hauls 25-30k with it. The rest is between you and the insurance company.
If it is a 3rd gen 2500 (2003 +) the only practical difference between the 2500 and the 3500 are the rear brakes and rear axle springs.
My 2003 tows like a scalded dog.
OH, assuming you have the HD version of the engine...
April 13, 2020, 06:37 PM
mjlennonRoughly 13k lbs.
April 13, 2020, 06:40 PM
hrcjonI'm unsure on this one. What has the State to do with GCVWR? I've not had that experience in any State I've registered a vehicle. Yup DOT >10K yes, but towing? And what has the insurance company to do with it, mine has never asked me about GCVWR either???
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
April 13, 2020, 08:46 PM
old rugged crossThanks guys, it is an slt model with single wheel rear axle. I wonder what mark a is talking about with the HD version of the 24 valve 5.9L cummins engine?
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
April 14, 2020, 09:44 AM
walkinghorseI have a 2000 2500, had it since 2000, with single rear wheels that is going great! Used to tow an aluminum 3horse with LQ everywhere. It is an automatic which is the weak point in Dodge. Had the transmission worked over and changed to a triple disk TC after the warranty ended. Only tow a 2horse steel GN trailer now occasionally. Dodge 5speeds often lose 5th gear requiring aftermarket work, 6speeds seem OK, but auto, will require work, not cheap.
Had a Jeep Liberty, Chrysler, diesel, available only auto, that the auto was a disaster! Dodge engineers seemed to be unable to understand that a diesels torque comes on at 1400 or so rpm not 3000 or so rpm like a gas engine.
So transmission is the weak point until I believe later 3rd generation, and 4th generation, though I have no personal experience with these.
Dodge diesels are very popular here in western S. D. and ranchers drive them forever!
*final gear ratio is also important!!
Jim
April 14, 2020, 09:50 AM
walkinghorseI believe MarkA is referring to the HO Cummings, high output, which came out in 2001, with the 6speed trans. 2000 was an abbreviated mode year.
Jim