Dodge Ram 1500 '02 ???
 

HotBoat just called and asked me to put the feelers out.
Anyone have this truck or have opinions on it?
Its got the 4.7 ltr motor with the quad cab. He would be towing his 28 Scarab and wants to know if the 4.7 will do it.
He wants to call the dealer back later today so any input would be appreciated.

I towed my 26Sonic from Maryland to Florida with an 02' that had the 5.9. I think it struggled quite a bit, had to take off overdrive for the entire trip and it ate gas like crazy. I normally tow with a PowerStroke and it's not even close.

I would tell him to go with a Duramax, PowerStroke or wait for the Ram 2500 with the Cummins to come out, if it hasnt already. Yes the diesel's are a $4000 option, but believe me, you will save it in the long run and you wouldnt even be able to feel that boat is back there.

A friend of mine had a 2000 Ram 1500 with the old 318... 4x4 std cab... 8' box.... towed a American Offshore 2600 quite often.... this summer he traded for an '02 ... same truck but 4.7... FLAT OUT LOVES IT... .says it pulls significantly better.... better gas milege... just loves it.... 26' AO probably comparable weight wise to a 28' Scarab?... Anyway... Rich luv's the 4.7.... MOTRUCK OR NO TRUCK!

I'm a Dodge person all the way (laugh if you want) but after owning two V8 trucks ,one a 318 and the other a 360 there gas engines just suck. No power and terrible on gas.
Now I don't know too much about the 4.7, but a friend of mine brought over an 03 from the Tech Center and I think it had the 4.7 in it and he was even complaining about the lack of power.
I now own a 01.5 Dodge/Cummins and love it, I will NEVER own a gas truck again. People that think there gas engines pull great just haven't experienced a diesel. Whether it's a Cummins,Dmax ,or PSD it's the way to go !
I have a friend that races cars and tows a 32' enclosed car hauler (12,000#) and loved his BB Chevy dually until I let him drive my truck. He had a new Dodge in his driveway within two weeks !

Spend the money and go with the Diesel.

My buddy towed my 23 baja to RI with his 4.7 dakota, it didn't struggle, but put that motor in the larger Ram and I think your under powered, nevermind towing a 28 footer 200 miles to lake george and back a bunch of times per year.

With all the towing Paul does I would wiat and go with the Diesel also..

Oct. 2002 Powerboat mag reviewed the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with the 4.7, and had nice things to say about the engine. Liked it much better than the 5.2 and the 5.9.

I've got
 

an '02 with the 4.7 in it. It tows better than my '94 with the 318, but most of the difference in in the suspension/handling. It holds the back end better with load and rides better. I tow a 22' Baja, and it does so admirably.

I could not imagine towing a 28' vee hull with it though....Mistake!

I hear that the 5.7L (345 horse) will be coming out at the first of the year. It also may not have enough torque down low with only 350ci to do the job right.

..if you wanna stay with gas, definately go for the 2500 with the Hemi, or wait for the '03 1500 with the Hemi...

..or the V10??

Good Luck!
:cool:

Gotta love a RATTLER!:D

No way no how. Don't let him do it. The 4.7 will not be enough to haul that boat. If he has to go gas, do at LEAST the 360ci, but I would not even recommend that. Hell, tell him to take his boat to the dealer and test tow it. If it is a purpose bought truck, he has every right to do so. I have done it before.