I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Hemi 5.7 Quad Cab 4X4 with factory tow package. I tow a 7000# (loaded)2 horse BP Hawk that is 20 feet long. I have installed hleper springs but it still squats a bit. My truck is getting up there in miles and I am not sure if I should upgrade to a 3/4 ton. Is this trailer too heavy for a 1/2 ton pick up? The hemi has no problem but I am unsure about the rear end perfromance of the 1/2 tons. This truck has had the rear end diff replaced at 70K. Is it worth the extra $$ to buy a diesel? This truck is also my everyday vehicle and I average 20k miles a year. I am not sure what the lower axil ration is. Where would i find that? Also the Dodge Mega Cab 1500 Hemi is suppose to have an upgraded rer end. Would this be a bette option?

Hello Anmarie ... Welcome to the forum.

The diesel question is an easy answer... You will have a hard time recouping the $5000 diesel cost in 20k miles per year. Perhaps if you drove 50K miles per year, you might. But if you want the easy pulling power and the panache' of the diesel clatter, it will cost $$ for the oil changes, double batteries, fuel filters, etc. Diesel used to be less expensive choice in fuel and maintenance. But technology changes; a gas engine can now go 100,000 miles between tune-ups. Diesel fuel has gone to costly Ultra low sulpher. Taxes on diesel fuel are higher. The diesel now has a soot trap.

You have my sympathies for using a truck as an everyday vehicle. The fuel cost must be hurtful.

You might want to investigate getting a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) instead of helper springs to level your truck.

here's a link to a site that explains the details
>> http://www.mrtruck.net/wdh.htm

Thank you for your previous help. I see there is a new item on the market for towing called the Stinger Hitch. Would this be a better option with my set up than the WDH?

Call me an arch reactionary ...

The Stinger has a few disadvantages in my mind:
The extra drag of the tires will cost some fuel.
Backing any distance while turning might be a problem.
Their web site says the tires are only rated to 65 MPH. I've pulled my trailer at 85 a couple of times. Often at 70+ mph
Don't know the cost, but it seems like a wash with tires and all... I take it back single/dually = $600/$1129 A WDH is less costly with more advantages. Unless you fall into the following niche the Stinger occupies.

After looking at the website, Seems like the biggest advantage is not having to modify the trailer to accept the WDH hardware.
A secondary use is as a "helper" axle when you have a heavy load in the bed... Like a camper or a GN trailer that is overloading the factory tires and axles. I still prefer to get the right truck instead of add-ons.


Edited: for more context

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