1995 DODGE 1500 V8 4X4

[REDPRIDE]

Ok what you guys think will a 1995 Dodge 4x4 V8 (5.2 liter) tow a Mahindra 5530 2wd with FEL and bush hog? I've done all the research and looked at the towing capacities and all that jazz, but just wondering if someone out there has actually tried and how it does. Also think I should use a goose neck instead of a bumper pull. Just wanted to get everyones thoughts...Thanks

 

[LD1]

A 5400# tractor
A ~1500# loader (guessing here)
A 1000# Bushhog (guessing again)

Total of 7900# of towing + trailer

18 year old 1/2 ton with small V8

Personally I wouldnt do it with that truck. Especially any distance at all or any hills.

A couple mile trip down back roads that are flat, maybe????

Those are conservative weights also. Given you are 2wd, do you have wheel weights and/or filled tires?? That could easily add another 1000-2000#

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 318 is a good motor but gutless. My neighbor had a 96 4x4 Ram 360 and a 27' travel trailer and it struggled. He traded it for a 2005 F150 4x4 5.4 and it did much better.

I would say its too much for the 318.

Chris

 

[REDPRIDE]

Kinda what I was thinking, just wanted to check, thanks for the input guys, really appreciate it.

 

[tcartwri]

I foolishly towed a triple axle equipment float loaded with a 3/4 ton ford pickup ( roughly 12,000 lbs ), with my 95 F-150 4.9L six..... It had the power to do it, but at one point the trailer got into a sway and almost jackknifed the truck. Trying to correct it made it worse, so I literally let the steering go where it wanted and thankfully it straightened out. Never again.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I foolishly towed a triple axle equipment float loaded with a 3/4 ton ford pickup ( roughly 12,000 lbs ), with my 95 F-150 4.9L six..... It had the power to do it, but at one point the trailer got into a sway and almost jackknifed the truck. Trying to correct it made it worse, so I literally let the steering go where it wanted and thankfully it straightened out. Never again.

3/4 ton F-150?

Chris

 

[tcartwri]

3/4 ton F-150?

Chris

No, I had a 3/4 ton ford on the trailer. The trailer was about a 12 ton unit.

 

[deerefan]

To the OP, no, I would not. As said, the 318 is reliable but not real powerful for towing. Plus, an 18 year old truck is full of 18 year old parts, making safety a large concern.

 

[Diamondpilot]

No, I had a 3/4 ton ford on the trailer. The trailer was about a 12 ton unit.

Got it. That makes sense.

Chris

 

[LD1]

And drum rear brakes and small disk fronts were anything but ideal