Tow Vehicle for a Viper?

[Jeff Torrey]

What does it take to pull a Viper on an open trailer? Will a Ram 1500 2 wheel drive truck do it, or do you have to go bigger, 4x4, etc? I am talking occasional event(s). Opinions please, trying to do it on a budget (used).

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Should be no problem with an open trailer. I would recommend trailer brakes.

 

[VIPR GTS]

4x4 has lower towing capacity than 2wd, you will be fine and have about a 7500 towing capacity with the Ram

 

[J DAWG]

The 2wd Ram single cab w/ Hemi actually has a higher tow rating than the 4wd. I have a 4x4, which still has around 9,000 lb towing capacity and the truck doesn't know the car is back there as long as you get a......

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Jeff.....I pulled my GTS from Olympia, WA. out to New England on a Sloan. Truck used.....95 Ram 1500, 4X4, 360. NOT the greatest...but it worked fine. This way, if you just wanna drop less than $10K you can find something easily.

 

[2000 GTS Owner]

I have a 2002 GMC Seirra Z71 1500,no problems at all towing.I don't even know the car is behind and i can still break my tires loose on my truck when towing,happened twice by fault.

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Tony- Thats right where I'm at...under $10,000.

 

[jrkermode]

My .02.

Do all the math before you buy (GVWR, GCWR, axle ratings, tire ratings, etc...). Piling your buddys and gear into a 1500 series pick-up and then hooking up to a 4,000 pound car on a 1,500 pound trailer will probably exceed one or more of the ratings. I'm sure it's something we've all done, but just know what your in for before doing it.

I suggest you look for a dually. First, because I like 'em, second because they're dynamite tow vehicles and almost impossible to overload.

 

[George Murray]

83 E350 motorhome, 460 Ford V-8, purchased from charity auction for 350 bucks...(40K original mileage!)

Snails pace, but cold beer in the fridge!

 

[V10 MOJO]

i just towed my sled in an enclosed trailer, total weight >7000lbs in my 04 H2 and it pulled it like it wasnt even there. through the mtns of west virginia and everything all the way to florida V10 nats 1200 miles each way.

now as for gas milage....lets not go there, LOL

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

LOL at what George wrote!!

Many things to consider, but I get the impression you won't be going far....maybe as far as Englishtown (to ME that is not far)?? Heck...Wing King used to tow his old (now my old) 20" Pace ENCLOSED trailer with his Dakota R/T. Having said that you can stay well uwithin your price range. I know...it sure would be nice to have a brand-new truck....put that isn't always in the cards.

 

[Ron Hickey]

A Dodge Ram 1500 (4x4 or 2WD) with a 360 or even a 318 will have no trouble towing a Viper on an open trailer -- even if you throw four tires and a bunch of tools in the back. For maximum stability, I recommend a set of torsion bars (load distributing hitch). I logged over 30,000 miles with that setup, towing cars weighing 3000 to 4000 lbs on a steel trailer. A dually with a Cummins diesel is great, but definitely overkill for occasional use and an open trailer. Besides, finding a used one in decent condition without a zillion miles on it at an affordable price will be difficult. A Dakota, Durango or even a Jeep Grand Cherokee will do the trick, but a heavier, wider vehicle like the full-size Ram will be more stable.

 

[Simms]

I went over board and use an 03 Cummins.