Alex22

Back in November 2007 I purchased a 2500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 5.9-L w/ a 4-speed automatic trans. short bed. The reason why I purchased this and not the new 6.7 was my friend new the fleet manager, at the dodge dealer, and I was able to get this truck for 38k out the door.
I currently tow a 28ft. Toy Hauler w/ GVWR of 13k from the bumper. When I'm loaded and ready to go out I'm only weighing 10,800. My question to everyone is, I want to buy a 5th wheel toy hauler that has a GVWR of 17k. The dry weight is 11,750. When I add water, my quads, and all the other stuff I usually take it should end up around 14,500 +/- 500lbs.
I plan on adding to my truck the extra leaf spring (over leaf) which will be the same has a 3500. Maybe changing the rear tires to handle the weight and possibly adding firestone airbags. I also want to add the intake and exhaust system by Banks to help out with power and fuel milage. The only thing I'm worried about is the transmission I have. (4-speed). I do have the "tow mode" and over drive.
What do you guys think of what I'm trying to do ? Can you please give me some suggestions....

Thank you for your help and advise.

nkennedy

I would go to a smaller trailer, or a dually kit for the truck. 14.5k lbs is asking a lot of a 2500. That should be around 2900 lbs of pin weight. I pull a 11.7 GVWR fifth, and wouldn't feel comfortable with much more.

John DiMartino

IMO,keep your trailer pin weight at 2800 lbs or under,and your GCWR at 23000 or under if you want your trans to a live long happy life.Skipp the Banks stuff,they are very pricey and no better than many other brands.You do realize your going to be way over the 9000 GVWR of your truck ,right.

Alex22

John - I just checked the pin weight and its 2250. so do you think what I'm trying to do is a bad idea ?

Bill1374

2250 sounds like the dry pin for a rig that size. I think you might be pushing the comfortable tow limts with that setup. My fifth at 13,500 was very uncomfortable tow with a 3/4 but just right with the dually. What your changes will do is basically a one tone single wheel without the Dana 80 rear.

Bill

2003Ram

You can do it, but you will be at the truck's max capability for sure. You will only need an air bag set up for the rear - no extra leafs. My buddy just got a 37' Rampage 5'er and it put his '04 2500 within 3/4" of the bumpstops before he put his bags on. It's all good now.

Also, you will have to have at least an 18k slider hitch installed.

Your tranny will be ok as long as you drive smart. Manually shift from dead stops and ease into acceleration.

JuzPlaneKrazy

I'm doing just about that exact weight. I'm pulling 14.5lbs and my pin is 2950lbs. I think you need a good exhaust brake, rear tires that will get you 6200lbs minimum on the rear axle, air bags, and a tow chip like the Quadzilla XZT. I keep looking at new trucks. Ford F450's, F350's and a new Dodge dually but I keep right on pulling with what I've got. Just got back Tuesday from a trip up toward Seqouia National Park and did the 5 frwy over the Grapevine grade, and I can tell ya that hill is a real test of equipment.
I think a dually would be a better choice for a 14,000 lb trailer but intell I pull the pin on a new one, I'm doing it my way.

torq_crowe

Hey guys its been awhile for me on DTR but I got some questions; almost like ALEX22~ Ive been towing my '06 335fs fltwd Gearbox 5er for bout two yrs now w/ my improved '94 2500 2wd single cab srw with a tounge weight of 2200# and dry w- of about 9968# to have a total w- 14300gvwr. Well my family got bigger so did our new '07 2500 4x4 5.9 MEGA-Cab and lifted with 37"s now my bed rails are at 63" from ground up just a T_B exhaust sys. Getting ready to do the hitch ... Does anybody tow a 5er this high? I'm probable going to have to flip the axles

NC_Mog

Ditto. It doesn't make a lot of sense to exceed any of your weight ratings GVWR or GCWR in this world of litigation happy folks.

Equalizer 2

Most of the newer 5ers come with the springs already over the axles but do have a plate to make some suspension adjustments to the trailer. With the height of the truck that you are talking you may need to either get rid of the 37s or find a way to raise the 5er more. Raising the 5er will affect its center of gravity and could cause warranty problems. It will also make getting up onto the first step to get in really high.

jshaw214

I would never tow with 37's unless your running 26" rims and E rated tires. WAAAYYY too much sideflex and things get a little too topsy turvey when you have to make a quick decision on the highway. I have been hauling heavy and oversized loads on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks for 18 years without a problem and the only time things got sketchy was due to tire issues and sideflex.

jshaw214

Rest assured your 3/4 ton dodge will handle it, Do the leaf add on and some good E load tires and you'll be fine. Yes, a dually is the best for total stability but, your truck will do the job well. The Banks stuff is a fine brand I also like Quadzilla also the XZT+ is a great box.

Alex22

thank you guys for the feed back. It seems that my truck can handle it but I will definately have to do some upgrading. Some more input will be highly appriciated
thank you.....

Haulin_in_Dixie

I might add that if you have tire problems or sway problems, go with 19.5 rear wheels and it will do the same as a dually. Rolling diameter of the 225/70 19.5 is the same as 16 inch stock wheels with half the sidewall, 95 pounds pressure and a much higher rating. XRV's are about as good as any. They have rag sidewalls and steel radial. They prevent sidewall blowouts.

MikeRP

I agree I would go with the suspension upgrades and take a good look at 19.5 in wheels and g rated tires.

IMHO, the dodges are way understated for their true abilities. Exceeding the GVWR while being mindful of your axle/tire ratings is easy and in my opinion prudent and safe.

I would also consider an exhaust brake. This one on my 08 is awesome.

Stopping the rig is the most important consideration after the tires.