Paradise Racing

Hi, Let me start of by saying that this is an awesome site. No doubt I will visit on a daily basis.

I just bought (Saturday) a 1997 drw Dodge Ram w/Cummins 5.9 with 77k miles. I tow a 28ft Tagalong that weighs around 10klbs fully loaded.

I was hoping to get some ideas on how much gas milage and what can I do to improve milage? I have heard that the tranny in these trucks are on the weak side. Any suggestions on what I can do there? Or will it fall out on my first long distance tow? Finally if anyone knows of any good diesel shops in central Maryland for me to visit and have some upgrades done?

Sorry about all the questions, just very excited.

Thanks in advance!!!
Luis

gofastman

Is this a 5er or travel trailer?

pappyman

Allen T<br><br>The heading says tagalong....which means travel trailer

Paradise Racing

Sorry guys. I forgot to mention that it is a 28ft enclosed car trailer.

pappyman

[quote author=Paradise Racing link=board=11;threadid=11691;start=0#110952 date=1046652581]<br>Sorry guys. I forgot to mention that it is a 28ft enclosed car trailer.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Last time I checked mileage I was a 27210 total weight 44ft enclosed trailer 750 mile trip at 70 MPH I got 9.9 MPG......the trany can be the weak spot if your going to increase HP over stock or you pull heavy trailers a fix would be a upgraded valve body and a low stall torque converter.....another weak spot with these trannys is the cooler lines coupler they become old and will leak or disconnect at the quick release this happen to me the cooler line disconnected and I lost all my fluid on the hiway.....remember to fix the KDP :-[

Paradise Racing

I am really hoping for at least 12 to 15 mpg. Am I hoping for to much? With my trailer weighing in at 10klbs fully loaded, am I asking to much out of a stock setup and is this to much for the tranny to take? First things I would like to do is get gauges and an air filter setup. Which airfilter do people around here like? I take it no one likes the K&amp;N. How about in between the Scotty II &amp; AFE? And whats a BHAF?<br><br>Sorry about all the questions. But I am an over excited newbie.<br><br>Thanks again!!!<br>Luis

Bill1374

Luis,<br> I'm pulling a high profifle fifth at about 12,000 pounds. With the mods I have, on non winter fuel, I consistently run between 12.3 and 12.8 towing at 65 mph. Stock mileage was just about the same. Winter blend drops me to about 12 though.<br> BHAF is big honkin air filter available through NAPA. A search will give you the part number. I found it dropped my EGTs about 50 degreees when towing.<br><br>Bill

Paradise Racing

Bill thanks for the info. I had no idea that there was such a thing as winter blend diesel. Do you think that a separate tranny cooler with an electric fan would help? Also, do you think that the BHAF is better than the AFE Cannon?<br><br>Thanks!!!<br>Luis

Paradise Racing

Hi,<br><br>Today I towed for the first time with my CTD and I will never ever.....ever.....ever(well you get the picture) own a gas truck in my life again.<br><br>

gofastman

paradise,<br>Thanks for the info......I am VERY informative of a tagalong and a 5er.<br>Not all the infor of it being a car hauler was not placed in the info at the time i read this.<br>I have never heard of a 10k camper that is a tagolong and 28ft.