rube55

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post....

Anyway, I'm looking at buying a new 5th wheel (15,500 lbs max)and a truck to haul it. After reading a lot of info on this site I have concluded that I should buy a 3500 DW, 4.1, 4x2, LB, Quad Cab (and if possible I'd prefer the automatic).

With passengers and misc. gear, my GVWR will be about 7,500 lbs, putting my total weight at approx. 22,500 lbs., just below the maximum published figure of 23,000 lbs.

Most of the posts that I read talk about hauling much smaller numbers (6-10,000), which is a no brainer. Anybody have much experience with hauling heavier loads? Any suggestions before I take the financial plunge....?

RustyJC

The package you describe should be able to handle a 15,500 lb GVWR 5th wheel readily since you're in the enviable position of being within all of DC's ratings, at least as you quote the numbers. We're not so fortunate. Our 5ver (see signature) is 16,000 lbs GVWR and our truck handles it fine.

Rusty

Mopar_Mudder

I have run at 31,000# a number of times and one trip at 37,000# with no problem. Its just a matter of knowing that you need more time to stop the heavier you are.

The truck would handle it no problem. You may want to do some intake and exhaust mods for a little more pep on the hills.

Patrick Campbell

3500 DW, 4.1, 4x2, LB, Quad Cab (and if possible I'd prefer the automatic).

A suggestion... my opinion: if you go automatic DO NOT SETTLE FOR 3.73 gears-- GET 4.10!!!

However with AUTO+4.10 you will be GREAT. 6SPD +4.10 Or 3.73 you will be great too. That dually will handle it no problem.

6spd may want to sway towards 3.73 (?)

Check out my page to see what speeds will be at what RPMs with different transmissions.

http://xj.cdevco.net/rpmchart

SuperGewl

RUSTYJC you say you have a 6X4 what kind of setup is that

RustyJC

Just pokin' fun at the 4x4 guys - it's a 2WD dually. Therefore, it has six wheels, and 4 of them are driven!

Rusty

Sidewinder

WOW!! I got a 6X6!!

rube55

"The truck would handle it no problem. You may want to do some intake and exhaust mods for a little more pep on the hills."


Thanks guys for the insight. I have more confidence now than before. Is there any consensus on this site on which intake and exhaust products are most effective? I've been researching on line and in truck magazines and the variety is tremendous..

Barry Smith

I'm not even going to touch which mods to put on it I left my fire suit at home
I would get an exhuast brake if I were you it will make everything easier.

Barry

supr

I would go 4:10's, since DC gives that the higher weight rating & it will get you started easier. Also, although the new autmatic is rated for the torque, it is new and still something of a questionmark. Automatics decline with high heat, & high loads can generate that. The 6 speed manual is bullit proof & reaonably easy/fun to drive, at least for me. If you keep the truck a long time, manual will be less troublesome. With 600 ft lbs of torque, I think you are OK stock. I recommend the 20k Pull Rite hitch. it is built like a tank & the mounting rails attach to your frame for a solid truck connection.

torquefan

I believe an exhaust brake is a necessity with that much weight, and it is a simpler, and cheaper matter, also more effective, with a six speed instead of an auto.

ddestruel

I'm a huge proponent of high speed gears. 3.73's. I swapped from 4.10's to 3.55's pulling heavy loads because it allowed me to take advantage of my gears especially when passing. Why tach yourself out these motors love the low RPMs, keep the power in reserve and keep the RPM's low so you can drop a gear and hammer on it when you want to pass.

Just my .02

6spd all the way with 3.73's on a new rig your fine. I used to gros in the 30000's all the time non issue

Rain Man

I have a 1999, 3500, 4x4, DRW, 5spd. I pull a 38ft horse trailer that weighs in at 17,000# when loaded. I do just fine but have added a Gale Banks Stinger Plus with Ram intake and a Pac Brake. The truck has plenty of power and the exhaust brake helps with the stopping. I have been running this setup since November of 2000 and have had no problems. We go to many places in the mountains that have a lot of steep grades to 13% and have no problem with the going down and it pulls the weight easily going up. Milage is around 12mpg towing and has been as high as 23 empty when I can keep my foot off of the accelerator. Good stuff. Dodge and Cummins is tuff enough.

Eskimo

Not unless you have a full locker front and rear...

(I'm open diffs, hence the 6x3 comment in my sig.)

oldroy

in my case I feel that an exaust brake is absolutly necessary, it was the first thing I had installed on my truck and is still the most used. I drive in the mountains a lot using the e-brake saves the service brakes for an emergency. the 6speed handles this much better than the auto. my 2 cents.