I have an 2003 2500, quad cab long bed, 4X4 with a 5.9L, 5 speed. The only upgrades I have made so far are, an AFE "bladerunner" exhaust manifold, and a 4" magnaflow turbo back exhaust system. I'm planning on using this truck to tow a fifth wheel toy hauler. I know I need to make some more changes to the truck before I start towing this much of a trailer, I think it will weigh around 15,000lbs. once it's loaded. I figure I'll need air bags and a tuner/air filter combo for sure, and maybe a new clutch "although the stock one has been doing fine so far" But I wanted to hear from you all about what has worked for you. I know another truck may be suggested, but that is not in the budget right now. So, any suggestions you may have would be helpful to hear. Thanks

 

your truck will be fine the way it is ,my 5er is 16900 and i tow it just fine with out air bags and depending on how old your clutch is that might need replacing but a stock clutch would be ok unless you plan on a lot more power
an exhaust brake would be a good up grade

 

Thanks, The exhaust break is a good idea for sure!

 

Exhaust brake and Smarty should do the trick. Smarty SR helped keep my EGTs down when pulling 6-8 degree hills and gave me the power of an HO. If yours is a 5 speed manual you might want to check if it's an SO (235HP CA model). If so, the Smarty on SW1 will bring you up to HO output plus a few extra HP.

Airbags helped me with some chucking...dampened the oscillations down to zero going over freeway overpasses. Depends on how your trailer is balanced.

Best investment I made was the EGT gauge. That's what I tow by. EGTs get above 1200 on a grade and I downshift until I maintain 1000 or less, usually 3rd but in the high Sierra's above 7000 feet I've dropped to 2nd. Steady but patient and I know exactly what happening inside. 40+K of towing heavy and clutch is doing fine but I drive with a conservative right foot.

 

Ok, yep an EGT gauge will be another upgrade I'll get, and a "smarty sr." Thanks! I ordered my truck new in MD, so I'm pretty sure it's not a CA model. I guess my shopping list will be quite long after a few weeks of posts. So far it's, air bags, EGT gauge, smarty sr., exhaust brake... Oh and the fifth wheel hitch "air safe" 20k, looks like a good one to get.

 

15K trailer will probably put you over on your tire caps & Gross Rear Axel Rating.

 

Another good question is GCVW. What is the axle ratio of the truck? The truck will be fine, great motor but if you are over your GCVW and are in an accident you could be in trouble. Also depending where you live the weight police might have something to say. Just food for thought. I know the truck will but if it is not rated too you might be in for a surprise...just saying.
Cheers.

 

I tow 16,000 fiver with my 3500 dually. 6 speed stick with 4.10. I agree with the pyro gauge and the exhaust brake, very important. I am concerned with your axle ratio and your 2500. I towed this same trailer with my 2500 before going up to dually 3500. No comparison in stability and in the axle ratio watching the tach. Don't want to be called a weight cop, BUT - - - - ?????

Love my Air Safe hitch - - if you can afford it, be sure to get the upgraded head from Binkley - - it is a beast in comparison to normal hitches.

Bob

 

"! And I'm worrying about going over 15k with my dually. Maybe I don't need to worry about the max capacities. Craig

 

"Don't worry - - - be happy - - just have fun" ..............

 

Ugh, so I have a lot of parts to install now! Air bags from Firestone, and an exhaust break from BD. I also have a few power upgrades still to make covered on another post. So, any suggestions on what company make the best light weight fifth wheel toy hauler? I really like the type that has a ramp on the back, and a division between garage and living space, and has to sleep 6.

 

The TH question is a hard one. There are a lot of companies out there. The best thing to do is go to a bunch of dealers or a RV show and walk threw as many as posible. Then decide on a price range and a list of options/feachers you want. Then start narowing it down. Take your time and look at LOTS and LOTS of trailers till you decide what suits you best.

 

GCWR doesn't matter to the DOT, as long as you've paid to register it heavy enough for the weight you are pulling. Which with 16,000 of trailer, probably is going to include a combination registration.

 

I agree with Fiver Bob.
Your first modification should be to trade your truck in on a 3500 dually, 4.10 gears for the weight. A 2006/7 5.9 would be optimal.
You are using a 5 lb. hammer when you need a 10 lb sledge.
You are SERIUOSLY overweight for a 2500.
You may get it to work, but it will be marginal at best.
When your trailer overdrives your truck and you have a talk with God, this may make sense.
FWIW.

 

The weight of my original post was a little over what I'm looking at buying. Thanks for pointing out this misjudgment, I had no idea what a fifth wheel loaded would actually weigh. My 24' tag trailer has a 10,000lbs GVWR which I've never had loaded to that capacity. I have seen some fifth wheels that had a UVW of between 7,800lbs. and 9,000lbs. and a GVWR of around 11,800lbs. I want to find the lightest possible trailer, Forest River makes a "wolf pack 305WP" that looks like what I want. Any other suggestions?