I have a '97 CTD 3/4T Auto. Tran. We recently purchased a 5th wheel trailer that has a GVWR of 13000lbs. The actually hauling weight is about 9100lbs.
My truck pulls this trailer quite well on straight roads and I can usually stay in OD at 60MPH. But on slight inclines or steep grades I must pop it out of OD.
We were on vacation and travelling through a mountainous area where the grades were fairly steep. On some grades I had to pull the trans. down to 2nd gear and the speed dropped to about 40MPH. Thank god there were passing lanes. So I didn't hold up any traffic.

I think the truck is a bit underpowered to pull this rig and I'm starting to look around for a newer truck. I can't afford a new vehicle so I've decided to look for 2004 - 2005 models. My question is this - is there a difference in the HP and torque between those two years? Also, my current truck is a long box model. Am I better off to buy a short box to pull a 5th wheel? And finally, the pin weight on this trailer is 1500lbs (not loaded). My current truck drops about 2" when I hook up. So I have been thinking about a 3500 model. Is there a significant difference between the 2500 and 3500 in the 2004 - 2005 models?

Thanks for your help.

 

I can't really answer your questions about the third gens, other that there is a difference. I am pretty sure it was a mid year change in 04. Not sure of the spesifics though.

I personally prefer a long bed. And especially would if I was pulling a fiver.

Have you thought about modifying your 12v? Power is fairly cheap and easy to come buy with them.

 

Is that a 4.10 or 3.55 truck you have?

Have you considered doing work to your truck instead of buying a newer model?
With 500$ or $800 into my truck, it out powers all stock Dodge Cummins by a lot and gets better mileage to boot.

You are definitely not better off with a short box.

I don't know the difference between 04 and 05 either. It might be like 555 vs. 600 lb ft of torque.

 

You have the truck that many would give their "body parts" for. With some upgrades, you can, easily, have a towing monster. You, also, live in an area (Vancouver, BC.) that has an unusual number of performance companys that deal in these trucks.

If I was in your shoes, I would go to Piers for engine upgrades & Diesel Transmission Tech. for transmission upgrades. If you will turn them loose on your truck, you will have a bullet-proof tow vehicle that should last for a very long time. Upgrading the old truck will probably cost much less than the new one, & work better.

Good Luck.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

03/04 HO motors are 305hp/555lb-ft in 04.5 they changed to 325/600(610) motors but added catalytic convertors. Long bed will be better for gooseneck or 5th wheel.

But your truck with some upgrades should handle that no problem, maybe add some air bags for the sag, fuel upgrades for more power, tranny upgrades as needed.

Good luck,
Nick

 

If I could of found a good older truck I would of bought it. You can't even find them to often around here. So last year when I found mine it was a done deal and the price was right. I would just upgrade your truck's trans and fueling. Cheaper than buying new. I looked at new and passed. Few crazy people traded out of their one year old truck's last year during the incentives.

 

Living in BC you probably know of the Salmo area. On the #3 highway there is an incredible climb. I am not sure of the % but it is mean and about 20 miles long. I had my "old truck" out that way last year grossing about 11,000 lbs. Climbed almost to the top in 5th gear 1/2 throttle 16 lbs of boost. It would have gone all the way but the egt had risen to about 850-900 so I put it in 4th gear. If had I been a little more aggressive at the bottom I would have stayed in 5th all the way. With a few mods you have the right truck. As already mentioned there are a lot of mod shops in the area. But check around. The engine mods on mine have put me back under $1300 and that includes a pac brake. And as far as the 2" drop put in some Firestone air bags.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I never thought about upgrading my '97.
I thought it would be a bigger hassle than what it's worth. But sounds like I'm wrong.

Also, thanks for the comments on a long box vs short box.

I appreciate all the feedback.

 

Upgrading the truck you have is really pretty easy, especially if you have basic mechanical experience. And since you have a 12v, it is pretty cheap. To start with at least. I have less than $500 in performance parts on my truck, and feel plenty confident that it will tow anything a new Cummins will.