if yall had to dedicate a truck just to moving a trailer, say a 40' cargo trailer that weighed 22000lbs loaded.... what mods would yall do to a 05 3500 drw 4x4, say w/ a 6speed g56trans?.... the reason i ask is theres a possiblity i may end up using my truck for work, what i was thinking was for starters, 19.5" wheels and tires to match, removing the bed and resting a big oversized sadle tank on the frame rails any other suggestions? our work is all over the country literaly so the sadle tank would be nice for driving longer. ofcourse this is just talk for now but there is a good possibility that i may end up using my truck for work and purchasing another truck for my personal use

 

Definetly going to have to add an exhaust brake to the list as well as a power adder to get the load moving.

 

Are you going to be hooked to the trailer all the time? If not leave some kind of bed on it maybe flatbed? You won't need any more power unless you want to take off faster. DRW tires don't need to be changed just aired up. Make sure the trailer brakes are working properly and you shold be good to go. If your going to be doing stop and go traffic or big hills all the time get the exhaust brake. Overloads for the truck would be a must. Timbrems was what I used when I put 20k on my 30ft trailer.
Tree DR.

 

and a cdl for sure

 

I'd say you need some stacks more than 19.5's. Cheaper too

 

Check out my truck and gallery - same as yours. I see little point in changing wheels and tires. With axle ratings what they are, you are not going to gain anything. My truck has a GVW RATING of 12,200, and I weigh 8,200# full (stock) fuel tank w/me behind the wheel. I have hauled combined at about 30,000#, and I have a Class A CDL.

The exhaust brake is a must (I have Pac Brake PRXB), and I have dual 4" exhaust, cold air intake, a boost and EGT gauge. I run the Superchips only in the tow mode. So I have increased my stopping ability, and I have reduced obstruction (both intake and exhaust) to increase my horse power, I have additional power from the chip, and I can monitor my EGT's - this set up works great in my truck - I run comfortably at 70MPH all day long with more in reserve. Stock wheels and tires. I had considered an air bag set up for the rear, just to relieve a slight squat and to have the truck ride a little better when hooked up, but that is the only additional yet-undone mod I'm considering.

 

Gauges, PacBrake, a B&W turnover ball, an RDS in-bed tank. I wouldn't take the bed off unless you have a good reason for it?

 

as far as the b&w turn over hitch goes are they dependable i was thinking of having one welded to the frame of course there are going to be alot of folks that dont recomend it, i guess it depends on the person doing the welding, if theyre worth a darn.

 

well, according to dodge, now matter how good the welder is , it will weaken the frame.

 

One other thing is to get the company you work for to pay for all of these changes. And to sign a contract with you so they don't after a month or two say hey this isn't to our liking any more, we aren't going to keep doing this with your truck.

 

thanx for all the great advice yall, i appreciate it

 

Do you have to use a goose neck? I prefer 5th wheels over goose necks any day I used a goose neck for awhile (thats what my trailer was at first) But changed out the goose neck for a king pin a lot more stable IMO plus the fact that I have talked to others that have had issues with goose necks as well. Some may have no issues but me personally when it comes to that kind of weight would feel safer with a 5th wheel.

Also as for whatever you do DC doesnt recommend any drilling or welding to the frame they suggest U bolts to hold it on or to use existing holes.

 

im a big fan of 5th wheels myself, but the trailers we use are all cargo/flat bed trailers w/ goosneck hitches

 

One thing that can be priceless is a basic set of tools, that is easily accessible, and a few basic wiring components. And a spare key so you can leave it idling and lock it, and not have to bust the rear slider to get in.

Not really things that have to do with hauling, as much as convenience on the road.

 

i would get the 19.5 wheels you will get a lot more miles out of them and the exhaust brake is also a good idea, a monitor like the bully dog or quad which has the gauges will also be nice go flatbed if the factory bed wont work then you'll need your usdot# if your crossing state lines and your ifta sticker.