Check my signature and you will see how my truck is currently configured. With the truck I haul a 5,000 lb slide in camper. After a trip from Vegas to West Virginia and back, the brakes are shot and need replacing. I also am not impressed at the braking power during the trip.

I know there are a lot of options for improving the brakes, I also know there are a lot of limitations for us using the 48RE in the '03. So my question is, what can I do? What is available to me?

 

Get an exhaust brake and save your service brakes some of that work.

 

I'm all for getting an exhaust brake, but which are safe to use with my setup? Is there a difference in the effectiveness of the different brakes out there?

 

Last brake job I put ceramic pads on the front gave me more stopping power and wear better.....but they do wear the rotors faster

Look over this post it covers alot about our brakes

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...s&pagenumber=1

 

Using the tranny for engine braking is not automatic like the Ford and Allison. Use tow/haul to keep the torque converter locked up in 3rd, manually down shift to 2nd when speed drops.

 

get a ford

 

I've got a 6 shooter, but have been very happy with my 4 wheel discs. It stops 100 times better than my old Ford with drum rears.

Anytime you're heavy it's mandatory to do small speed checks BEFORE you're going too fast. Should be dropping a gear too.

Oh...I did have Bendix MetLoks installed up front as the front brakes were basically toast when I bought the truck with 30K miles.

 

5000lb slide in? seriously? curious what brand/model.
Never mind just looked in your pics, thats one huge camper, hows it handle sway wise etc?

 

5000#?????? Are you kidding?

Your tires must be a few hundred pounds over their limit unless you have a dually or 19.5's...

Maybe I'm overlooking something??? What is your GVW when you're loaded up? According to you it'd probably about 7000+5000=12000?

 

5000 is about right for an 11+ footer. My sticker calls out 3k, but when loaded up (nothing extreme) and the "extras" that aren't on the tag, my cabover weighs 5K. Grossing 12K on my 3500. Over GVW, but within per axle specs and well within tire specs.

Had it on an F250 for 10 years. That got scary and I couldn't keep tires on it...2 years max whether I drove it or not. The dually is sooooooooo much happier and so am I.

I'd seriously look into some 19.5 rims. Your rear axle is prolly pushing 7500# (well beyond tire specs).

 

5K slider Man you are way over weight for that truck. You are lucky to still have truck, let alone brakes. You need a Dually BAAAADDD!!!!!!
Actually you need somthing bigger than that
Keep me informed when you get o the road so I can stay home, where it is safe

 

Love all the negative comments on his combo! He asked a question, leave it at that or help contribute . What's the gvw of a 3500 single rear wheel. My 2500 is rated for 8800 so a 3500 should be aroung 10000 if the tires can hold it.

 

Super that is what I was thinking but I bit my tongue.

Technically with a dually you might be just at the GVW. Dually GVW is 12000 right? Still... I'd NEVER think of towing a 5K trailer with no trailer brakes, that's for sure.

 

ViperSBT... I recommend an exhaust brake and change the truck brakes out to the ERG brakes. The exhaust will slow you and the EGR's will stop you GUARANTEED.

Oh , and don't listen to all the negative posts...... I had a 11'-6 Fleetwood Caribou on my 2500 with no problems......and never snapped an axle or blew the tires out Cummon guys......don't underestimate these trucks.

 

That truck empty, full fuel load, two in the cab, I bet you are so close to 8,000 Lbs ,and that would give you only a 3,000 Lbs load cap. And if your load is 5,000 Lbs you are approx 20% overweight. No matter what you do to the truck, you can not change the MFG weight numbers. I hate to say this, but a FORD F-550 should be in your future.
Ken