Currently I am towing a 7000lb 33' TT with the truck in my signature. It isn't an issue right now. I am looking at upgrading to a 5th wheel. It has a length of 41', Dry weight of 12275lbs, GVWR of 14060, and hitch weight of 2060lbs. Am I going to be able to handle the extra trailer with my truck or am I asking for trouble? I understand that a dually will handle the load better, but that really isn't an option right this minute as I just bought the truck. I want to set the truck up for towing, so any and all advice is welcome. Right now I have airbags (the truck towed a 5th wheel with the Prior owner, but I don't know how big) a set of 50hp injectors, and a rebuilt tranny with a billet torque converter, shift kit, and a heavy duty rebuild. Everything else is stock. A few things that I see that might help (I am really concerned with EGT's)

- Intercooler
- Exhaust brake
- Deep tranny pan and Rear dif pan

Anything else?

Thanks

 

Any stock 2500/3500 Cummins will have no problems pulling that size trailer.
Dodge Body Builders Guide shows a 12550 lb tow rating for the 2500 '06 Mega Cab 4x4 with the Cummins.

Dodge rates the 2500 at 6000 RAWR/tire capacity. Your 4x4 trucks rear axle unladin weight may be approx 2900-3000 lbs. Add a heavy 5th wheel hitch and other gear and folks and your down to approx 2500-2600 lbs for a "wet" pin weight.

Now as we know your truck has the same 11.5 AAM axle as the 3500 SRW/DRW trucks. The biggest difference is the spring packs. The 3500 SRW has a 6200 RAWR and the DRW has a 9350 RAWR for carrying payloads. Even the 3500 SRW will be overloaded.
Many folks add higher capacity wheels and tires and a higher capacity suspension change for a 2500/3500 SRW truck for more weight carrying help. Your choice.

 

Thanks, I already have the airbags and I was looking at a DRW conversion last night. That would take care of it I would imagine. How about necessities for keeping EGT's and stuff under control?

 

I'd be less concerned about EGT than about safety. EGT can be managed by backing off the throttle.

If you can swing a conversion to duals that would be great. If not, then I'd look at a set of Rickson 19.5" rims, and a good set of 19.5" tires. You've got air bags, so that will help with stability somewhat. You'll want the best brake controller you can find, and that would be either a Maxbrake or Smartbrake (I think, I'm not totally sure on that one). You're already considering an exhaust brake, so that's a very good thing. Definitely do the exhaust brake.

Regarding the EGT issue, I would just see how it pulls when you get it. A good aftermarket intercooler would help. A cam is another option. You can start looking at bigger turbos as well, but I think your stock turbo is actually very good. I'm a 2nd gen guy though and I don't know the HE351 series turbos that well.

You also mentioned the tranny pan and diff cover--those would definitely be good as well.

 

Thanks guys. I think I am going to see how things go, but the dual conversion seems to be the best AND safest option right now. As far as EGT's I am going to see how it goes and then go from there.

 

Hi.

I'm currently pulling a 5th wheel, similar to what you posted. Pulling the trailer is one thing, and most if not all the 2500/3500 type trucks can pull. But, can they stop the weight hurtling down the road at 60 mph?? My understanding is that when the truck manufactures rate the weight ratings, they also take stopping into account. Look at the weight rating on the door jam of your truck, and that will tell you what you can pull, and stop, legally.

I also converted my SRW to dually's, and that's been great for stability, especially in strong side winds. But it doesn't change the GCVWR that the truck is limited to, again, legally...