Advice needed

[ray1933]

We have a 2003 3500 with auto. Edge chip set on stage two and a BMRP exhaust system.

What size 5th wheel can I pull with out worrying about my transmission.

We have just under 54,000 miles on the truck so you can see we have not traveled a lot but would like to start doing so.



We have haluled our 10 foot cabover with ease but need something bigger as we often travel with out Bernese Mountain Dogs.

 

[jelag]

My BIL pulls a 30 something nu-mar 5er..... He found that with the stock HP he could exceed the auto transmission's oil temperature going up some of the 6% grades we have in the Pacific Northwest... . it worried him so he installed a large filter that holds a qt of fluid and the transmission cooler that replaces the pan, with all the tubs in it... . I think it holds and extra 2 quarts as well...

When he washes the truck he checks the cooler to make sure the holes are not filled with dirt... .

I'm guessing that with the extra HP anytime you pull more than 10,000 lbs your going to need to either back off or change the cooling... .

Hope this helps... .

 

[JThiessen]

Whatever your vehicle weight ratings say you can tow. Adding power enhancements doesnt make you able to tow more.

 

[SnoKing]

We have a 2003 3500 with auto. Edge chip set on stage two and a BMRP exhaust system.

What size 5th wheel can I pull with out worrying about my transmission.

We have just under 54,000 miles on the truck so you can see we have not traveled a lot but would like to start doing so.



We have haluled our 10 foot cabover with ease but need something bigger as we often travel with out Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Here is my take on it. It appears that you have a 3500 SRW truck? So you can handle a 5er in the 29-32 foot rangle regarding pin weight. You did not say what gears you have? In 2003 did you still get the 47RE transmission? If you have a dually, then you can go to even a bigger trailer, but read on!!



Living the the great NW with our mountains, an exhaust brake is a nice feature, but the auto transmission needs some help before doing that. You also need to be able to keep the Torque Converter locked up.



I went the route of DTT for my transmission and a Banks 4" exhaust brake. Many say to go inline on the brake as to not limit future turbo upgrades.



SNOKING

 

[JDecanter]

Towing limits

We have a 2003 3500 with auto. Edge chip set on stage two and a BMRP exhaust system.

What size 5th wheel can I pull with out worrying about my transmission.

We have just under 54,000 miles on the truck so you can see we have not traveled a lot but would like to start doing so.



We have haluled our 10 foot cabover with ease but need something bigger as we often travel with out Bernese Mountain Dogs.

I have always tried to stay close to manufacturer's recommendations, and have never had a problem. However, I have a friend that tows a Nemar, dual wheeled monster with a 99 quad with absolutely no upgrades and an automatic transmission. He is a full timer and has over 100,000 miles on his truck. I estimate his trailer to weigh in the 16,000 lb. range. He accelerates very slowly and downshifts quickly as needed.



2006, quad, totally stock engine. Tows 34' designer jayco.