4x4 and 5th wheel trailers?

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I'm a new participant here (TDR subscriber since issue 14), and I'm really missing my '97 2500 4x4 Club Cab Cummins that was stolen a year and a half ago. The only towing I did with it was with my rear hitch. I've tried to make do with <shudder> a car since that feckless ne'er-do-well made off with my beloved Beast, but cars just don't cut it and I'm getting the urge for another Cummins machine.

My question: I may opt for an enclosed trailer in the future for some of my other toys. Am I ruling out a 5th wheel trailer by going with a Dodge 4x4? I'm posting this question in this forum because the sheer height of the '94+ bed rails seems to this neophyte to be a potential constraint. Any thoughts on the practicality of a Club Cab 4x4 (Diesel, of course #ad
for 5th wheel use would be much appreciated!

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I tow a 30' Damon which appears to have been built for the taller 4x4 trucks. The axles are not flipped, yet I still have 4" to 5" of clearance between the bed top and the 5er and the trailer rides flat and tows real nice.

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'00 2500, 4x4, QC, Cummins ETC/6spd, 3. 54, Camper, Trailer, SLT, 4ABS, BD E-brake, Pullrite 20. 5K 5th hitch, Tekonsha Envoy-SX Tbrake, Flame Red/Silver, Agate

 

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Bought new axle brackets and put the springs on top of my axles on my 27' Dutchman, sets it level, towed it 4500 miles this summer through the mountains in the west and the dessert in the south. 75 Miles an hour, no problems. Have pics if you want email me.


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95-2500-ExtCab-LB-4x4-Auto-AMSoil Air Filter, Bypass Oil Filter by others, AMSOIL and Mobil Synthetics, TST 255HP and TransGO Shift kit .

 

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I also tow a 27' Dutchman with the 4x4. Its true, its true, once you've towed a 5th wheel, you won't go back.

I've towed pull trailers from 10 to 31'. Never again.

Only 1 suggestion, when you get a 5th wheel hitch, opt for the one that tilts side to side. You won't have re-connect problems on un-even ground.

 

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I too pull a 30' Damon but i added 3" blocks to the trailer to help level it--no problems towing--it would be better to get the 6 speed trans .

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2000 3500 4x4 Quad SLT 2CG Tow Group, Auto, 99 Damon Challenger 5ver 31'

 

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I had my older Alumalite 5th wheel raised by putting the springs above the axle and it towed just fine with my 4x4 RAM. I now have a '98 HitchHiker and it came new with the springs above the axle just for towing with a 4x4. If you are planning on buying a new 5th wheel, most of the manufacturers offer the option of a higher height for 4x4's. These days 4x4's are so popular that if they want to sell trailers they have to offer that option and most major brands do.

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Ron

'96 Club Cab 2500 4x4, Automatic,TST 230/605, Cummins Chrome, Mag-Hytec rear and trans covers, Boost, Pyro and trans temp gauges. All black. 5th wheel hitch and camper tie downs. Tow 13k HitchHiker fiver and also use 9. 5' Lance Camper (not at the same time of course)