Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5th wheel towing ?'s

[Jim Ross]

We are getting ready to sell our 2000 year Ford F-250 with 4WD, 7. 3 Power Stoke and AT and 3. 54 axle. I am in the process of moving the 5th wheel hitch from the Ford to our '01 Dodge and I am wondering if there are any BIG issues that I need to address or if I may have over-looked something that you more experienced towers will pick up on for me.

The Dodge is 4WD, automatic trans, limited slip, 3. 54 ratio and has several upgrades including the following: Sun Coast TC, Sun Coast valve body with shift kit, BD pressure lock kit, tow package, Bilstein shocks, Darren's steering stabilizer, upgraded tracking bar, 275's, Edge EZ, Turbo-Master, and FASS fuel pump, just to name some of the stuff. All fluids and lubes are up to date with synthetics in everything plus the rear axle was recently rebuilt due to a factory defective carrier bearing..... it lasted over 100K miles, but was making noise that only I could hear for over two years.

I am only speculating, but I think I may end up having (or wanting) to put air bags on it and possibly go to a more modern brake controller---mine is 5 years old and is the inertia type.

Anything else you guys can think of that needs attention?

We have been pulling a 27 ft Arctic fox with super slide using the Ford and it is bone stock... . and it is both a fuel hog and gutless. We hate to sell it with only 52K miles on it, but the Dodge runs SO much stronger. We will be pulling the same trailer with the Dodge.

Thanks.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

You won't even know the 5th wheel is behind you compared to the Ford!!!

Does the truck have a transmission cooler? If not I would add one. The only other two items I would add to your truck would be an exhaust brake and torque converter controller. Oh yeah, and an AirDog.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Ram4Sam]

If you have the factory tow package, you shouldn't need air bags for a 27 ft fifth wheel.



Sam

 

[icman95]

Ditto the exhaust brake. Jacobs makes one that is plug and play. It's what the dealer installs as an accessory and I love mine. Also, I wasn't happy with my factory shocks while towing my 5er, but that might not matter to you. I replaced them with Rancho 9000's and am quite happy now. I don't think you'll need air bags. Mine doesn't squat down much at all. In fact, the back is higher than the front without the trailer on and when I hook up it all levels out.

 

[SnoKing]

The rear overloads and swap bar on the rear were the Camper package. If it has both a under and over extra leaf in the rear spring pack you will not need air bags. You will want an exhaust brake. 4:10's are better towing gears with the auto, but that is an expensive change. I just installed a two wheel low kit in my truck for spotting the truck and keeping the transmission cool. The factory coolers are fine, if you keep the Torque Converter locked up. Do you have gauges - EGT, Boost, Pyro, and transmission temp in the output line???? transmission temp in the transmission pan is a waste of time, transmission will be toast before that show you a problem. I have a switch with two probes!



SNOKING

 

[Grizzly]

Two questions. 1, Is the Dodge a long bed or short bed? 2, What brand of 5th wheel hitch are you reinstalling?



As far as recommendations for a brake controller, I sure like my BrakeSmart. It's a little spendy, but well worth it.