Bought Truck - Thanks for the Advice

[mmatteson]

About two weeks ago I posted on this forum asking for advice regarding buying a truck to pull my fifth wheel. As a result of that advice I changed from thinking I wanted a 24V automatic 2500 to looking for a 12V manual. I had been watching the local papers and looking online for weeks without finding anything that was close to what I was looking for.



Amazingly, two or three days after getting all the excellent advice on this forum, an ad for a 1997 with manual transmission appeard in the local paper. So, I am now the proud owner of a 97 2500 club cab, long bed, manual transmission SLT Laramie with tow package, almost all options except leather, electrical brake controller, and an exhaust brake. It has 86K miles and appears to be in very nice condition. I'm thrilled and amazed to find a use truck with so many of the features I was looking for.



A couple of questions. One recommendation made earlier was that I install a set of gauges for towing. If I leave the truck stock (undecided), is that still necessary, or is it more for trucks with aftermarket performance upgrades? And, my truck has a Tekonsha Sentinel electric brake controller. Is this a satisfactory controller, or are there better available?



Thanks to all who responded to my original post - your advice was invaluable. And thanks in advance for any advice regarding my questions above.



Mike

 

[Got Smoke?]

Mike you and I have the same truck except yours is just a little longer, and you have less miles than me and a exhaust brake.



Anyhow one, yes gauges are a good idea if you do any kinda of towing (in my opinion, I'm new and that's the idea I get from anyone). I probably won't get past adding a torque plate to my Cummins, and I'm already getting gauges installed this Wednesday. I only tow occasionally too, just whenever I need to help somebody or move a vehicle.



As far as the brake box Tekonsha brand is all my friends and neighbors have ever used (I grew up and still live in the middle of farm land in Mid-TN). I've never seen any problems with them. That's what came in my Dodge when I bought it, but the only gooseneck I ever use which is a friends the brakes don't work so I haven't had a chance to use mine yet. Funny the brake box wires were cut after I bought the truck? But they do work because they've been put on a tester at a trailer dealer. But that brake box shouldn't give you any trouble.

 

[LarryB]

Mike

Perfect! Absolutely perfect. You will be so happy with this truck. If you make a few changes to get up to about 275-300hp you will love it even more. That extra 75hp over stock is easy to come by and makes a big difference, especially when pulling. I have actually been adjusting my power down to around 300 because, well, that's plenty, and I want to save the stock clutch and it runs the EGT where I want.



Again, Good choice!



Larry