Can my Dodge handle this?

[jthorpe]

Guys, I'm sure I'm just a worry wart, but I am upgrading my camper setup from a 5k lbs 5ver to an 8400lbs 5ver in the near future. I have never pulled anything over 6k with my Dodge.

I have a 99 QC long bed, 2wd Cummins auto. Can you guys tell me how this truck will handle a trailer that size? I have a modified transmission with a high performance VB and TC so I should be good there.

Just wondering if the truck is really enough for a 5ver that size, with an 1100 lbs hitch weight. Let me know what you think.

jack

 

[fj40charles]

Jack,

You should be fine. The GVW limit for your truck should be something like 18,000 pounds or so. Your truck + 5th wheel should weigh somewhere in the 16,000 pound range.

Do you have an extra transmission cooler?

Charles

------------------
2000 QC 2500 4x4 LWB ETC/DEE, Anti-Spin, 3. 54, Trailer Tow, Camper Special, DD1's, PS boost module, PS high idle kit, PS steel idler pulley, Autometer boost and EGT gauges, Westin nerf bars, Rhino Liner
*************************
My Toy

1969 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
350 TBI, Turbo 400, ARB lockers front/rear, 4 wheel power disk brakes, 4. 88 ring/pinion, 3 speed transfer case, full roll cage, Warn 8274, MRT 36 bolt beadlocks with Super Swamper Boggers (16x35x15), Saginaw Power steering, custom bumpers/fenders/nerf bars/skid plate, GM tilt steering column, 6 point roll cage, RCI racing seats with 5 point harness. Loves to be pulled behind the Dodge and pass the powerjokes going up hills.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I was pulling around 10K pounds with my 98 auto. Handled it just fine. With the tow package (primarily sway bar) I had no problems with the trailer moving the truck around nor did it ever feel unsafe.

 

[5thram]

I pulled a 13000# Holiday Rambler with my 3/4 ton set up like yours. It did the job, except it needed rest going up mountains (to cool off). I traded up for a dually with the 5-speed, and my troubles were over. I don't think you'll find anyone who'll tell you your Dodge won't pull your new fifth wheel... my . 02...

------------------
2001. 5 intenseblue 2500 ETH/DEE 4WD QC sportpkg, all the options but the cowhide, mostly stock. NRA, AMA member

 

[Okie-Go]

You will do just fine. I had a 98 I pulled nearly 10,000 lb 5er with no transmission upgrades.

------------------
2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red,cab clearance lights, trailer tow package,camper special, lock-right locker, 3. 54 gears,ez edge, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[MATT MAN]

The Mighty Cummins can handle it just fine #ad

 

[brobeson]

I pulled my 14,000#, 35' triple slide 5er, 22000 gross for years all over the western US with our 98. 5, auto with 4. 10's. 100% stock truck and it worked fine. You will have no problems with an 8K 5er.
Enjoy!

There are a few things you can do to help keep the weight down.

Run with your water tanks empty and fill when you get there. Only take clothing, food etc. for what you will use. Don't use the 5er as a storage unit, only take what you need.

Bob

------------------
2001 3500, SLT+, Green, Tan leather, Duel Power Seats, HO, 6 speed, 4X6, 4. 10, Towing Package, Trailer Tow Mirrors, Camper Package, Sliding rear Window, Jacob’s E-brakes (Dodge), Electric Steps (Dodge), Clarion overhead TC/VCR, In motion satalite, Mud Flaps on all 4s (Dodge) Line-X over the rail bed liner, 20K Reese 5th wheel Hitch with Gooseneck, 30” toolbox and tailgate box. Factory ordered, Picked up on 5-15-01. WOW!

Also have a 1998. 5, 2500, SLT, Red over Driftwood, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10, Light Group, Camper Special group, Convenience Group, Travel Group, Trailer Group, Keyless entry, 5 band EQ and 6 disk changer, 15K lil' rocker 5er hitch, tool box, rail guards, fog/driving lights, wood grain dash. (truck is 4-Sale)

 

[jthorpe]

Thanks for the tips guys. I appreciate it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I don't have an extra transmission cooler, just the stock one but I don't pull a ton of hills anymore either after moving to Raleigh from Breckenridge.

 

[dmurdock]

With the auto upgraded don't worry about pulling it. Worry about STOPPING it! #ad

 

[1BIG44]

Jack,
If you are still uncertain about the trailer weight you are welcome to come drag mine around for awhile. Usually around 9,000 lbs.
But I wouldn't worry about it one bit if I were you.

Wes

 

[jthorpe]

Hey Wes, a local! How often do you go camping in NC? We're pretty new here. We came from Breckenridge, CO about 2 years ago. I live in the Garner area actually, about 5 miles south of Raleigh on 401.

We're going to Cherokee in June. My wife likes Dollywood but not Gatlinburg so we're camping at a distance from there. Maybe we could plan a trip sometime.