Do I need to beef up the truck to tow this RV?

[Rogue Ram]

Just in process of getting 28' tow behind travel trailer... ... . listed dry weight is #5650. My rig is 99 QC s/b auto with the 4:10s, VA box. I doubt I'll have much of a power issue..... but, does anyone see the need here for trans upgrades or exhaust brake? Haven't been on the site much, but appears exhaust brakes are not an option for autos-- correct? Only towing this thing 5 times a year, week at a time at the most, pretty good grades involved sometimes. I swear I have slightly warped rotors, and have only towed a 22'er weighing #3000. I do have Tekonsha trailer brake already set up... ... ... .



Thoughts?????

 

[LSMITH]

For 5 times a year I would run it just like it is. Keep the RPM up when towing and you should be fine.

 

[dewdo]

I think with the set up you have you should be happy with it. If you don't have gauges then get them. EGT, Transmission, boost, & fuel pressure. I towed a 15,000 lb fifthwheel and with the VA Box, boost module, & exhaust brake I did very well with my 2000 3500.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[dewdo]

An exhaust brake is great if you encounter long steep grades like ones in the west. I have an automatic but I have the BD Autoloc and I have the transmission gauge to keep an eye on the temp with.



After running stock for a little over a year I had the transmission upgraded by DTT in Abbottsfor, BC. The transmission was on it's last leg when it was upgraded.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[BigMike]

With a dry weight of 5650, I imagine your gross weight will be well over 7000#. You can pull that just fine with what you have, but I'd get an exhaust break. You'll be glad you did.

 

[BK]

I tow roughly the same thing you do.

My 99 is stock with 3. 55 gears a 4x4QC & 8' bed. I fill the bed up with firewood and extra water. . besides loading up the trailer.



The only thing I would worry about is that your running a box, the stock trannies can have problems with shudder and slippage even with out towing, while using a box. I would either get rid of the box or get a TC and VB if you want to keep the extra umph.



The other thing. . the stock hitch is a complete POS.



There's a recall on it, and if it's not broken/cracked, they'll install a some bandaids. Dont take a chance with your family's safety and with the other folks on the road, get ride of the POS hitch and get a real one. The class IV that are out there are much better suited to the power of the truck. The ISB can literally rip the stock hitch up... hence the recalls.



I've done fine without an exhaust brake,but they are real nice to have. There are some "systems" out there that "allow" you to run an exhaust brake on and auto. But dodge will have a field day with you and your warranty.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Thanks.......

..... I honestly had been debating about a diff rig altogether, maybe getting a stick this time. But, with all new Rams coming out it may not make sense to even entertain this thought for awhile. What to do, what to do... ...

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I've got 30,000+ miles hauling the same weight with a 1st gen truck with little or no trouble prior to upgrades. My upgrades now make it very easy to tow out west. Your truck sholud have no trouble at all with that size trailer. Good luck.

Happy trails

Bob

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I had the same setup on my truck for over a year. The stock transmission will hold up fine. You do need an EGT guage because that VA box sent my EGT's while towing into the 1350 range. When they get hot (EGT'S) downshift and bring up rpm's. That is a great setup. As for the exhaust brake, I think it is overkill. I have been up and down all the mountains of CA and if I take it easy It is totally safe. I haul a horse trailer that is 4800 lbs empty. Add four horses 1200 lbs each and the numbers get up there. If you do want to get and exhuast brake transmission upgrade will be needed, and will need a lockup device. Greg

 

[FParisi]

I agree with most - gauges are a must with any towing IMO. You shouldn't have any problems but the exhaust brake IS nice even with an auto without lock up devices.

Frank

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have a little 5,000lbs 21' 5er that I pull and don't even know it is there. Next one maybe a 34' 5er probably weigh 14,000 and don't anticipate a problem. He I don't mind down shifting and running slower up the hills at all. I will be retired then and don't want to rush to get to any placeOo.