Looking for the right toy hauler

[Real Fast Bug]

I am looking to get a 5th wheel toy hauler for taking my 1500 lb vw bug to the races and if possible my 2000lb vw squareback to the mountains while camping (not both at the same time of course). As shown in my sig, I have a 2001 2500 extended cab, 24v, automatic trans newly rebuilt with the "better parts" and with upgraded converter. My truck also appears to have a really beefy rear suspension with a huge stack of overloads that appear factory, I assume this is the camper package? I looked in my manual and it says I should only have a 9400lb trailer which seems really small. From what I've found most people exceed that weight. I figure I will get better advice here than from a pushy salesman. I appreciate all suggestions. The one I've seen that I really liked was the Next level tripple axle 5er, I don't remember much about it and need to look into it but is something that size out of the question? From what I've gathered so far I'll need high range tires at a min.



Thanks

Ryan

 

[Rockcrawler]

Gear ratio? 3. 54 with auto is usually the limiting factor- depends on your expectations etc.



hard to beat a dually but most of my towing has been with an 01 SB quad and my current 03 SB. I've had manuals and mild bombing, towed at 19-20k gross with a 40' ferand it was real easy driving (and I run a little over the posted 70/75). I was within pinweights, axle weights and gross so it can be done. The auto trucks had less gross but if you're confident in your upgrades.....



The legalities are another issue if you're in a wreck overweight etc.

 

[Real Fast Bug]

I just ran out to double check and yeah I do have the 3. 55 rear end. I wish I would have gotten the dually with the manual now but got a pretty good deal on this truck I think so I'm gonna have to stick with it for a while. So is the auto with the lame gears a breakage issue or more of a going slow while towing issue? I'm obviously new to towing real heavy things. Also, are exhaust brakes compatible with an auto transmission? Seems like I've seen contradicting posts to this in the past when I looked into it.



Thanks for responding.

Ryan

 

[Rockcrawler]

E brakes can be used with an auto but you need to tweak the auto.



Depends what speeds you run, auto has a taller . 69 OD vs . 75 or . 72 so power/RPM is down in top gear. In my 01 with 33" tires and . 75/3. 55 I was often looking for one more gear. My 03 has . 72/3. 73 and 34. 5" tires and seams about right when towing. both are mildly hopped with about 700 ftlbs.



You've got a dana 70 with a 1" smaller ring gear too. if you like the truck, try it, but realize you might be going slower and or replacing the transmission/rear axle or trading up for more capacity.