Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Need Advice on Towing...

[mconstable]

Sorry guys, meant to post in general truck forum, not engine... could a mod please relocate?



Posting for a friend... he has an early 2nd gen truck w/12 valve engine, manual trans.



He's looking at buying a new fifth wheel, and wants me to find out if 16,000 lbs is too much for his truck.



It's set up basically for hotshotting, fuel pumps turned up, exhaust brake, gear splitter (sorry, don't know the right term, splits all of the gears), air bags, bigger brakes, etc.



Any advice is appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[hsmith]

If it is a dually, have him go for it. May need a better clutch though.

 

[mconstable]

Sorry... forgot that info, it is a 2wd dually, upgraded clutch also.

 

[hsmith]

Would make a good tow rig. I tow that heavy with less power and really handles it good.

 

[AABEN]

hsmith going to the gear vendor how much did it help your fuel milage? Do you thank it will pay for it self in 70. 000 miles? Would like feed back from any one----BEN

 

[Grizzly]

Sorry... forgot that info, it is a 2wd dually, upgraded clutch also.

The dually will handle the 16K 5er, however with todays fuel prices I would suggest he get a much lighter trailer, like 8K.

 

[hsmith]

Don't know if it helped the mileage any, as I tow in 4th over and that is not much change from 5th. My truck does not get to make any long trips empty running in 5th over, so I can't say. Should help some though. Really hard to justify the cost just for mpg gains. I really love it for being able to split when towing.

 

[AABEN]

smith When you get to make a long run check for mileage. I have 03 six speed pull a fifth wheel in winter time go south and south west. Trailer is 38ft with every thing around 18. 000lb. When empty I get 18to 21 on the road in town 16 to 18 ----BEN