Nervous about towing new 15,000 GVW trailer

[Bug Out]

I just bought a new/used 2001 Alpenlite Stonecreek 36 RL 5th wheel. Its a monster, 37' long and grosses out at 15,000#.



The truck can certainly feel this one behind it, as its not going anywhere in a hurry.



Everything is stock, except dead cat and K&N air filter. I have LE 607 oil in the rear end ,syntorq in trans etc.



I'm a little worried about our maiden voyage this week through Nevada etc.



My concerns are the rear axle? If I had time, I'd get the Mag-Hytec to lower temps, but no time. ( DANA 80)



Also, the engine seems to climb to 190 degree's( stock temp gauge) on a hill in a hurry. Whats considered too hot ?



I know red zone 230 is obvious, but is taking the temp gauge past 190 to inbetween 230 still ok? I have not installed my EGT gauge yet and are concerned about those temps? It( truck) used to tow my 11,500# Jayco at 180 degree's over hill's unless it was 100+ outside.



Does anyone else tow a 15,000 gross 5th and stock? I definitly plan on mod's soon, as I need them now. But time is too short. Only 3 days till departure.



Thanks for your help.

 

[Extreme1]

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

The diff will be fine. The biggest advantage of the Mag Hytech is added lube capacity and the ABILITY to cool more effectively. It is not a requirement.



As for engine temps, you are finally working it hard enough to use some of that huge radiator. As long as it stays out of the red you'll be fine. You might want to check the fan clutch to be sure all is well but as long as the cap and hoses are up to snuff, you should be OK.



Have fun, I'll be at work.

 

[Partyat33]

Mine goes from under the 190 mark to a little over the 190 mark when towing. Seems to stabilize there when towing.





Dennis

 

[dmurdock]

don't lug it

keep the rpms around 2100-2200... i found on extend long uphill grades either lugging or spinning the motor too fast would send egt's into the danger zone...

 

[Ramboy]

Bug-

Don't worry. I felt the same way the first time I hooked up to my 40' Alfa (GVWR 18,000). The truck was totally stock. Pulled it from Houston to Florida and back. No problem with overheating. Sure could have used more power back then, though.

Phil

 

[NVR FNSH]

I'd be nervous too. I just towed our 10k (listed dry weight) 36' Patio Hauler 351 from Portland, OR to Santa Rosa, CA via the coast. It was definitely noticable & we were very lightly loaded. I have a VA CPC and Jacobs E-Brake otherwise totally stock '00 2500 4wd.



So much for factory tow ratings... ...



Brian

 

[chuck3]

I would not worry too much, I see rigs like that a lot on the road and in the campgrounds. I would just take it easy and enjoy the trip, The ole Ram will take care of the rest. Have a good one.

 

[dan_gilson]

I would not worry about the water temp. I talked with Cummins service a while ago when I was having problem with a bouncing temperature problem. They told me that Dodge puts the same radiator in as the V10 which is 2X what you need for the diesel.



I had the next truck in on the dyno a couple months ago and they were running it at the peak HP @2700 for many minutes with no real air flow to speak up. It was in a warm shop. It got to 205 degrees.



That is about the worst case that I can think of: Max HP and no air. I would still be interested in hearing from someone who had a big trailer and pulled out of say Death Valley in the middle of the day.

 

[dewdo]

I have a 15,000 lb King Of The Road fiver and have used two Rams to pull it. First one was a 94 2500 which was totaly stock except for an exhaust brake. (I hadn't discovered the TDR at the time)



I made a 10,000 mile trip around the U. S. with no problems, but that didn't last long after that.



I managed to go through two transmissions after the plastic quick connect failed causing me to lose all my fluid. Both times I had to have the truck and trailer towed 55 miles to the nearest dealer. Had it fail two other times but managed to shut it down before I lost the transmission.



With my y2k unit I have added the VA box, 4" exhaust, Exhaust brake, Auto-Loc, DTT valve body and TC, uplift kit, and the super size transmission pan. I am now now considering upgraded injectors.



On my last trip down to Arizona and prior to the transmission upgrade, I noticed some slipping on my return leg last spring. Called Bill Kondolay at DTT and made an appointment for the upgrade.



When the pan was removed it was quiet evident that the transmission was well on it's way to failure. I was about 1,000 miles from the end of the transmission warranty. Bill said it would have lasted through the warranty if I didn't tow with it. I either tow or carry the pickup camper all the time.



My advice is to do some upgrades to the engine such as the VA box or EZ box. Up grade the injectors and install a 4" exhaust with exhaust brake and an Auto-Loc if you plan on driving in mountainous country. (There is nothing more exciting than going down a 9 mile 6% grade with a 15,000 lb trailer pushing you from behind) By all means up grade the transmission. Install gauges for EGT, Boost and transmission temp.





That might sound like a lot, but take it from someone that has been there and done that IT"S WORTH THE PEACE OF MIND.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[illflem]

Since you don't have an automatic transmission you need not worry a bit. I tow almost twice that amount with no problem(see sig). Sure made a difference when I added the E-brake and Banks though...