Serious Towing

[NStates]

I am scaling down my fifth wheel and plan to downsize the truck. I have had two 3500 HO with six speeds after having a problem with an automatic. I find the six speed an excellent choice but prefer not to change gears. I am considering the 48RE with an exhaust brake as an option and would appreciate any comments from anyone who has experience with this option.



Thanks



My Truck – 2005 RAM 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x2 Laramie Sport Bright White 6-Speed HO – Limited Slip - Edge Juice Attitude –PacBrake – 65 gal. Toolbox/fuel tank – Starboards – Recon Smoke Cab Lighting - Pulrite Super 5th – Kenwood TM 261 –Towing A Teton Fifth Wheel

 

[brista]

I tow with the 48re and EB. My GCVW is 22K and the EB will hold the load on a 6% grade in 3rd gear. I'm pleased with how it works.

 

[ScottLewis]

I towed my 11K+ 5th wheel probably 60K miles with my '98 2500 with 47RE (probably 35K miles with the BD e-brake). Definitely much better with the brake. Mileage towing was consistently in the 13 to 14. 5 range. The truck is a 4X2.



I'm now pulling the same RV with my '06 2500 4X4 with 48RE and Jacobs e-brake. It pulls even better because of the increased power and I haven't seen any major difference between the 2 brakes. The 4x4 doesn't get as good fuel economy yet but hopefully that will improve in time. I bought it because I couldn't find a 4x2 available in Central California and I didn't want to wait while one was located and ordered. I'm not sorry yet but I usedthe 4wd on my Bronco less than 10 times in as many years.



Both trucks are SWB because I like to park in the garage and hate parking lot jockeying.



In short, with a RV about the size of mine, I wouldn't hesitate a minute to recommend a 2500 with 48RE and exhaust brake. Can't say anything about the new 6. 7s, just don't know.



Dan