Towing Questions

[MRiehl]

Guys - My dad has a 94 3500 that he uses for his equipment rental business. They have it set up with a 5th wheel trailer to carry small front end loaders (like Bobcats) and excavators. They've had two Bobcats on the trailer w/o any problems.



However, the truck is getting tired (~200k miles) and needs a bit of work. I know his biggest complaints are with the transmission (I think he's on the 2nd or 3rd one) and the brakes (it always seems to need pads).



For those who have owned the older trucks and now own the new ones, is it a huge difference between the two? Have you had good luck with the new trucks so far? I know the new engine has almost twice the horsepower, but, that truck has always been able to pull what they put behind it, it always started, etc.



I've got an 04. 5 and I'm pretty happy with it. Trying to give him some advice, he's trying to decide if he should put money into the old one, or, possibly buy a new one.



If he went for a new 3500, does the single wheel tow as well as the dual wheel? Are any of the 5th wheel setups better than the others?



Thanks for the help,

Mark

 

[mberry]

I just got my new '04. 5 3500 SRW 2 weeks ago and it's great! I haven't towed anything with it yet but I went from an auto 2500 to a 6 speed 3500 and couldn't be happier with my decision. Brakes and steering are much better on the new one's imho. If he's doing enough towing, I would suggest an exhaust brake.



Please post more details of what your dad has as it will help us give more accurate advice.



p. s. 200K is not anywhere near tired for the Cummins.

 

[JRMora]

For those who have owned the older trucks and now own the new ones, is it a huge difference between the two? Have you had good luck with the new trucks so far? I know the new engine has almost twice the horsepower, but, that truck has always been able to pull what they put behind it, it always started, etc.

I've owned both, and yes, there is a HUGE difference between the two. My '97 went through pads on the front every 15k miles or so. My new one has 24,000 on it and the pads are like new.



I much prefer the 6 speed/3. 73 over the old 5 speed/3. 54's.



I haven't towed heavy with it yet (saving my pennies for a new trailer), but I know it'll do much better.



There are lots of threads arguing the differences/benefits or SRW vs. DRW trucks. I went with the dually and feel I made the best decision for me (we are looking a 14k fifth wheels). Pulling the load is easy with any cummins. Doing it safely and legally requires the right options (and I'll leave it at that!)



Go for it!



Juan