towing

[JimP]

I have been towing 34ft 5th wheel with 96 SLT ext. cab LB 4x2 V-10,3:54 axle. I traded it for 2001 quad cab 4x2 diesel with 3:54. After getting this truck I read in the owners manual it is rated at 3K less gross than a V-10. I wonder if I'm going to have trouble towing. I had alway's been led to beleive the diesel would tow more. I,m heading south in a few days,guess I,ll find out. In reading the TDR,it appears most people towing heavy loads have their trucks
bombed. I would like to hear from anyone who tows stock.

Jimp
Jimbev261@cs.com

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[Pogodually]

Welcome, I tow a 30 ft at about 9,500 with a '97 stock using a 3. 54 rear and I do this in OD. Only time I get out of OD is in hilly or mountain areas. So far I've had good luck. Usually run with the big boys. Previous fiver was 40 ft at about 16,000. Still no problems. Would not expect problems unless you over stress Auto transmission. Just have to watch I-75 hills some I had to get back to 3rd on. Good luck and happy towing. I love my tow mileage at up to 13. 4mpg.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

My 2001 ETH 6 speed is still stock and I am impressed with the towing ability. I am carrying a Alpinlite camper and towing a cargo trailer. I am not as heavy as some (around 18. 000 to 19,800# combined weight. ) As the truck gets more miles on it it seems to have picked up a lot of horsepower and torque. I agree that it seems that all of the posts are by hot rodders it could give you the feeling that Bombing is the only way to get down the road. I wonder how many of theese truck pull for a living. Mine pull at or near max load every time they are started. My 95 has been modified. I have decided that the new truck remains stock untell it proves to be unable to pull the load I need to move.

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1995 2500 5 spd bombed. 2001 ETH 3500 stock. 1972 1066 International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor.
GONZO

 

[Ron Duncan]

Wait a minute guys!
My truck pulled great when stock, but, now it is a DREAM with minor mods. This engine has been fricked with by Dodge to protect their drive train and warranty and to make it dummy proof.
It will pull with the best stock, and will out pull the best with some minor mods. These mods will not hurt the engine but the drive train is a gamble!
Most folks pull stock but you wouldn't know that on this forum 'cause Cummins lovers want just a bit more!
Ron

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'99 Quad long bed, 4x4, 5 speed, 3. 55 limslip, DD stage IIs/boost module and elbow, US Gear D-brake, Mag-Hytec, 4" exhaust, gauges, stock filter, air bags and a bunch of other stuff. Pull a 30' Wildwood
fifth wheel.

 

[JimP]

Thanks for the info:

I just have 700 miles on my truck, but I think it starting to get a little more power. I could drag a house with my V-10, but You needed a big wallet to keep it full of fuel. Considering the cost upgrade for the diesel, my wife say's I could have bought a lot of fuel. This 2001 has alot improvements over the 96, I/E, rear disc brakes, quad cab, different seat belts to name a few, and is made in the US of A. Have a great xmas and happy new year to all.


2001 quad cab 4x2 LB patriot blue upper silver lower, 354 with automatic and turbo
98 American Star 34ft 5th wheel

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[One Old Dog]

Jimp, I pull a 28 foot 5th wheel and a 18 foot walleye boat behind the 5th wheel (65 feet in all) and the truck does a good job of pulling both. I pull with two phords guys and one of them wonts a cummins real bad. BUT, with a little mod it will pull FANTASTIC. Just hook up and pull have fun and everyone have a Merry Xmas.

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3500 (white dyne) 5 speed 3:54 rr axle all options except leather.


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Dirt Water Fox

 

[Forrest]

I wouldn't worry 2 seconds about the load range differences. I also had a V-10. It was also the lwb, extended cab, but a 95 & 4:10, auto. It was definately an animal. #ad
The stock V-10 is 450 ft-lbs of torque & has a real good rpm range. However, the 460 ft-lb Cummins versions, like the 24v & some 12v's, win on more torque.

Mine started with 460 ft-lbs & with only the injectors & 4" cat back did better on the same hills in OD as the V-10 did in direct. #ad
#ad
With some more fuel & boost, the V-10 is toast.

I know what my V-10 did to the 460's, 454's & Chevy turbo diesels. Now that was fun. #ad
With mild Bombing, in the low 600 ft-lb range, it's all over. I found myself hunting them down. #ad
If you're in the 700 ft-lb & up range, it's clearly not the same game anymore. All you see is #ad
in your side mirror.

By the way, if you know of anyone that has a V-10, tell them to dump the exhaust governor. That muffler is a stone. Replace it by 2 Flowmasters, 2. 5" inlet & outlet, 4", 3 chamber & you can't believe the difference. Lots better mileage & more power than I ever got on any vehicle with a muffler change. #ad


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Money Sink - 96, 5 speed, HX40-16, TST #11/280 slid 3/4 way, 300 HP Injectors, Scourge BD Governor kit.
4" CATless turn down straight out back.
ISSPRO Pillar, Delvac 1 & Amsiol, RE-0880, Mag-Hytec, 3:54, 235s on Alcoas, Rancho 9000's, Valentine One.
Clutch days are numbered, McLeod on the way.
#11 plate days are numbered, custom grind on the way.
Dutchmen 27' 5th Wheel.
GoldWing.

 

[DavidD]

Jimp, just a something for your to remember, My truck(98. 524V) pulls a 8,000lbs horse trailer with camper and it didnt start really running strong until around 50K. I had a BD Exhaust system and Exhaust brake installed when new. At about 60K I added a power modual from BD and piller gauges. My power increased about 30% and the fuel milage went up about 2 mpg on average. I couldnt believe I could have more poweer with better economy but it worked. i believe one secrect to power enhancements is to learn when to use the power. Be Cool about it and your truck will last. It is a lot of fun to pass cars on an uphill grade at 65mph pulling a trailer! lots of luck and wait your truck isnt even close to broke in.

98 24V Quad cab shortbed, BD Ex,brake, gauges,power mod. ,rancho9's 3:54's 5sp,alloys