Towing

[ghamilton]

I'm new here and to owning a diesel. I got a 2003 quad cab short box with the automatic. I read the tow rating to be 13,100 lbs in the book from the dealer. So my question is if I start putting some money in this thing getting more horse and torque out of it will I really be able to pull that much more? I want to pull a 26'

5th wheel and a jeep on the back of that. So all you experienced guys give me some feed back please. I already know I should of gotten the 6 speed but got the auto for the wife. (Yes she wears the pants) . Thanks in advance and I love the website. I think I'm addicted to it.

Greg.

 

[ralbert]

Greg, Sounds like you made my mistake. I have a 99 3500 with auto/ 355's so it will not legally pull any weight. 9000 lb trailer is not a very big 5th wheel. I only have 34,000 miles on it but I do not want to get involved in an MVA being over weight. I priced a 03 3500 ho six speed so that will be here before I head to Alaska in May. Will take this one to Fla. for the winter. Does not matter what you do to make that truck of yours more powerfull. That door sticker is the problem. Good luck

 

[Dean Upson]

Greg,

ralbert is right, but it sounds like you may luck out legally with your tow rating if it is 13,100. If your trailer and jeep come in under that you will be legal. I can't imagine the 26 foot fiver weighs much over seven and your jeep sure doesn't weigh six so you may be all right. That being said any modifidcations you make will just enhance the towing experience, just don't add much weight when you upgrade .



I bought a new trailer last spring and although my 98. 5 pulled it beautifully, I was overweight and worried about it enough to buy the new truck. I'm glad I made the change but someone will be getting a beautiful truck that I really hated to part with. I just figured it wasn't worth the risk to be in trouble by being overweight, you could loose everything and worse, hurt someone. I think your insurance company would forget your name if you were illegal. Good luck, hope you make out okay.



Dean

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

There are a couple of issues here. First is the weight you want to pull, in my opinon, is less than you are capable of. Pull it all. Your truck will let you know when it is real heavy. I would wait for 5000 miles at least to ad any power. Edge will have a box out in three weeks for our trucks. It will add up to 80 HP. Your stock transmission will be fine with that. It is the same transmission in my 01. 5 and I have around 450 HP. I had my transmission built by DTT. Do a search on them and you will find lots and lots to reat about. As for being legal, You can haul a little past your tow weight ratings. I have hauled 26,582 lbs behind my 2001. My wife works for State Farm Insurance, Just asked her about the coverage on overweight. Said," no problem, but not every insurance company is the same, State farm would for sure. " I would think that you can do about anything at least once and be covered. JMHO. As for being new: WELCOME TO THE TDR!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ghamilton]

Thanks guys. I'm sure I'll be fine since the 5er I'm looking at is under 6000 and the Jeep is only about 4500. My worry is the transmission and I looked at the DTT site. I just have to figure out what to have the do to it.

Thanks,

Greg.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

If I bought a new truck that was an auto I would have them do a complete upgrade. All you have to do is call Bill K @ DTT and he will talk you through a custom build up. Good luck

 

[Bill Stockard]

I wouldn't be worrying as much about pulling a 6,000 lb fifth wheel and with a Jeep behind it as much as trying to stop! You have 4500 lbs behind the trailer with out any on board brakes "pushing" the trailer. Is the trailer frame built to take that kind of stress? Ask the trailer manufacturer to give it to you in writing... I'll bet they won't!!



If you have to slam on the brakes, you could easily be in a "jack-knife" situation. What happens to the Jeep if it breaks loose? Ask your auto insurance company to give you permission to tow "double" in writing.



Something to think about... ... .



Bill