Wendy's test at 2500rpm?

[Steve M]

After the '02 leftover fallout, and the new sticky note regarding 5th wheel hitch installation, I think I'll redirect my interests toward an '03. I haven't even heard one idle yet but I'm confident that it's as quiet as ya'll say it is. How does it compare to the 24v at high rpm under load? I like to hear my 24v growling around town. It's while towing our 5th wheel for 10 hours a day I'd like quiet. It sounds like a very large shop vac at 2500rpm under load. I'm hoping that the '03 is quieter at high rpm.

 

[Casey Balvert]

If my wife is happy because it is quiet, it is QUIET. And when she is happy I am happy. You will like it.



Casey

 

[Steve M]

I couldn't stand it any longer... I was hyperventilating! So we went over to the local Dodge dealer and drove a 3500 SRW LWB SLT 5spd/4. 10 with all the options. It IS QUIET! shh! It lists for$36k. I can have it today for $30. 7k. It was hard to leave it there. It has overload springs and the mounts are welded to the chassis at the exact location my 5th wheel hitch brackets would go.

He then looked on the net and found a 2500 6spd/HO that I could have for $32. 3k It would have to be transported down here from Atlanta. I assume the 2500 doesn't have the overload springs in the way of hitch brackets???

Nonetheless, I probably won't sleep tonight. Oo.

 

[krabman]

The 2500s do not have overloads. If you have a fiver I would think you would want the HO? I know you will regret not getting exactly what you need and want a lot longer than you will regret paying a little more up front.

 

[Steve M]

You are exactly right! I like our 01. 5 2500 as far as how it tows our 5th. Not too stout or harsh for the 5th wheel and yet plenty stout enough to keep things level and in control. We just need alittle more power. Might as well have alot more power and have plenty to spare. The 2500 that can be shipped in is the HO/6spd.

That and I like quiet. The 5spd 3500 was quiet even at 2500rpm. It didn't have a load so hard to tell but definately quieter than my 01. 5 at 2500rpm.

How did you mount your hitch with the overloads there? Do you have any pics?

 

[krabman]

I dont have a fiver, I tow a boat so I cant help you there. I do know people are mounting them after some question about drilling or welding on the frame so with any luck someone will point you in the right direction.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Until such time as DC Canada actually issues the drilling guidelines and recinds the Tech Tip against drilling the frame (with the implied threat of loss of warantee), I won't be drilling the frame. I am not sure what has been issued officially in the US so far. However, there are some hitch manufacturers that are developing no drill fifth wheel hitch brackets so it may not be an issue anyway. Pullrite has developed no drill brackets for some of the one ton models all of which have the overload brackets. You can contact them at www.pullrite.com



I am just waiting for Pullrite to engineer the brackets for the two wheel drive that will fit the 25,500 pound Superfifth hitch. Hopefully in January.



If you are pulling a fiver and considering a 2500 make sure you have the payload capacity to handle the pinweight. My 30 foot single slide (pin weight is 2900 lbs. ) will overload a quad cab 2500 and that is without putting anyone or any cargo in the truck. Even the 3500 SRW will be at max or over with my trailer. That is why I went to the one ton dually. Also my next trailer will be considerabley heavier. Weigh the trailer to be sure. A 2500 4WD quad cab diesel HO only has a payload of 1880 pounds. That is too little for most full height fivers.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

You can go to the Dodge site and the towing guide will tell you just what truck you need for the trailer you plan to tow. Be wary of what any of the sales people tell you, especially about something they have on the lot, most of them don't have a clue or a conscience. The same is true about some RV dealers, do your homework and then you can make an intelligent choice.



Dean

 

[Steve M]

Thanks for the advise! I weighed our 5th wheel last month. It weighs 10,040 lbs with a 1900 lb pin weight. It almost sits our 01 2500 level. It doesn't have overload springs. I expect the '03 to sit about the same. If anything, our next 5th wheel won't have a bedroom slide and should be alittle lighter up front. I know what you're saying though. I'd hate to buy the 2500 and then wish I'd have gotten the 3500 that's sitting on the lot.

I was surprised to see that the 5spd has a higher tow rating than the 6spd HO.

 

[kbarlow]

Originally posted by Steve M

... . I was surprised to see that the 5spd has a higher tow rating than the 6spd HO... .

I'm guessing that both engines & trannys have the capabilities. The controlling factor is the overload springs that increase the GCWR to 21000 on the 3500 which gives a higher tow rating. IMHO.



Cheers Ken

 

[ntenna]

Originally posted by Steve M

Thanks for the advise! I weighed our 5th wheel last month. It weighs 10,040 lbs with a 1900 lb pin weight. It almost sits our 01 2500 level. It doesn't have overload springs. I expect the '03 to sit about the same. If anything, our next 5th wheel won't have a bedroom slide and should be alittle lighter up front. I know what you're saying though. I'd hate to buy the 2500 and then wish I'd have gotten the 3500 that's sitting on the lot.

I was surprised to see that the 5spd has a higher tow rating than the 6spd HO.

Steve- a word of caution. All 3G Dodges use a longer rear spring (about a foot longer) than the 2G.



With the longer rear springs the ride is much better, but the '03 2500 does not get the helper springs as it did in '02 with the camper package. Even without, the '02 rear spring is more stiff.



The 2500 will squat quicker in an '03 than an '02. I went to the 3500 in the '03 for that reason. IMHO, drop 1900 pounds in the back of that 3G 2500. If it doesn't squat, then go for it! But I think you may find it needs the helpers.



BTW, the basic springs are identical, 2500 to 3500 SRW. Same build tag. The 3500's get a couple of riser plates. But the HO/6 spd gets the 11. 5" rear with bigger discs in the 2500, I believe. The SRW 3500 gets the larger rear regardless..... correct me if I'm wrong, guys.....



JH

 

[Prairie Dog]

From what the Dodge literature says, Both 2500 and 3500 have the same brakes and let me tell you they are sweet!

 

[Casey Balvert]

I believe the 3500 has larger pistons in the rear calipers.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

I believe the 3500 has larger pistons in the rear calipers

That's my understanding as well, Casey.



Dean

 

[Fireman]

Steve M,



I just installed a set of Super Rails from Pull Rite in my 3500 4wd. The stops for the overloads aren't a problem. That is to say Pull Rite has solved that problem. The mounts are so new that I can't even give you a part#. They were super easy to install, even easier than the set I installed on my previous truck. The installation satisfies DC's no drill, no weld criterion. My guess is that they should have everything ready to have these on the market within the next week or two.



I'm a Happy Camper once again!

Fireman

 

[Casey Balvert]

And nothing, BUT NOTHING, beats being a happy camper.



Casey

 

[Dean Upson]

Fireman56,



I am glad that you are a happy camper! . I should be one next week when I get my Pullrite installed. The brackets have been in for a while, but I can't seem to get the weather to co operate. My brackets are a bit different than yours (according to Lynda), because I will have the rails bolted thru the bed, not the pins. I think the geometry of the design is the same. Happy camping.



Dean

 

[Steve M]

After going in circles about all the options and 3500 vs 2500, I signed the papers on a white/silver lower, 2500 SLT QC, LB, auto/4. 10 LSD, tow package, power towing mirrors, CD, remote entry, trip computer, power seat, cruise, aluminum wheels with OWL Michelins, fog lights, clearance lamps, air dam and the usual SLT stuff. It's rated to tow 13,200 lbs and should be more than adequate for our 10,040 lbs 5th wheel. I'll be close on the 9,000 lb GVW but should be ok. I'll be well within it's 20,000 lbs GCVWR. I pick it up tomorrow after they detail and check it over. The only thing I wish it had is body side molding but I can add that at any time.

Boy that oil filter is going to be fun to change! Oo. Oo.

 

[Dean Upson]

Steve,



Good luck with the new truck, it sounds like a beauty.



Dean

 

[EOwen]

Steve,



Congratulations. Sounds just like my truck only mine is a 3500.

Enjoy.



Eric