Your opinions and thoughts please

[kking]

Situation:



I have a ‘94 Reg Cab LWB, 5 Speed, 3:54 gears, 201k miles, KDP tabbed, completely stock except for relocating the fuel filter and a Linex sprayed in bed liner. I have been pulling a 30-ft 5th wheel with no problems at all. I have just recently purchased a different 5th wheel that weights in at 11,200 dry and grosses at 15,000. I pulled the new one about 700 miles to get it home. My truck needs more power, and some overload springs in the rear to help with the extra tongue weight (11,200 x 15 to 20 percent = 1680 to 2240) I plan on taking the truck and trailer to a scales to verify, but have not yet. The trailer is a New Horizons and has the largest drum brakes available 3 3/8 inch and seems to stop the unit very well, better than the old setup.



The Plan

1. Get gauges installed (EGT and boost).

2. Install a number 6 or 8 TST plate. (230/605 or 250/630)

3. I don't plan on doing anything with the governor springs at this point.

4. Have a set of overload springs or maybe a set of air bags installed.

5. Get a new clutch (higher rated), pressure plate, throw out bearing , etc.

6. Getting the transmission reworked and having fully splined 5th gear shaft and new 5th gear added.

7. I am thinking my weakest link in all of this is the rear tires. They are 245/75-16's with a load rating of 3042 pounds (load range E) single at 80 pounds. I plan keeping new tires on the rear (I mean to swap the rear ones out at 20/25thousand. )

8. I only pull the trailer about 5-10 percent on the time now.



I am not interested in going faster, just want to be able to pull my new trailer better.

I would like any and all your thoughts or comments with this setup before I start.

Thanks for you input

Ken

 

[TPCDrafting]

I would also recommend the 3k GSK for towing, it made a real difference on mine. I would also recommend 4" free flowing exhaust, a more free flowing air box and either a bigger exh. houseing or a different turbo more suited for heavy towing. The three things on my list of to do as with all the power I can't use much of it towing without getting into egt trouble on the hills.

 

[Turbo Thom]

The springs on the governor are a must. Possibly a 14 exhaust housing. . If you want a little more power, a # 11 plate and 300 HP injectors. Don't go to far, or the side of the trailer will be striped with black smoke.



Now to the towing capacity. You are to low in that area now. Your truck is not intented to tow that much weight. The engine will do it but the truck will now stop it. I tow 15K with a 3500 at 306 HP, and it does not stop as well as I would like. I have to be very careful in towns. Watch out for the lights and stupid drivers. And remember , the single rear wheel does not tow with the same stability as the dual. I know folks that tow with a 2500, but never will I ever again. I did some years ago but never again.



Can't wait till the 06 trucks get here. I will be in a new one.



. . Preston. .

 

[bombero]

You sure got one of the top of the line RV's!! I would suggest a exhaust brake for any towing in the mountains. I was adding up the cost for all your mods. Maybe you should consider a new or newer CTD. You have lots a miliage on yours but still could get a good price for it if its in good shape. Just a thought

 

[matches]

I'm pleased that you've decided to buy gauges, although it's 200k miles too late IMO. I also agreee with the exhaust and intake modifications, more air in and more air out will always provide better driving. When you add fuel to the truck you will also add heat, I highly suggest the ATS manifold along with the PDR hx35, the both of those along with the other before mentioned mods will help keep the temps down. The transmission work is a must, I have to be very carefull not to drive right through my getrag, and want to upgrade soon. I also suggest the air bags I really like them and can easily adjust them when I need to.

 

[kking]

Thanks to all you replied to my post. I have decided to mostly leave the ole '94 alone except for gauges and keep on driving it on a daily basis and purchase a new 2005 325/610 dually, most likely with the automatic (wife wants to drive it sometimes). It just seemed the more I thought about that I was going to be pushing what has been a very very good truck past it's limits and I would like to stay as legal as possible also. So now I will be a two CTD man and that is a very good thing. Thanks again

Ken

 

[Turbo Thom]

Now Ken, you have made a very wise choice.



. . Preston. .

 

[Slow Six]

I have been through a similar scenario. I spent a lot of time and money on my 94 to pull a comparable trailer. It pulled the load quite well but I opted for a dually for a few reasons. Getting the dually was the best thing I could have done. My advice would be to leave the 94 alone and put the money towards the new dually and then the only worry you will have is paying for it.