Dodge Ram question

[Rock]

This will be my first fifth wheel. My 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4/4 diesel SRW has overload leafs on top and bottom of the leaf springs (factory) . Do u have to add air bags or another lift package when u have 2600 lbs of pin weight? It would seem the upper two overload leafs would stop the rear from too much sag
If I need to add a lift package I would like to do it now before my unit gets here.
Tks
Rock

[Jshari]

I have a 2011 3500 dully and did not have to and any thing to tow my 383flfs

[BigJohnD]

I don't own the dodge, but honestly I don't think you'll have any issues with that truck / fiver combo. Before the rig in signature, we full timed in a 40' fiver, loaded to within 400 pounds of GVWR. It just leveled the truck out. On a terrible road, it might tag the overloaders sometimes, but never sat on them. You should be good.

[Rock]

Thanks guys. I will now just wait and see what happens on my first tow. I looked today and the two top overload leafs have like a bunch of room before they hit and than the truck looks like it will be level since the front is low to start on stock units
Rock

[HHNET]

Am shopping Dodge 3500's for my Jayco Pinnacle 38FLSA. I found a really sano-clean 2004 QuadCab 4x4 5.9 longbed, with exhaust brake and hitch. I know with 4-11 or better gearing on a dually you get 29,000 tow. I think this truck can tow our Pinnacle fine. But I have not been able to get anyone to confirm or tell me exactly what to look for buying a 3500. I am looking at 2004 to 2005 3500's on eBay. The guy who moved our trailer showed up with a 2500 and during backup the Pinnacle lifted his rear tires off the ground a couple inches. Freaked him out. I said to him, "I told you > you need a 3500". Lucky his 2500 had an Aisin tranny.

So far a good 3500 friend told me "BUY A 6-SPD MANUAL" which the truck I am looking to buy is a manual, 4WD, tow package + Aisin + Exhaust brake + Hitch + toolbox. Sounds like the truck I need. I wanna haul my FLSA up to Oregon for the summer.

Any opinions or help regarding my plea is appreciated.

Thanks

P.S. we are LOVING our 2016 Pinnacle and I am VERY impressed with the sit down shower and Ariston washer and dryer!!!

[Widows Son]

Our 3500 DRW Ram pulls just fine. No additional suspension mods.

[Sledgehammer]

Originally Posted by HHNET

Am shopping Dodge 3500's for my Jayco Pinnacle 38FLSA. I found a really sano-clean 2004 QuadCab 4x4 5.9 longbed, with exhaust brake and hitch. I know with 4-11 or better gearing on a dually you get 29,000 tow. I think this truck can tow our Pinnacle fine. But I have not been able to get anyone to confirm or tell me exactly what to look for buying a 3500. I am looking at 2004 to 2005 3500's on eBay. The guy who moved our trailer showed up with a 2500 and during backup the Pinnacle lifted his rear tires off the ground a couple inches. Freaked him out. I said to him, "I told you > you need a 3500". Lucky his 2500 had an Aisin tranny.

So far a good 3500 friend told me "BUY A 6-SPD MANUAL" which the truck I am looking to buy is a manual, 4WD, tow package + Aisin + Exhaust brake + Hitch + toolbox. Sounds like the truck I need. I wanna haul my FLSA up to Oregon for the summer.

Any opinions or help regarding my plea is appreciated.

Thanks

P.S. we are LOVING our 2016 Pinnacle and I am VERY impressed with the sit down shower and Ariston washer and dryer!!!

A few different things.....
My memory could be off, but i dont remember any of the 04-05 era diesel trucks rated to tow 29,000....or even have a GVCWR close to 29,000. As I said, I could be wrong about that, but 29,000 sould high for that era truck.

The Aisin transmission has never been available in a 2500 truck. The Aisin also wasn't available in 04-05 cummins trucks. The Aisin is an automatic transmission with pto capability. If your ever looking at a truck that is supposed to have the Aisin instead of the 68rfe, the Aisin dipstick is on the drivers side vs 68rfe on the passengers side. The 68fre is also a good transmission if its not abused. Neither the Aisin or 68rfe will be an option on 04-05 trucks, those only came behind the 6.7 cummins of 2007+....and i believe the Aisin might have even been a few years later than 2007 and only available in the cab and chassis trucks at first.

If your looking for 04-05 year trucks, I'd definitely be on the hunt for a manual. If you find a low miles one, you will have a very dependable non emissions diesel truck.

Hopefully that helps a bit...

[Rock]

My 2006 RAM 3500 SRW is rated at 15k with the 4:10 and auto. The auto is the weak link and that is why 15k is the limit. I have done the valve body and some billet struts and piston. When it does finally go it will be built to the max. I have about 1000 miles on two trips with my Pinnacle FBTS. It pulls and handles it fine. I am sure a DRW would be a big improvement but costly upgrade along with my new FW. The 5.9 is a good motor but was derated to save the tranee. With a good rebuilt auto tranee you can raise the hp 100 with no problems.
Rock

[jusbob]

I have Dodge 3500DRW 6.7 68rfe H&s tuner full delete ,pulling 35ft Designer and 2500lb trailer ,532000 miles all original no rebuilds .the key is drive with a smart foot and good service with quality products no matter what you buy.

[17 Oaks]

Originally Posted by Rock

This will be my first fifth wheel. My 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4/4 diesel SRW has overload leafs on top and bottom of the leaf springs (factory) . Do u have to add air bags or another lift package when u have 2600 lbs of pin weight? It would seem the upper two overload leafs would stop the rear from too much sag
If I need to add a lift package I would like to do it now before my unit gets here.
Tks
Rock

I dodge Dodges as I am a Ford man, but I would not think you would have an issue. You prob have a decal on the drivers door frame that gives weights and capacities etc. See where you stand on that vs your 5iver.

I am not generally a fan of airbags and yes I have run them on 2 vehicles, they have a place for sure. If you need a softer ride due to heavy pin weight and flatting of the spring pack or need temp leveling for travel they may be a good solution.