1st Timer - Old truck and pulling heavy, worth it?

[MountainBound]

I have a 2005 RAM 2500 Diesel w rebuilt motor and transmission that runs great and I want to buy a toy hauler to go far with. I've never done anything like this. How bad of an idea would it be to pull close to my weight limit? Dallas to Utah and back over a couple months. I have a new motorcycle I will put in the back of the toy hauler so should be fun. Thank you!

• TRUCK: 2005 Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel (2WD): Maximum towing approximately 13,600 lbs; maximum payload approximately 2,740 lbs.
• TRAILER: 2017 Jayco Octane T32H: Dry weight 9,600 lbs; maximum loaded weight 13,000 lbs; dry tongue weight 1,275 lbs; length 37′10″; ceiling 7′10″.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

The common rule is 80% . The closer you are to the limits the more issues you have.

These are some of the things you can do to reduce the problems.

1. Use E rated tires.(Always)
2. Travel at lower speeds than the posted speed limit.
3. Keep the thought that lower gears can be used to lower engine and transmission temperatures.
4. Don't just shut her down after a serious climb.( Turbos require a cool down to avoid freezing up)
5. Know your weights, and maintain tires pressure for the weight the tire manufacturers state.
6. Check hub temperature every stop.

Just remember that race car pit crews monitor and maintain the car's vitals all the time. The reason? is they want to finish the race.

 

[MountainBound]

The common rule is 80% . The closer you are to the limits the more issues you have.

These are some of the things you can do to reduce the problems.

1. Use E rated tires.(Always)
2. Travel at lower speeds than the posted speed limit.
3. Keep the thought that lower gears can be used to lower engine and transmission temperatures.
4. Don't just shut her down after a serious climb.( Turbos require a cool down to avoid freezing up)
5. Know your weights, and maintain tires pressure for the weight the tire manufacturers state.
6. Check hub temperature every stop.

Just remember that race car pit crews monitor and maintain the car's vitals all the time. The reason? is they want to finish the race.

OK so would you say an older truck like mine is not a great idea since the electronic monitoring of vitals is much less advanced than something new? Or are the basics solid enough to roll with?

 

[John&Andrea]

You will be fine with the truck. Look for a little smaller rig.

 

[TheLooks]

OK so would you say an older truck like mine is not a great idea since the electronic monitoring of vitals is much less advanced than something new? Or are the basics solid enough to roll with?

I would prefer to have your truck with that new engine and tranny then some of the new techno wizard whiz bang vehicles. Your springs may be weak if you have towed a bunch with it during it life. Perhaps have a good spring shop look them over? And renew sway bars front and back and any bushings also. I guess I am saying spiff up the suspension....lol

 

[Old one]

The RAM with the Cummings diesel is great. Take the VIN number to a RAM dealer and they can query the computer and see if the rest of the vehicle has the factory "H/D tow package". If so, you have no worries.
As fat as towing something near the limit, my Expedition is rated at 8600#. I am towing a heavy boat weighed at the public scle at 7800# with 1/2 fuel, water full and blackwater tank empty. I have owned the rig for 25 years and over 100, 000 miles. Towing was about 25%. No problems except for nirmal wear out items NOT associated with drivetrain strain.
The SUV is a plain jane with the H/D tow package.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

OK so would you say an older truck like mine is not a great idea since the electronic monitoring of vitals is much less advanced than something new? Or are the basics solid enough to roll with?

Older trucks are sometimes more robust than what is available today. That is an answer! Aftermarket products can answer the inner call for data.

The Big issue is keeping capacities within limits.