Fifth Wheel

DeuceCoupe wrote:
What size 5th wheel can I safely tow? 99 Dodge 2500 4wd Cummins diesel 5.9. I know stopping it is the biggest problem. Considered a pac brake but mechanic said it would be hard on engine? Any opinions?

Hi you need to post this in the 5th wheel forum or towing just don't double post. You might ask the moderator to move the posts

Not quite right - trailer brakes stop the weight on the trailer wheels, truck brakes stop the weight of the truck.
The right size fiver will not cause you to exceed any of the truck manufacturer ratings. Payload is the big one and a fiver pin weight will be more than you expect.
Figure out whats left of your truck payload once you, the family and "stuff" are loaded.
Do the math (and get a good brake controller!)
Hint:- you will be limited to a VERY small fiver!

On a truck that old payload is going to be around 1200 pounds. That includes fuel, passangers and everything else you might have on board. Dont forget hitch weight. Personally I would not consider fivers, go with a TT and you will have a lot of choices.

What??? Payload on that truck is 3,815lbs. You can pull lots of 5th wheels. 3/4 ton trucks are what pulls the majority of 5th wheels across this country. The brakes are same on Dodge 2500/3500.

I upgraded from a 01 2500, to a 2012 3500 SRW. Only difference was one spring, a jake brake, and worse mileage.

Welcome to the forum. I can't imagine an exhaust brake would have negative consequences on your engine unless maybe it has a kajillion miles on it. I have a PacBrake on my 04 5.9 and it works very nicely. Exhaust brakes are standard on 6.7 Cummins engines made after 2007. I might be wary of the transmission more so than stopping especially with an exhaust brake and properly dialed in trailer brakes. You will find many forum members here towing fivers with your approximate vintage truck.

Easily 12k loaded 5er.

Your truck has a 6042 RAWR. That model truck rear axle may weigh in the 2650-2750 lb range leaving the truck with around 3100-3200 lb payload in the bed.
If your truck has the 47RE auto tranny and a 3.54 gears then its limited to around 10k lb trailer.
If it has the manual tranny and a 4.10 gears its good for around 12k-13k lbs gross weight trailer.
There were two engine sizes in '99...
a 215 hp and 420 torque...
and the 235 hp and 460 torque.

The '89-98 12v needed 60 lb valve springs to be able to run a exhaust brake. The mechanic may have been thinking this.

The '99 5.9 Cummins should have the higher rated valve springs....the exhaust brake won't hurt the engine. I have a '03 5.9 HO 305/555 engine with a 6 speed manual and the Jacobs exhaust brake....no issues in 315k miles.

I just scaled my new to me 01 2500 LB Sport 4x4. 5/8 tank fuel and me. Front axle 4,280# rear 2,680#.

These second gen trucks in reality have 3500 rear spring pack. I towed a 12K Avion Platinum with my 98 12V no bags and it sat level and handled the RV well.

I have a 2000 LB 4X4. My truck is way past stock, it has a Dana 80 rear end, 271 transfer case, Allison transmission, 2008 front brakes, 2012 steering linkage, 19.5 wheels and tires. The rear leafs are the same as a 3500. I tow a 16000 lb 5th wheel and it stops with no problem.

EB hard on the engine??? You need a new Mechanic!!!