Fifth Wheel

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.

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.

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.

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!

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