Were in approximately the same position as Suse1023 but own a '99 Dodge 3500/Cummins extended cab, 4X4, a 5 speed manual, stock ratio rear end, Boost and EGT gauges and 63,000 original miles. Back when he was still doing it, we had TST Products program the computer to the motorhome spec, 285 HP and 703 torque. Fuel mileage went up as did mid range power. Interesting that we also pulled a goose neck horse trailer.
Haven't bought anything yet; still kicking tires from afar.
We like 5'ers like the Alpine 3495FL with the living room, forward. This weights in at 12,377 empty with a hitch weight of 2295. Owners manual alludes to a tow capacity of 13,300 but is a bit cryptic on that. Of course the dealer sez "it'll pull just fine.., yada, yada, yada....." The gross on our horse trailer was 12,300 and it pulled over the Blue Ridge w/ little problem but I doubt we ever had it fully loaded. Close, but not full my guess.
Should we pull the trigger on an RV, I'm planning to drain the lube oil from the tranny, transfer case, differentials, etc.... and replace them with synthetic. A PacBrake exhaust brake will certainly be in our future. The brakes need an overhaul, probably going to put Performance Friction brake pads on the front.
That's our "thumbnail plan," subject to change at this point. Comments?
