2005 1 ton Ram diesel

I am not a RAM expert but there are a lot of people driving even older diesels, 1990's models for example. Just so long as it has been well maintained, it should be OK. 160,000 miles on a diesel HD truck is nothing. Many have 500,000 miles on them.

I'd get a good diesel mechanic to go over it before you taking a long trip.

With that light weight TT I would not be buying an engine brake unless you personally are having a problem braking on downhill grades. I'm sure you know about downshifting to preserve the brakes when doing so.

The pac is a really nice addition (I have one) but with a 24' trailer it's a luxury and not a requirement.
As for longevity, it's really hard to tell but I would take that truck over any half ton.

I'm not a Dodge Ram expert either but have read many stories of early Rams with 250-350,000 miles on them. I see lots of them for sale with 300-400K on them. I wouldn't worry about yours with 160K.
Since you mentioned going to a smaller 24' trailer most any 1/2T with tow package should handle that.
If you keep your Ram to tow the smaller trailer you won't need the PacBrake addition. Just make sure the truck and trailer brakes are working properly.

There is nothing on the 2005 truck that can't be repaired for less than a new truck..You might better keep the truck you know rather, than the one you don't.

The PAC-Brake isn't a necessity, it's a nice to have, but your truck's 160k miles is proof it really isn't required.

Skip the Pac brake. Totally not needed for a 24ft camper. Save that $2500 for future repairs. I traded my 05 Dodge diesel in this last June with 160,000 miles on it. Only because I wanted a new truck, not because it was used up. It had a lot of life left in it.

2freelife;
While not an expert, I have had a 2004 and presently have a 2002 dodge cummins. The 5.9 will probably outlast the rest of the truck. My 2004 had 212000 KMs about 165000 miles and I hauled my Arctic Fox down to Mazatlan, Mexico and back and around Alberta and B.C.. No problems. While going up and down canyons and mountains the trucks engine brake worked quite well in Tow Haul mode.

Putting in a Pac brake would be a personal choice.

I don't know the condition of your truck but I would strongly recommend getting your front end checked out. The 5.9 is a heavy engine and the front end parts should be checked out .
My 2002 that I bought strictly for towing had the once over . At 200000 KMs it needed ball joints. I changed all the oils , transmission, rear end and rad fluid. I always did an oil change as soon as I got them home and took an oil sample to get tested to establish a baseline for future tests. With the amount of miles that I had on both trucks the oil samples came back with " normal wear" indicated. Now I'll get the oil tested every oil change so I know whats going on.
The older 5.9 are great engines but please be aware that if anything goes wrong, diesels are more expensive to repair than gassers. Something to consider.
One more thing, get your valve lash adjusted if it has never been done.
If you still have the trucks manual it will tell you how many miles for maintenance. But yeah, get your oil tested and they will tell you right away if your engine has normal wear. The 5.9 will run for ever with proper care.
I love my older Cummins 5.9 but diesels are not for everyone. Kind of long winded , I know.

srt20 wrote:
Skip the Pac brake. Totally not needed for a 24ft camper. Save that $2500 for future repairs. I traded my 05 Dodge diesel in this last June with 160,000 miles on it. Only because I wanted a new truck, not because it was used up. It had a lot of life left in it.

I’m guessing you have not towed 6-7% grades.

OP I HIGHLY ADVISE GETTING THE PacBrake. You will have full control and fresh brakes anytime you may need them.

Get the truck serviced and go enjoy life!!!

Cummins12V98 wrote:

srt20 wrote:
Skip the Pac brake. Totally not needed for a 24ft camper. Save that $2500 for future repairs. I traded my 05 Dodge diesel in this last June with 160,000 miles on it. Only because I wanted a new truck, not because it was used up. It had a lot of life left in it.

I’m guessing you have not towed 6-7% grades.

OP I HIGHLY ADVISE GETTING THE PacBrake. You will have full control and fresh brakes anytime you may need them.

Get the truck serviced and go enjoy life!!!

I towed heavy loads in the cascades for years, and never had one.

I towed a 10K GVW 5th wheel for ten years in the west coast mountains with a 2001 auto with no exhaust brake including a trip from the west coast to Newfoundland back. As long as you are careful about speed control on hills, it isn't an issue. The 48RE's should be better as I believe the torque converter locks in second gear which it didn't with the 47RE. That said an EB would have been very nice and I love the one on my present truck. Some early 48RE's had an issue with thrust washer wear when using an EB. You might want to check that out.

Tom/Barb wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

srt20 wrote:
Skip the Pac brake. Totally not needed for a 24ft camper. Save that $2500 for future repairs. I traded my 05 Dodge diesel in this last June with 160,000 miles on it. Only because I wanted a new truck, not because it was used up. It had a lot of life left in it.

I’m guessing you have not towed 6-7% grades.

OP I HIGHLY ADVISE GETTING THE PacBrake. You will have full control and fresh brakes anytime you may need them.

Get the truck serviced and go enjoy life!!!

I towed heavy loads in the cascades for years, and never had one.

Well there is no greater feeling than NEVER touching the service brakes on a long steep grade!
The $2,500 installed is a decent price the kit is about $1,800 so $700 for install is reasonable.
I installed turbo mounted PacBrake on our 2001, down hills were never an issue.
My DD has a 2004 3500 DRW to tow her four horse GN trailer, I will he installing a PacBrake this spring.