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2freelife's avatar
2freelife
Explorer
Feb 03, 2019

2005 1 ton Ram diesel

In 2005 my husband & I went fulltime with a large 5th wheel & our new from the factory Ram. We fulltimed for almost 8 years. The truck now has 160,000 miles on it. It seems to run great. Have had very little trouble with it. Now I'm on my own, & would like to go back out on the road using this truck. A new one would be out of my price range. This truck did not have the pac brake installed. It does have tow mode. It always did great, but I would feel more secure with the pac brake. That's the one the truck dealer recommended. I would love advise from any of you with experience with these trucks if it would be a good idea for me to add the extra accessory brake? It will cost $2500. Do you believe my Ram will last? I could afford a used 1/2 ton if it failed, but nothing new. I will be pulling a 24ft camper. I don't want to go with a large one at this point
Tow Vehicles
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2019
    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.
  • George3037's avatar
    George3037
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2019
    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.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 03, 2019
    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.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Feb 03, 2019
    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.

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