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gat75's avatar
gat75
Explorer
Jun 30, 2013

Will tow/haul & manual shift stop GMC 2500 & 5th Wheel?

My Wife & I am planning on taking a 6000+ mi trip this fall, we will be going to Yellowstone, Redwood Nat Park, Yosemite and G Canyon. I was told by a friend that did this same trip that I should look into purchasing an exhaust brake for my truck. I have a 2009 GMC 2500 with 365HP Allison/duramax that I bought new in 11-2009. I tow a 2010 34-foot Forrest River Blue Ridge “full-profile” 5th wheel. The truck and 5th wheel were weighed on CAT scales. The combined loaded weight was 19,080 lbs. The truck manual states that max GCWR weight should not exceed 22,000 lbs, so I should be OK on this end. I checked with local GM dealer, only to be told that there is no optional factory brake available for the 2009 model. She further stated that I will void my 100,000 mi factory warranty if I buy an aftermarket brake. Does anyone have this same year-model truck with a trailer of approx. same weight that has traversed this route? My truck weighs 7680, 5th wheel weighs 11,400. I have pulled this trailer all the way from east Texas to Wash DC with no issues of going up or down grades, however I know that the western side of US has long, steep mountains; (have already pulled a 27 foot 5th wheel to Estes Park Colorado from east Texas with a 2001 F-250 about 8 years ago). I am wondering how the “tow-haul mode” (along with manual shifting) works in practice on the really rough stuff. Main thing, I want to be able to stop this rig without any problems. Thanks in advance for any tips, help!!
Tow Vehicles
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    Tow Haul Grade Braking is an awesome feature of the Allison. It will work just fine for you. You don't need to add an exhaust brake.

    Just don't be alarmed when the engine screams a little and the RPM's jump UP when Grade Brake engages.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    The exhaust brake is really just one of those nice to have items. You really don't need it. As stated the Allison trans is your friend. Use the manual downshifts and engine braking. It one of the best combos on the road. There are thousands of D/A's out there taking on those grades every day....
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    ....well remember, your trailer also has brakes...that too will help....Your under weight on your trucks specs...I'd say use your T/H option and down shift on the shifter when going down a steep hill..The allison with it's grade braking, along with the manual downshifting you can do along with the brakes on your trailer ought to be enough. "IF" you really want to add an exhaust brake, make sure you purchase one that is adaptable to your D/A combo...I know Banks use to make one for the D/A and I understand it was a pretty good one.

    But again, you're not overweight, you have T/H, manual downshifter, the Allison grade braking and you have the brakes on your trailer...unless you want to spend more money, I think you will be ok...but it's more an opinion thing with me...

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