5.9 Cummins Diesel Towing capacity

[billy1davis]

We are looking very seriously at a 5vr that total GVWR is 15,000 pounds.
My dodge dually is 2001 dually. JUst had the tranny completely rebuilt and it has been chipped. Not sure about being able to pull such a load over a mountain pass. Please advise asap???
Thanks so much

[cummins2014]

fj12ryder wrote:
Oh yeah, 4.10's make towing something that heavy, much easier. My truck has the 3.55 and you can definitely feel it in the mountains.

If I could have ran mine a little harder in the mountains the 99 7.3 Powerstroke would of done okay , but yes the ETG’s held me back. I did a lot to the 7.3 , exhaust , tuner , bigger intercooler , and air intake . The power was there but couldn’t use it . Got tired of 35-40 mph in second gear on some of the steep grades towing my fifth wheel . That all went away with this 6.7 Cummins

[fj12ryder]

Oh yeah, 4.10's make towing something that heavy, much easier. My truck has the 3.55 and you can definitely feel it in the mountains.

[Cummins12V98]

The 2nd gen RAM’s were very under rated. Throw a set of bags on it and have truck level when loaded. 4.10’s would be nice!!!

[JIMNLIN]

The Cummins will have no issues towing that kind of weight however the weak link is the 47RE auto tranny. The 47RE can be rebuilt to stand up to heavy towing duties. Now if the tranny is the 5 speed manual NV4500 or the 6 speed manual NV5600 then no problems.
You have the truck so like all truckers drop by a set of scales and get the trucks front and rear separate empty axle weights. That way you know how much payload the truck can carry.

On my 2001 all the door tag had was GVWR....FAWR...RAWR numbers. No payload numbers on the older trucks....eliminates confusion.

[fj12ryder]

I pull a 15,000 lb. toyhauler with my 2001 Dodge Cummins dually. It has higher HP injectors and a chip. It pulls just fine as long as I keep an eye on the EGT gauge, and don't overdo it.

I've been over quite a few passes, and sections of 6% grade. The truck has the power to pull at speed, but the EGT will go through the roof. It will tow easily at 70 mph, and 75 mph if the cruise isn't set, no issues, on flat to rolling highway of course. I do have the 6-speed manual so that may make a difference.

As for carrying capacity, the specs show the rear axle is rated for 7500 lbs., and my last trip to the scales showed 6300 lbs. on the drive axle. So provided you're not carrying a ton of stuff you should be okay. Be aware you will be over the GCVWR of 21,000 lbs. I'm at 23,000 lbs.

FWIW the GVWR for my toyhauler is 18,000 lbs., and I'm at 15,000 lbs.

[gkainz]

look inside your driver's side door frame for stickers with your load capacities

[MFL]

fj12ryder, on this forum is towing a triple axle heavy toy hauler with similar year truck 5.9 diesel, with no issue I've heard of. Maybe he will chime in.

Jerry

[billy1davis]

Allworth wrote:
You probably don't have the rear axle capacity to carry that pin weight, even with a dually (2001).

The engine will handle it fine. Maybe not at 70mph, but at any reasonable speed.

How do I find out ???

[Allworth]

You probably don't have the rear axle capacity to carry that pin weight, even with a dually (2001).

The engine will handle it fine. Maybe not at 70mph, but at any reasonable speed.