Am I in the safe range, should build it up? Need help!

[Chuck___]

First off:

I have been trying to know exactly what my truck can safely tow and what is the maximum 5th wheel weight I can "safety handle".
My neighbor who is a professional truck driver and his mechanic has told me that to just drive sensibility, within the speed limit, weather conditions and so on. The mechanic told me he has a truck like mine and has tow up to 18,000 lbs tailors. The only problem he had is with the power up hills. I get so many different figures and stories form charts specification sheet, VIN number specs and people I don't know what and who to believe.
I need to know numbers and if I am calcuating right. and any other advice.

1999 Dodge Cub/Quad cab 2-wheel drive SLT Automatic Tran, Turbo diesel, 24V with 160,000 miles:
My tires at 10 ply 17 inch, rated for 3,000 for each tire. Yes, I witched the tires because I found a new set of rims and tires cheep E rated 10 ply. Still have the old 16" rims.
VIN #: 1B7KC2360XJ636854


On the drivers door: GVWR= 8,800
Front GAWR= 4,410
Rear GAWR= 6,084

Weight at Scale:Front Axle= 3,880
Rear Axle= 2,780
Total weight= 6,540

Pin weight calculation? 2 people weight: 350 lbs
Hitch weight: 250 lbs.
Food and extra inside truck: 50 lbs.
Total : 650 lbs.

Weighted truck:6,540 plus extra weight Total: 6,540+650= 7,190 lbs.

Pin Weight: GVWR 8,800-7,190= 1,610 lbs.

On page 148 of my owner's manual: Axle Ratio: 4.10 I have a 3.54 rear end?

GCWR= 18,000 and a Max Trailer Wt. of 12,000 But I have 3.54 gears?
Do I cut it down to GCWR= 16,000 and the Max Trailer Wt.= 10,200 ????

So, using cancellations, maximum 5th wheel weight: GCWR=18,000- truck 7,190 lbs = 10,810 lbs. 5th wheel?????

20% of 10,810 is 2,162 lbs. looks like I am over my pin weight?

I don't know if I am reading to manual right or if my calculations are right.


I been told if I put a couple of thousand dollars into the truck it be will worth it; thinking up to $5,000 or so. The truck is still good shape. Should I install air bags, extra leaf springs, exhaust brake, bigger tires and disc brakes for the rear end? Is it worth it for a 1999 3/4 ton truck with only 160,000 miles.

I had the transmission rebuilt; asking to have it built extra heavy duty with shift kit and cooler. Also had ball joints and bearing done for the new front end, new rotters, drums and brakes this year.

I hate to shell out $65,000 to $75,000 or more of a new/newer 350 if not needed.

Been looking at 2005 to 2008 Alpenlite and or used Arctic Fox (Northwood) 5th wheels. Hoping the weight wouldn't be too much.


Help, I need it. Going crazy!

Charles in Salem, Oregon

[laknox]

Off the top of my head, both trailers would likely =seriously= overload that old boy. Either find lighter FWs or shell out for a newer truck. Being a GM guy, I'd tell you to look for a nice 3500 SRW Duramax/Allison. Depending on condition and mileage, they can be had for well < $40k. Have seen some nice ones under $30k, but with higher miles. My personal fave (along with thousands of others) is an early '07 with the LBZ engine. No emissions b.s. (DEF or DPF) and excellent h.p. and torque.

Lyle