Hi guys,

Great forum. I'm considering getting a dodge 2500 with the cummins to pull a 5th wheel. I love the look and the size. I'm also looking at the F250 with the 7.3 but it's a little bigger than I really want as a daily driver. I know that both engines are workhorses that should last a lifetime. What I keep hearing, even from some dodge owners, is that dodge has a problem with their transmissions. I'd like to hear from people who have 50,000+ miles on thier trucks who have pulled loads from 9000 to 12,500 lbs and from anybody else who has some experience with the longevity of dodge transmissions. Does dodge have a gremilin in their transmission?

Thanks guys.

 

I've got 92k miles on my '00 2500 with no problems. I pull a 5th wheel @ about 8000-8500 lbs. The newer 48RE seems to have resolved any lingering trans issues.

You might pay particular attention to the GVWR of the 2500 with a 5th wheel attached. The pin weigt on most 5th wheels is going to put the 2500 right at or over the edge of GVWR. You should seriously consider the 3500, same engine drivetrain, just a big more muscle in the rear suspension.

Regards, Glenn

 

Ford has gremlins also!

 

Thanks Glenn,

Jimdl I know about the Ford gremlins. I own one of the notorious 4.2 six cylinders that love to drink water. This post was not intended to start a Dodge vs whoever issue and I hope it doesn't regress into one of "those" threads. I just want to hear from people like Glenn who have had good experiences or from people with negative experiences. My hope is that the transmission issue is like most things.. that is that the bad news travels fast and the good news never travels. I'm collecting information to try and make an informed decision.

Thanks again everybody.

 

Glen,

I thought the the GVWR had more to do with the load the axel could handle rather than the suspension. I've got a 2500 and was looking at both conventional trailers and 5th wheels. Do you think I would be ok by just adding additional suspension (extra leaf(s) shocks)?

 

i have a 1998 that has 98,000 miles that pulled a 5th wheel all of its life until i bought it. iv pulled a few trailers since i got it and not a problem one. but im not saying it cannot happen

 

Regarding GVWR,

Using my 2000 model Ram 2500 the numbers are;

GAWR (Gross Axle) Front 5200
Rear 6084
GVWR (Gross Vehicle) 8800
GCWR (Gross Combined) 16000


My truck weighs in at 6850lbs with me and a full fuel tank.
Add the 1650 lbs for the 5th wheel pin weight, a "few lbs for my wife, and 160 lbs for my two dogs, and I'm right at or slightly over the GVWR.

Your number will vary depending upon the pin weight of your 5th wheel. Adding an additional leaf spring will essentially bring it up to a 3500 equililent, however that does not Legally change your trucks ratings. If you were in an accident and the Highway patrol determines you were over weight in any of these ratings, you could be held liable.

 

98 2500 4x4 ext cab ctd---

Ihave 70k on mine, bought it used from someone I know ran the dog sh@t out of it and have pulled 20k lbs of trailer and farm tractor several times behind my truck w/no mods to suspension or engine /trans. I plan to put a shift correction kit in, but it does not require it. Also pull 35' 5th wheel w/2slides. 12k dry weight and can't tell it is behind you. Cummins.....nuff said!

 

I've got right at 149,000 miles on my 99 Qcab 2500 4x4. I do pull a 38' 5th wheel weighing 9,100 loaded up to the hills about once a month and have had no problems tranny wise. It would be a wise thing to have a aftermarket tranny cooler and a good gague to watch your temps (which I Dont have yet, comming soon) These trannies are tough if you dont abuse them.
Troy

 

I know this is probally totaly out there, but before my 06 CTD2500, I had a 02 1500 with the 5.9 and I use to tow a ~5000 lb trailer and around 70000 miles on the OD. the transmission would not go into first gear. I had to manually put it in....then around 75000 miles it just would not go in period( with or with out the trailer)....traded it in and got a new 2500...make sense?