Need Some More Power! How To Increase Towing Capacity for 5th Wheel

[jmlnarik]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to increase towing performance. I own a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel, and it hauls my 10,000 lb 5th wheel pretty dang good, but....I could always use more towing power. Especially since I'm going to be heading up a very steep elevation grade (reaching up to 5,500 feet) in a few short weeks.

Have you made any modifications that made a strong, noticeable difference to your trucks to improve your towing performance? I'd love to hear about it.

[redhooker]

As someone that has spent more tuning diesels than I care to admit, I will offer this.

You can improve your power quite easily. But I would never do it to a truck I was towing 10k with. That increase in power is going to cost you in terms of jacked up EGTs, strain on your torque converter, and taking your fuel pump and injectors to the limits.

In short, if I tune a CTD, PS, or Duramax I would not run the tune towing, which does nothing to help what you are asking. The Cummins is a beast stock, the weight you pull may seem light compared to what you are rated to tow but the reality is it’s a lot to pull uphill and the truck is likely going as fast as it should withou breaking something.

The only “safe” improvement for pulling uphill would be a final gear change, but that will cost a lot of GPMs on a daily basis. JMHO

[W5CI]

Get a New truck you will be surprised at how much more power they have. and a 10 K 5er is a Light Weight trailer

[consolenut]

your in an rv. whats the hurry. gear down and pull enjoy the ride.

[laj]

depending how far you want to go, i would go:
5” exhaust with only. a resonator on it
cold air intake
larger injectors
tuner
full gauge package.
aftermarket cac
different turbo
the rest is internal stuff. lots of money then.

[Bob_C]

I went with one size up in injectors, 4" exhaust with muffler, better air filter.....already had an updated injection pump, and now an upgraded trans.......big difference...and I have a full gauge package

[Finance]

Redhooker gave you excellent advice. Turning up the wick on a tow vehicle is just the first step in a long, expensive journey.

[jacknife]

If you can afford it pick up a late model used. I had an 06. Bought a 14 Ram the power difference was about 10 miles per hr up a 7 to 8 percent grade 3 miles to go my house. Pulling 14000 speed limit is 50 which it will do. 68RFE , 342 Gears 800 lbs of torque .

[Old-Biscuit]

I have a 2007 3500 with the 5.9L and tow a 14K 5th wheel....never needed more power and we spent 7 yrs FTng traveling every week all over the USA


Your 2008 2500 with that 6.7L is NOT lacking for power
Sit back relax and enjoy the trip

[jmlnarik]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I took this elevation grade once before with my 2005 Chevy 2500 Diesel and it died on the road, thankfully, after I made it up the mountain, but on small narrow, tight roads. Not a fun place to be with family in tow. I have a much better tow vehicle now, but that experience still haunts me!

[450Donn]

What is your rear end gear ratio?
Heck my 2007 6.7 Cummins dually pulled my 13,500 fiver with ease everywhere we wanted to go. Of course I had a 4.10 rear end ratio. I suspect yours is more like 3.30. Changing to 3.73 or even 4.10 would be a cheap easy way to increase your towing ability.

[bluepill]

Get a class A CDL and a Peterbilt tractor. Fear no incline.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by 450Donn

What is your rear end gear ratio?
Heck my 2007 6.7 Cummins dually pulled my 13,500 fiver with ease everywhere we wanted to go. Of course I had a 4.10 rear end ratio. I suspect yours is more like 3.30. Changing to 3.73 or even 4.10 would be a cheap easy way to increase your towing ability.

If OP has an Auto...3:73 or 4:10
If OP has a Manual...3:42/3:73/4:10


OP is having anxiety from bad experience using a CHEVY
He's got a RAM now and will NOT have same issue

[Oversoul]

So, how much more power do those gauges give you anyways??????