Towing 5th wheel with w250?

[fxr3]

I have towed 10,000lb.plus boats and travel trailers with "w" and my old "D". I bought both for towing in the first place. Coming from 1/2 tons both times- they were capable tractors. Comfort and steering never mattered- the boat did.
Now, semi-retired, I plan on 5th wheeling around part time. My 93 w250(4"lift) is cherry by any standards, club cab, plush, auto, 115k mi. and have owned it for a decade.
I was going to trade up to later any make 2 wheel drive…… until I started pricing them. $15k and up for "big truck" miles on them!

How is life with a 12k lb. 5th wheel dragging behind a w250 everywhere you go?

[RCCUMMINS89]

With air bags... UPGRADED BRAKES... and a touch of performance here and there... it won't be too bad. Oh, and you'll need some trans upgrades (tq converter, maybe a valve body)

[fxr3]

I have the performance upgrades(and the gauges) and the air bags. Had something done to transmission years ago, with goal to improve "lock up". Might be ok there too. Brakes- no upgrades, but would. And, agree they run counter to main argument for 3/4 ton "Its not the oversize rear differential, heavy springs and all the extra lug nuts- its the big heavy duty brakes you benefit from in a 3/4 ton"! Undoubtedly true, just not on my old dodge.

[ellis93]

You'll be fine. I tow heavy all the time,I just worry over my tires and set the trailer brakes tight.

Just the truck/trailer weight is 12.5k.....add almost anything and your rubbing 20. That's always manageable/comfortable for my truck.

As for the brakes.....from the 3shoe/ton truck wheel cylinders mod experience I've had I'd say its a worthy upgrade but not a cure all. If I had it to do again I'd have went a different route......hydroboost. That's really the money shot,cure for the brakes on these trucks.

[fxr3]

I'm gonna look for a hitch. And peruse this site for brake upgrades. I don't even mind going down big grades slow with little or no braking effort, seems tranny holds if you put in 4x4. There will be plenty testing before I shoot down grapevine in the fast lane! Skateboards to biggest earth movers- nothing scarier than not being able to stop going downhill!

[fxr3]

Any fifth wheel hitch especially good for W250? Looks like their are plenty of choices…...

[PToombs]

An exhaust brake will be more help than bigger brakes, might want to look into one of those too.

[DodgeFreak]

Do they make a retarder that you could put on the back of the tcase???

[Gots_a_sol]

Hydroboost assist in my truck is definitely the #1 thing I've ever done to it.

The first time I tried to stop while towing and didn't have any vacuum assist made that decision easy.

[BILTIT]

I tow the below a few times a year, its pushing 12k behind the truck. I would have no problem towing it alot more but would want better brakes. I would do hydroboost and exhaust brake, maybe exhaust brake first and it may be enough? I do have airbags and they work great!

[fxr3]

HYDROBOOST seems like it is what I am going to check out. It likely influences the brake pedal to truck stopping across the board. I've kept downhill stuff in check more than once by putting it in 4h or 4l and let gearing help.
Is there a specific HYDROBOOST kit for our trucks? Seems like posts I've read are like " I went to junkyard, pulled one off 1975 Vega and with a little jungle engineering……….".

[fxr3]

I like the option of tow behind the tow! Show em "whats up" down the highway, then really show them "whats up" backing the boat in water without removing 5th wheel trailer! Replace your hot rod boat with a docile 17ft. boston Whaler……. and its situation I daydream about! Nice!