and would welcome input from you folks. I imagine my question/s have been asked before, but I don't know what search topic to use. So please point me to them if you've already answered them.

My wife and I will pull a two horse trailer several times a year. We will also be purchasing (in the near future) a TT fiver(I just learned that term here, reading these boards )that will weigh 8-13k and be about 35' in length(haven't picked the brand yet).

I've just spent the last 3-4 hours reading these boards and am leaning toward the the 03 or 04 3500 with leather interior, HO cummins, DRW, tow pkg, auto(for my wife). I'm not anxious to take the first year depreciation hit on the vehicle's value by buying new, but will if that's the best answer.

If I don't purchase a new one, what year and what model to buy? with what equipment?

And the same question if I do buy a new one, with what equipment as must have and then would be nice to have. I thank you in advance for you thoughtful advice. Bill (PS- it'll be a daily driver for me towing/hauling nothing)

 

The truck you've got picked out will do pretty much whatever you want. As far as equipment, most here who tow will recommend an exhaust brake....which you can get as an option on the truck when you order/buy it.

If you weren't getting that fiver I'd recommend getting the SRW since it will be a daily driver, but towing a 13K pound fiver I'd say the DRW is the way to go....and you'll probably want the tow mirrors.

Oh yeah....WELCOME!!! ;D

 

Welcome to the site! ;D

Good advice from Hoss. :-[

Personally, I would get a new one if it fits your budget. Custom ordered.


Tony

 

Thanks both to Hoss and Tony. I look forward to more good input.

Hoss's reply about the exhaust brake now leads me to ask where I can find a good, basic, site to tell me about things like "what an exhaust brake is". Kinda like "trucks 101"(I just ran that in google and the first two pages did not yield much). Bill

 

THIS will give you a decent idea of how exhaust brakes work, although this description is for an engine brake. Engine brakes and exhaust brakes work a little differently, but the basic function is the same....they use the engine exhaust to slow the truck down and therefore save wear and tear on your brakes.

Someone else can tell you the details, but when activated an exhaust brake basically puts backpressure on the engine in a manner that forces the engine to slow your truck down so you don't have to use the brakes as much...or at least that's the way I understand it.

I believe on the Dodge you have to get the 6 speed manual transmission in order to get the exhaust brake, but I could be wrong.

 

Click on the Pac-Brake banner at the top of the page and tour their site. Lots of great info there, and you should come back with most of your questions answered

 

Congrats on your decision !!! I think you are right on the mark as far as the truck goes. Like Tony said, buy what you can afford ... don't skimp if you don't have to.

PISTOL

 

Thank you Hoss for the "howstuffworks" site, Lary for the Pac-Brake info and PistolWhipt for the general support.All good info. I'm on my way through the learning curve and enjoying the ride. That's all for this thread. Bill

 

Welcome. As you said you were getting an auto (for the wife ) as of now you can't use an exhaust brake with the 48RE and have a warranty. Jacob has an excellent web site that will tell you the difference between an engine brake and an exhaust brake. They both use exhaust to slow the vehicle but that is about it. They are different. Enjoy your truck, and be careful towing the 5ver. If this is your first truck then you should get some pointers from experienced trailer people. Many here on this site.

Read this:

http://www.bernhardbus.com/theory.htm

 

Thanks Paul. From the way you worded your message, I presume the engine brake would not void the warranty, whereas the exhaust brake would?

And, yea, I want my wife be able to safely drive the truck towing a horse trailer. (Is "woman driving a truck" an oxymoron? ) Bill

 

Engine brakes are not available for our 5.9 engines. Only the exhaust brake. Only on standard transmission trucks. (from Jacob anyway.) Lots of women drive truck/trailer. Drive safe.

 

Thank you Paul.
So, for my clarity, there is nothing else availabe for a 5.9/automatic to help slow down the truck? that won't void the warranty?(I'm not trying to be dense, just clear in understanding) Bill

 

Go for it.....you love it, I do.