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Old 03-19-2013, 04:03 PM   #1
poolboy59
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2005 2980RL

Hello I just purchased a 2005 2980RL This is my first 5th wheel and I am excited but wary about going from a 6500 lb travel trailer to a 10060 lb 5th wheel trailer. I live in Oregon and go over some steep hills so I am wondering how my 2001 GMC duramax 2500HD will handle this bigger load. I would love to hear from fellow Montana owners that have a similar setup
 
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Old 03-20-2013, 02:45 AM   #2
camper4
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I used to run a 2003, F250 diesel towing a 2005 2955rl. It towed just fine.
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Old 03-20-2013, 04:00 AM   #3
GregN
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As you can see from my signature, that is my rig. I have been up and down the Ashland Grade a few times. I will admit with the older truck, I don't fly up the hills, but I get there. I found the adding an exhaust brake helps a great deal, coming down the hills. Compared to driving that grade without it, night and day. Some hills when on the downside, I have to step on the go pedal, as the exhaust brake slows me down that much. Sure saves on the brakes, as I am hardly on them. The engine size in the 2500, is the same as the 3500. You will notice you are not as fast going up the hills. I have seen some newer trucks, pulling rigs, as big as mine, just fly up the hills. But that puts stress on the engine. Let the tranny do it's work. You might want to look into putting air ride on the back axle of your truck,for the new weight, I know I like mine.
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Old 03-20-2013, 04:53 AM   #4
poolboy59
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Thank you for the replies. After looking at the owners pictures I did notice some squat in the bed on a lot of the 3/4 ton trucks so air bags are probably in my future.
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Old 03-20-2013, 05:29 AM   #5
Gorgeguy
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Hello fellow Oregonian,
Two years ago I got a 2006 2955 RL and a 2004 Dodge 3500 with the smaller 5.9 Cummins. I have been very happy with the pair. I went from a 25' trailer being pulled by a Nissan Titan and I love the bette fuel mileage with the deisel. I may slow down a little on a long steep hill but who cares, I am not in a hurry anymore. The only thing I had to (and still have to) watch is the turning. The fifth wheel turns shorter than the truck since it pivots in the middle of the truck bed. We have gone to Arizona and S. Calif. the last two winters and my old Dodge pulls the 5er very well.
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Old 03-20-2013, 10:36 AM   #6
gitrdun
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I have a 2005 Duramax 2500 no worries your truck will handle it I also have a 2006 2980RL I would advise air bags stops the squatting and the ride is better have fun
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Old 03-20-2013, 02:00 PM   #7
Hooker
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Your D/A will "pull" fine, check the pin weight and GCWR.
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Old 03-20-2013, 02:53 PM   #8
PackerFan
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I used to have a 2004 2980RL and pulled it with a 1990 Dodge 2500 and it did it just fine. I lived just south of Bend, Oregon then and pulled that 5'er all over Oregon with no problems at all. I also pulled it to Wisconsin over the rocky mtn. and it did a great job. You have no worries at all. I would also suggest you add some "Air Bags" to the truck though. I had them on mine then and it really helped a lot.

Good luck and enjoy your new rig!
Scott
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Old 03-20-2013, 02:54 PM   #9
Biggjb
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by poolboy59

Hello I just purchased a 2005 2980RL This is my first 5th wheel and I am excited but wary about going from a 6500 lb travel trailer to a 10060 lb 5th wheel trailer. I live in Oregon and go over some steep hills so I am wondering how my 2001 GMC duramax 2500HD will handle this bigger load. I would love to hear from fellow Montana owners that have a similar setup
Hello, I have a 2009 2980RL. It tips the scales a little over 11,000 1bs dry. I pull it with a 2005 F250 SD diesel. My truck has a camper kit and I don't notice much of sag in the back. I have pulled my trailer through the Adirondack park and on some of those steep slopes I slowed down to around 40 mph and like others have said, I was not in hurry and I had no problems. Your truck should have no problems.
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