dodge 3500 HO 5.9 diesel short bed

[Montana_1648]

Good Morning all,

Are any of you pulling 5ers with a 2003/2004 dodge 3500 HO 5.9 diesel short bed? We are looking at the 32 foot montie, and wondering if this truck will do the job.

I am ready to buy a truck now, and haven't heard much about how well this truck pulls a trailer. Is it a great truck? How durable? What is the kingpin rating please?

You all are great, I can't wait to start pulling! Thanks in advance,
Fred

[Montana_657]

I drag around a 3670 with an 02 2500 6 speed long box. If that 3500 has the 4:1 rear end it's rated to haul 16,000 lbs or so. Check the gross weight on the sticker. If the GVWR is 23,000 it's the big one. Course, 23,000 exceeds most G rated drivers licences ... here we are only allowed to drive 20,000 without a upgrade.

[Flastro]

Like Gruffy stated, check your specs on the truck, but Im sure a 3500 can handle it with no problem. Unless it was some special ordered unit with light duty packages. It should do just fine. Good Luck !

[sreigle]

Fred, I don't have the Dodge but lots of folks here have the Dodge with the Cummins. I don't think there's a Montana out there you couldn't handle just fine with that truck. You will want to compare numbers to make yourself comfortable, GVWR, GCWR, and, especially, GAWR. But I think you'll find it will do a terrific job for you.

We also have the shortbed. I'd very highly recommend you get a slider hitch, whether manual slider or automatic.

Good luck. Smart choice on buying a Montana, too!

[harleyrider]

As you see by my sig.i am pulling Montana with this truck.And it preforms wonderfully.Have no regreats at all with the Dodge.You will be fine-don`t worry.

[palebluedot]

Our 02 3500 DRW (see sign.) pulls the 3280RL (over 34 Ft.) great. This truck has the 2nd generation Cummins engine (loud!!) The 03 models were the first with the 3rd generation engines (very quiet and more HP & torque). If you buy an 04.5 model built after Jan 1, 2004, you will get the new 600 Cummins engine with 325 HP & 600 ft. lb. of torque. This compares to 245 HP & 505 ft. lb. of torque for our 02. Dodge now has the 3500 available as single rear wheel or dually. The dually will have more weight carrying capacity for the high pin weight of 5ers - but SRW may be fine in your case. As others have advised, check the weight capacities for you specific case. It's a great truck, you won't be disappointed.

[Montana_1648]

Hey There all,
You have all been so kind to share your thoughts openly. The fears of coming into this whole camping thing are slipping away, and I feel that by the time we finally hook up a rig and a truck, (hoping by september for a family trip to the Keys) Are being replaced with great excitement and anticipation of the many good times to come.
You have all been so much help, Thanks!!!

Fred

[Flastro]

You will love it! The Dodge will do you a fine job and the Montana is a great choice. Since my first travel trailer four years ago, theres no turning back now!!!

[H. John Kohl]

I have the 3500 HO, six speed and 3.73 rearend. It does a good job but by specs the trailer is a little heavy for it. 21000 is max gross for my truck. truck and trailer weight almost 23000 and do 7% grades at 45 mph. I did put the exhause brake "Jacobs which is Dodge warrented".

With the short bed you will want a sliding hitch from what I have read. Do check the hitch Weight limit on your short bed. My Big Sky comes in at 3000 which is about 22%. I am told the recommendation is 20% to 25%.

Good luck

John