I picked up my new 'home', an 08 36' 12,200 unloaded, 15,600 gvw Fifth Wheel. At p/u I believe it close to 14,000 with generator etc.. I took a buddy with a CDL, fifth wheel experience, just for any insight/tips. (He drives an 05 Dodge Cummins 3500 drw). We load up, the trailer squats my truck about 2+ inches (this unit looked a lot smaller sitting with the others). We drive to the freeway, checking braking, stopping distance, turning radius etc.. When we hit the freeway on ramp, a Lexus suv hits the brakes at the freeway entrance while he checks the clear freeway for traffic. I nail it, move to the fast lane and pass as the freeway becomes a slight uphill grade. He realizes a p/u pulling a monster fifth wheel is going around and attempts to pass on the right. He can cannot pull on the 6.7, and drops behind us as we pass a semi (at 73-75 mph). My buddy cannot believe it, saying his truck with his identical trailer would never be able to do that. He kept asking about engine temps, stating his Cummins temp would climb in a hard pull at wot. Acceleration, stopping, and just cruising, using tow/haul he was impressed with the setup (I know comparing the two is not apples to apples, just relating a Dodge owners comments). The 6.7 oil temp never climbed more than 3-5 degrees in repeated wot passing situations at speed. My buddy kept saying, it doesn't know the trailer is back there. This truck is a beast, with 65 more pounds of torque, it'll be like a beast on steroids
....
(.....and I do keep right unless passing!!
)
08-07-2010, 04:45 AM
Glad you're happy with it!
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