What upgrades do I need for a 42 ft 5th wheel?!
 

Alright guys I have a 99 2500 cummins. I just put on a 3 piece manifold and added EGT, Fuel Pressure, and Trans temp gauges. I just flushed the radiator bc it was getting hot to easy and it made a TON of difference. I also have a banks big hoss tuner on board. Not very satisfied with it but I picked it up on craigslist for $40 and it works. I've also installed a 4 inch no muffler MBRP exhaust and am about to install tow mirrors and hawk SD brake pads and rotors this weekend. I told you all that to ask what else I need to get to haul a 42 foot 5th wheel?!?! I know I need air bags but not sure what brand is the best and is it worth it to mount a compressor? Also should I get new shocks with the bags or does that matter? I'm about to purchase a cold air intake just not sure which brand? Do I need a deeper trans pan? That banks tuner only has 1 setting so I'm debating on whether to get one with a few different settings also? Sorry for all the questions but I could use some insight and wisdom. Thanks for the help!

Air Bags from Tweetys the cheapest around AirLift., I do like my exhaust brake many different brands I have pacbrake. I needed a SuperGlide hitch for my shortbed. I have a built auto, so either a manual trans or at minimum for an auto a upgraded torque converter, valve body upgrade. I have some thoughts on water meth injection for lower egt and some added power.

If you have an automatic you be nice to it until the converter locks and then you still have to be a little nice to it. If you ad power you will kill it. Don't use OD until above 45-50 MPH depending upon gearing. Keep the engine above 1700 RPM

Gauges for EGT, trans temp (if auto), fuel pressure and boost

Aftermarket lift pump to help your VP last longer, keep fuel pressure above 10 psi.

programmer with a boost elbow and fooler.

After this, then be careful cos its easy and relatively cheap to make power in these trucks and it is addicting....... Have fun :tu:

You have a lot of camper for a 3/4 ton, so try to keep it under 80!!

I have done air bags on all my trucks. I did one with the built in compressor, It worked fine but I never used it. Not worth the money. I used firestone airbags with no problems.

I have water methanol on my 2012 cummins, I wouldn't do it again, better off spending money on a turbo or something.

I would say stick a little money into your transmission, that is the weakest part on your truck :c:

Alright thanks, I'll be as easy with it as I can. The tranny feels good so far, I haven't had any problems with it slipping so maybe it will do ok as long as im easy on it. What about my trans temp and EGT? About what temp should I try to keep those under? And I've read a couple places that the firestones are kinda known for leaking after a couple years. Have you had any problems like that with yours?

keep trans temp under 230* and you should be in good shape...235*+ cooks the ATF..

EGTs keep at 1250* or lower you can run over for short bursts just don't sustain temps over 1250* for long periods or you can potentially cause damage...

Upgrading the lift pump never hurts... but as long as you can stay above 10psi (above 14psi would be ideal) you should be in good shape.

exhaust brakes are definitely helpful with a heavy load.

assume you have a brake controller?

some rv275 injectors would help in the power department..

Alright thanks, helps to put numbers to it. I dont have a brake controller yet. Figured I'd wait till i bought a trailer and see if theyll throw it in with the deal. I've heard the way to go with those is digital? Also i was wondering about overload leaf springs. I was going to purchase some firestone bags the other day and they said they wouldn't fit with the overload springs. I could take them off thats not the problem, i just wondered if they would stand up to the wait of a trailer instead of having to purchase air bags?

that's what they are for... "over load" lol in other words when the weight in your truck exceeds factory rated capacity, the overloads are there to give it some extra weight capacity before bottoming out.

5th wheel shouldn't bottom it out though...

go to the dealership and get yourself a trailer brake adapter. it will plug in under your dash and then the brake controller plugs into it. saves you from having to vampire tap wires..

Ya i know the purpose of the "over load" springs i just didn't know the weight capacity difference between those and air bags. The firestone bags i was looking at had like 5000 lb capacity, wouldn't think the over load springs would be near that much. I'll go by the dealership and see about a trailer brake adapter also. thanks

snow performance water methanol kit MPGMAX will be a great addition.

It will increase MPG, cooler temps, better efficiency and will give you boost and EGT gauges. We stocked up on some during a promotion.