ErikL
Newbie
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum. I just purchased a '99 GMC C3500 dually with the 7.4L and ~125,000 miles on it. I bought it so I could occaisonally tow a fifth wheel or bumper pull camper in the summer (upgrading from SUV+tent trailer). Apparently the original owner used the GMC in the summer for his landscaping company (no rust, which is a rarity in these parts). I'll be spending the winter sorting out the work I'll need to do to make sure it's safe for towing in the summer. I'd appreciate your thoughts on areas I should focus on (I've never owned a dually before).
Ideally, I'd like to find a late-'90s fifth wheel camper with dry weight <=5000 lbs and <25 ft long. Alternatively, same weight and length bumper pull camper. I'm not at all interested in towing a very long or heavy unit. I intend to be well under the max GCWR for the truck. I bought a dually so I wouldn't have to worry about exceeding payload.
In the spring I intend to service the transmission (don't know if pan is stock or deep), brakes, change all fluids and spark plugs (basic maintenance), change shocks. Other observations/thoughts:
Any thoughts on areas I absolutely should focus on or address? Your input is greatly appreciated.
I'm new to the forum. I just purchased a '99 GMC C3500 dually with the 7.4L and ~125,000 miles on it. I bought it so I could occaisonally tow a fifth wheel or bumper pull camper in the summer (upgrading from SUV+tent trailer). Apparently the original owner used the GMC in the summer for his landscaping company (no rust, which is a rarity in these parts). I'll be spending the winter sorting out the work I'll need to do to make sure it's safe for towing in the summer. I'd appreciate your thoughts on areas I should focus on (I've never owned a dually before).
Ideally, I'd like to find a late-'90s fifth wheel camper with dry weight <=5000 lbs and <25 ft long. Alternatively, same weight and length bumper pull camper. I'm not at all interested in towing a very long or heavy unit. I intend to be well under the max GCWR for the truck. I bought a dually so I wouldn't have to worry about exceeding payload.
In the spring I intend to service the transmission (don't know if pan is stock or deep), brakes, change all fluids and spark plugs (basic maintenance), change shocks. Other observations/thoughts:
- No transmission temp gauge has been installed.
- Unloaded, transmission seems to shift smoothly.
- I don't smell any coolant leaks.
- No problems restarting when warm.
- Drivers side valve cover might have a little leak.
- The tires are relatively new (Firestone Transforce AT2, load range E).
- It has an old Tekonsha Voyager brake controller. I'll probably move my Tekonsha P3 from my SUV to the GMC.
- Considering replacing shocks with Bilstein 4600 series.
- Has old fifth wheel rails installed for DSP hitch (rails run longitudinally from tailgate to cab). Will replace with universal rails and new hitch if I get a fifth wheel camper.
Any thoughts on areas I absolutely should focus on or address? Your input is greatly appreciated.