Diesel Power is going to build the best tow rig possible using a stock diesel truck, and you can make the same modifications to your toy-hauler in the driveway without voiding the warranty. For our tow rig, we chose an '06 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab dualie with a 5.9L Cummins rated at 325 hp. We could have picked up a Ford Super Duty or GM Duramax truck with dual rear wheels, but decided the Dodge was the best buy because it just received upgrades to the interior and exterior. The GM and Ford trucks will get full makeovers in the near future, and that would leave us driving a "new" truck with an "old" look, plus it would hurt the resale value, so we grabbed a 1-ton Ram by the horns.
With our stock truck in hand, we started working on plans to build it into a cross-country hauler that will get better fuel economy, have more range, be more comfortable to tow with, and won't void the factory warranty. When it came to optioning the Ram, we began with a two-wheel-drive truck for a better ride and maximum fuel economy. An automatic transmission was then ordered for ease of operation. We chose the dual rear wheels to give the truck a bigger footprint for traction and stability when towing a large trailer loaded with project trucks. The trailer towing package was also ordered so the truck came with a seven-pin wiring harness, a 750-amp battery, and a Class IV trailer hitch.
 In preparation for installing...  In preparation for installing their less-restrictive after-cat Monster Exhaust system, the Banks staff used a Sawzall to cut out the factory muffler and tailpipe. This technique makes it easy for one person to remove the old parts, but good luck selling off your stock exhaust system. |  This '06 Dodge Ram 3500 with...  This '06 Dodge Ram 3500 with dual rear wheels will be transformed from a stock pickup to the ultimate tow rig in this and future issues of Diesel Power. |  The new Banks 4-inch Monster...  The new Banks 4-inch Monster muffler is a truly free-flowing design with straight-through flow and no baffling to build power-robbing backpressure or trap heat (a tower's worst enemy). |
 The new muffler slides on...  The new muffler slides on after the catalytic converter, which will remain untouched. Remember, all warranties must stay intact on our truck, so the emissions system can't be altered. |  Then the new 4-inch mandrel-bent...  Then the new 4-inch mandrel-bent tailpipe is snaked over the rear axle. Banks also offers this kit with dual exhaust outlets. |  After the new pipes are fitted...  After the new pipes are fitted together, check the clearance between the frame, axle, shock, and rear quarter panel. You can then tighten the new clamps and lock everything into place. |