[AT] Tractor hauler questions

[Ken Knierim]

I'm toying with the idea of upgrading my tractor hauling rig. I've
been towing with my Blazer for long enough it's showing the strain.

I'm looking at a '97 12V Cummins-powered Dodge with extended cab and
5th wheel hitch that's been used to haul a 33 foot travel trailer
around. The truck has 140K+ miles on it. Automatic trans, they changed
the rear gears from 3.54 to 4:10 and upgraded a number of things under
the hood. In short, they've used it for pulling some pretty heavy
stuff up some serious hills. (brake controller, different injectors,
turbo, exhaust, exhaust brake, gages on the pillar, Kelderman air
suspension, finned pans on rear diff and trans, etc).

Asking price is under $8K which seems to be OK for this area. Being a
Chevy guy this is somewhat outside my normal circle.

I don't have a 5th wheel trailer and don't know that I want to go that
big. Having a rig stout enough to haul comfortably would be a great
upgrade though.

Not being familiar with these, what are the common failures to watch
out for, and how do I know if it's trouble?

Thanks

Ken in AZ