What could cause shudder towing a Ram 3500: torque converter or carrier bearing?

[Sofia_M]

I've got a 2016 Ram 3500 with the 6.7 Cummins that's developed a pretty significant shudder when I'm towing my 14k gooseneck, but only under moderate acceleration around 45-55 mph. The truck has just over 120k miles and the transmission fluid was changed at 100k. I'm wondering if this points more towards a torque converter issue or something in the driveline, like a carrier bearing.

[AndrewFJ]

I had a similar shudder when I towed heavy with my Ram and it showed up around that speed. I checked the drive shaft and the carrier bearing and there was a little play so I kept an eye on it and kept driving.

[Justin.S]

In my experience the torque converter can cause a shudder if the lock up clutch is glazing or slipping under load with a heavy trailer. So a quick check of transmission pressure and watching the torque converter lock up while pulling can point you in that direction.

[GaryH]

Could it be that the real issue is a worn universal joint or a mis aligned hitch? I am not sure.

[Stephen25]

I chased tire balance first and it was fine. Then I checked a loose exhaust hanger and that shook the frame a bit but the shudder stayed when towing. I still am not sure where it comes from.