I have accepted a job that requires me to haul a 5th wheel (13k) around the western US. My truck is stock other than ISSPRO gauges (pyro/boost/tranny temp), Smarty Jr.air b,ags and a BD steering stabilizer.

I don't know a lot about gearing but it has 4:10 gearing from the factory, I've read this setup is good for pulling heavy...


So my question is: What should I do to help avoid any damage/problems with tranny, or any other weak link.

I saw a harmonic balancer that used fluid to stop vibrations, sounds like a good idea to stop vibrations considering the long up hill hauls at higher R's.

Any input from someone that hauls heavy regularly would be much appreciated.

BTW the truck is the 05 in my sig.

 

You can beef up the trans with a torque converter and a valve body.

 

I pull a fiver thats approx 14700 loaded,23000 gross wt in the mtns of B.C. Can,approx 60000 miles on the truck. I run my edge on the 40 hp setting which is about it on a 7% grade keeping your foot in it.I keep the tranny serviced ,oil etc ,bands ,truck runs and pulls like new,fantastic trouble free truck.

 

I would do a tq converter and valve body, load the Smarty Jr on SW1 TM2 TQ4 and drive it.

 

What type of TQ conv. and valve body do you guys suggest? and about what cost? I don't know enough about these to make a decision.

 

Well isn't that the $64 question!?!?

I'm getting a Goerend. You should probably find someone close to you that will do the work unless you want to do it yourself, and see what they say.
Some like single disk, some triple and some even like the 5 disk. What I have learned though, is these parts go hand in hand. Personally I wouldn't buy a DTT torque converter and run an ATS valve body. You could, but I think you should really know what you are doing and then have the parts built per your specs.

On the other hand, you can talk to DTT, ATS, Goerend, Suncoast, HTS or Garmons and ask for an upgrade kit for your trans. A matching TC and VB per say. Parts that work together. Then replace the band strut and servo while you are in there, and you'll have a pretty tough trans for about $2,000.

Or you can do what I did, put in your own Transgo kit and run the trans until it dies, then spend $6k on a rebuild. Either way is fine.

 

I'm running basically the same set up. I engage the Juice in tow mode after I've reached my towing speed which is usually 62-63 mph. Cruise on. Never slows down, never downshifts, at that speed. I watch the EGT's on long pulls.
since I'm really not at the RPM I need to be with the 4:10's. The EGT's will build towards the top of the grade in overdrive. I hit the cruise control down button which drops the EGT's right away. I may have to do that several times.
When I run up at 2250 rpms which is to fast for the trailer tires (71 mph) EGT's stay below 1300 degrees and the truck flies up the hill.

I could always use 3rd gear to do the hills but, I would be in other peoples way, if you know what I mean. (53-55 mph). I have no problems in third gear with the TC Locked up.

I'm running a TFI Triple TC. I have to watch the shifts from 3rd to OD when in the tow/haul mode since it stays locked up during the shift. I generally pedal around the shift much like driving a NV5600. When not towing its just a light firm shift.

Since I use the truck for towing only, I may go to a 4:56 gear which will get my RPM's up to 2150-2200 in OD at my normal tow speed. I think I will need some additional tranny cooling in the summer months with the extra RPM's based on what I've seen during the past year. Tranny runs 200-205 when its 98 outside. Still in a good range but a little warm.

Truck is 9100 lbs ready to tow (105 gallons of fuel) with me and the wife in the truck. Truck and Trailer is 23,480 lbs. That includes a 4KW GenSet and 5 gallons of Gas, and a 5 gallon propane tank.

Truck get 11.25 to 11.9 mpg. The 4:56 gears should get me in the low 12's in the flat lands. Its the wind load on the barn door behind the truck 13ft in the air that dictates the mileage depending on your speed. I have a friend that tows at 55 with a NV5600 2000lbs heavier than me and consistantly gets 12.5mpg with a 4:10 gear, 05 Dodge Quad Cab.

Sorry for the long post.

Dave

 

I pull over 22.900+ and have had no trouble it is a stick gust watch your exhaust gas temperature keep it below 1355 and you will be OK.

 

Heat kills an automatic transmission faster than anything. Keep a close watch on that, and add an additional cooler if you need it.

That's the real purpose of the upgraded valve body and TC. They are not only stronger, but create less heat.

As for the balancer - skip it. A fluidamper will (arguably) control crank shaft vibrations better at higher rpm's. But, "higher" means 5,000 rpm's and up. Not something you'll ever see.