Leaving for Kansas next weekend to pick up our new fiver with the truck in signature. Camper will be about 15k - have never towed anything this heavy with this truck. Currently pull a 5k TrailManor tag-along that truck doesn't even know is there. I've read various places that optimal towing RPM is in the 1900-2200 range, correct? That would be fifth gear at around 60-65 with the auto tranny (I have 3.73 gears).

Also, what would be the max coolant temp and tranny temp you'd be comfortable with? We bought this truck two years ago to full-time RV when I retire (one more year!) and don't want to break it.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

 

I tow a 5th wheel that weighs about 11m lbs. My truck tows it with ease. I always use Tow/Haul mode and run 60-63mph on the Interstates and the rpm's are at 1600 with cruise control on and in overdrive.
My coolant temps are right on the mid mark whether I'm towing or not. Trans temps will run 145 - 150 normally and about another 10-15 on a hot day and if I get into heavy stop and go traffic it will creep up to 185-190 but returns to normal pretty quick once I return to normal speed. I do have a deep tranny pan.
Good luck with your new trailer.

 

No sweat! Definitely use tow/haul and your exhaust brake. For entertainment value you may want to watch the tranny temp on the EVIC when climbing steep (>5%) grades. I've never seen it get above 190° even on a hot day in the summer. Seems like 220° is the high end, take a break (engine running with trans in neutral) if it gets that high- it shouldn't though. The only time you may want to use the auto stick is when approaching a hill it's good to sometimes bump it down into 5th (or 4th if you're only going 60mph), seems like the 68RFE is a little slow at downshifting.

Make sure your tires (truck and trailer) are all near the max PSI.

You may want to look into airbags.

 

Thanks, guys! I'm not really worried about the truck's ability to pull the weight - I just don't want to put unnecessary stress on the tranny as that has a tendency to be a weak point.

I use Tow/Haul and EB just driving around empty - usually run in 5th on the backroads (4th on cold mornings until she warms up a bit). I've noticed lately the EVIC coolant display will hit 208-210 briefly on the interstate running 70 mph in Tow/Haul and EB on with no load, and tranny will hit 130 under those conditions.

Thanks again,

Bob

 

So where in Kansas and what 5th wheel have you decided on? Like the others, I wouldnt worry to much about truck. You are still stock, there are definately things you can do to help it but... Your most likely gonna love full timing, There are a few on here who do it. Coastal Dave is one them, I met him a few months back, really nice guy, look at what he has done to his truck to give you an idea. Best of luck to you.

 

We're headed to Chanute and the NuWa factory. Got a deal on a Hitchhiker 31.5 UKTG. It's a 2011 model that's new - never been sold and they need to move it. We're really excited as we thought we would only be able to afford used.

Truck will stay stock until the warranty expires - after that, probably will delete. I've never had any issues with it and it has 40k on the ticker. Only issue I have is with the integrated brake controller, but gonna have that taken care of in Chanute - probably gonna put in a P3. I'll leave the factory one in place but will have it bypassed in favor of the Prodigy. It's my understanding that if it's disconnected, the ECM will flash errors.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Sounds like a good deal for you, getting snow right now hope it clears up before your trip. Your truck will be fine. Heard about the built in trailer brakes you might want to check into a max brake before you decide on P3. Best to you.

 

Looked at the 10-day forecast - right now, should be low-60's when we arrive. We'll be there on Sunday, March 31, and staying for a few days.

Bob

 

I pull a GN loaded weighing 24K without any issues. Sometimes I leave it in 5th and other times just leave it in drive and down shift to 5 if I feel the need. I haven't done any real verification but I feel I do get a bit better mileage if I have it in 5th gear on the highway even at 65 or 70 mph.

 

Pirate,

Thanks for that info - makes me feel better.

Bob

 

Had a 295 fk that I pulled with a 3/4. Only downer was the feeling of being at all I wanted to pull with that truck. Upgraded trailer and also upgraded to a dually for the heavier trailer. I do miss the six speed and exhaust brake off my 3/4 though.

 

Bill,

How do you like your Discover America? We're getting an LS model...

 

Bob,
Couple quick comments - - I pull a 16K fiver with my truck (see sig below) and note it is 6 speed stick with 4.10 gears. With this setup I run around 60ish on the interstate and am pulling around 12.2 - 12.9 mileage. I rarely hit 65 unless in a hurry and traffic is clear. These rigs are very high and the wind load increases dramatically with speed. You should be fine without air bags - - my pinweight is 3200 and it sits nice and level. You will probably need to raise the fiver (commonly called "flipping the axles") to compensate for your 4x4 to get the trailer up level with the higher truck. They may be able to do that for you at the factory.

Suggestions: DO NOT go with the Prodigy controller. Once you have used a truly proportional controller you will never go back. My Prodigy stays in the drawer as a backup - - I hate it. I would go with the Brakesmart or similar - -more money but no comparison in the experience. No jerking, no surprises. After all that money spent, don't scrimp on the braking. I would also put in EGT gauge.

Have fun - - see ya in Alaska next year. BE sure to go and don't spend any less than three months there - - takes that long to take it all in and enjoy. Newfoundland was fun too. So was - - - - uhhh, well, I won't spoil your fun.

Bob

 

Thanks, Bob - and Alaska is on our bucket list...

 

Well Mr. Bob, whhat do you think now after pulling your new wagon? Pretty good huh?