I've done a lot of reading on the V10, and this truck has 4.30 gears. I'm used to the diesel so I don't expect equal pulling power, but do you think I'll be okay? I have a Weekend Warrior 34ft 3 axle bumper pull with a Sandrail and all the goodies. Tthe trailer is 12K minimum when loaded. I'm worried about I-10W through Palm Springs with the head winds out there and other than that a couple of mild hills. Tyically towing between Long Beach, CA and Glamis. Anybody familiar with that route?

 

As long as you don't expect them to pull exactly the same then you will be very pleased with the v10. Diesels are made to pull below 3,000 rpm and have a narrow power band and gassers are made to make power over a wider power band(2,500-5,000 rpm). Expect to pull hills a gear or two lower and 500-1,000 rpms higher, but that isn't a bad thing, just different. Don't be afraid of the rpms that aren't on your diesel tach either. 4,500 rpm up a 10 mile hill will not cause your truck to shoot spark plugs through the hood, send engine parts flying all over the road, cause your truck to blow up, etc.

 

I think you'll be just fine. I pulled this through the mountains of Vermont with no trouble. Just like yours, V10 with 4.30s:





You WILL need increased transmission cooling in hot weather, most recommend upgrading to the cooler off of a 6.0L truck.

 

Plus your going to be stuck with the 55 MPH speed
with a trailer in California.

Sean

 

Tom, I usually hit that pilot on my way from our Springfield, Massachusetts terminal when I am heading over to Buffalo.

Sean, that 55 mph California speed limit drives me crazy. I usually go into the state on 10 or 40 and have to go up to Sacramento and then come back out the same way. Makes for a long drive at that speed.

 

What that normally means is that most trailers travel around 60-62 mph instead of in the 70's.

We just have to be patient here when pulling.

That route the OP refers too is a pretty simple and flat route. If he continued east on the 10 beyond Indio up to Desert Center, that would be a little different climbing that grade.

 

When I am towing my personal equipment I don't go over 60 mph regardless of what the speed limit is. I drive a tractor and trailer for a living(limited to 65) and running 11 hours a day at 10 mph slower takes money out of my pocket. Most states look the other way when the truck speed limit is slower than the car limit, but California is not one of them lol.

Edit-i usually stop at the loves there in Coachella or the pilot in palm springs, make my delivery in Anaheim and then head to Sacramento to pick up my next load. I love the views out there, I just wish I could run a little faster

 

I hear ya. The radar works pretty well after you cross the border but 6-7 mph over will usually not draw attention. Too many guys running for the hills at 80-85.

When we go east, we usually stop at the Pilot east of Quartzite about 35 miles, off of Gold Nugget Road. You don't have to pay the highest federal fuel tax in the country, unless you wait until CA. NY is second and no need to get anywhere close!

 

Thanks for the info - feeling a little better as I'm usually just under 22K CVW with the Dodge.

 

Pound sand Sacramento - I like 68mph going east or north and have been for the last 25 years - unless I have to pass of course.

 

I completed a few updates but I can't post pics now for some reason.


Pro Comp Leveling Springs
Adjustable Track Bar
Viper Alarm
Tint
SCT - 5 Star
Ford 6 inch Step Bars
I sure like the Ford Factory 20's- we'll see. Still don't know if it will tow but I'm sure having fun with it right now

 

Wish I could have found a CCLB V10 truck in that shape. Had to buy a diesel and really had planned on going back to a gasser since I do not use this my truck daily. Beautiful truck!

 

Looking good......I love my '13 f150.....but do miss the feel of driving the "big truck"

 

Hey Tom and Phillips,

Next Time youre out at that truck stop let me know, that's my neighborhood, Ill take you out for a beer and a burger.

Sarge

 

Sounds good Sarge!