I've heard to get a chip or tuner installed on them, but have no clue about what the pros/cons are of them, and also if they will negatively effect the vehicle over time. I'm not happy with the 9.8 MPG I'm getting, coupled with the fact that the truck doesn't pull my 10,000lb trailer very well. It really struggles with that much weight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

JBG

 

I take it you have 3.73 gears.

 

yeah and i don't understand the difference in the gears?

 

Higher ratio gears give you more mechanical advantage. In otherwords more power to the grLund. That is why it would have been better to have got 4.30's if towing heavy.

 

I have the 3.73 gear and have no problem with my trailer, only 9000#.

If you want better MPG, you will have to be easier on the gas pedal. You can get around 14-16 on the highway if you keep it around 65-68 with the cruise. You should not expect good gas mileage with a 7500 lbs truck that has a flat front end.

As far as the tuners, I have one and it made a big difference in the way the truck reacts to the throttle. Have not seen much increase in the fuel economy yet, but I have only used the tow and performance tunes so far. Won't be using the economy tune until Sep. I do seem to get a little better with the tow tune then the performance, mainly because the performance tune is fun and fast. I would not recommend you getting a tune just for MPG's, you will be disappointed.

 

The stock truck tune makes the thing feel like it has no horsepower. It's the most "shift happy" thing I've ever driven. My truck will be in 6th gear at 37mph. The horsepower and torque it there for sure, it just has a funny way of showing it with the transmission strategies the way they are.

To prove it to yourself, take the truck out unloaded and floor it from a stop. Keep you foot on the floor. You'll see what it's got around 4500 rpm's right to the top. Then when it shifts, it pulls back to something stupid like 3500 rpm's....

From my reading, the tuner will fix most of this. Mike from 5star pulls 10k+ with what seems to be no issues at all.

 

The 5 Star tunes really wake up the truck. The shift points are located in much better spots. With the 2 I have used the truck won't go into 6th until about 58 mph. And won't go into 5th until 45. You can get it there quicker if you are in M instead of D.

I noticed the same thing with the shifting, it just can't wait to get to the highest gear.

 

I have pulled 11,000 lbs with my F250 (3.73 gear)and it pulls that weight just fine.Maybe you have some other issues?coobie

 

what brands are you using for the tuners and what do they cost? Where is the best place to purchase?

Thanks
Wade

 

This guy right here:

5 Star Tuning | Custom Dynomemeter Chassis Tuning Products and Services
mike@5startuning.com
843-250-0499

 

Mike dies a great job and you will be very happy with it, I love mine.

 

Ditto





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What do tuners do in regards to the warranty?

Jim

 

They will not do it any good!!! You may have a battle on your hands getting certain things repaired under warranty if they find out you have a tuner.

That said my truck gets terrible mileage since I lifted it 4" and added 35" tires. Still plenty of power tho.

Anyway, my service advisor said to get a tuner so I can program in the tires,etc!!!! BUT do not get a heads up display model. Get something like a Hypertech that can easily be removed if a warranty issue comes up.

Sure, it will leave a "print" on the computer but unless they really expect the cause was from a tuner they will not look for it.

Yes, there is also a law that says they have to prove the tuner was the culprit. But I've still seen battles on tow vehicle forums.

So I'm still waffling about a tuner. I don't put a lot of miles on my truck as I have a motorcycle and Ranger for every day use.