Towing
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Towing
Guys I need some advice about towing an 13,000 lb 5th wheel RV. My tow truck is a 97 F350 dually with 97,000 miles ,7.3,auto trans, with 4:10 gears. It is in very good shape with no issues. It has always been a good truck and has never gave any problems. We currently have a 11,000 lb 5th wheel that the truck pulls very well. The only thing I have done to the truck other than regular maintenance is a DP Tuner that worked out very well. Do ya'll think the truck will pull the slightly heaver RV ok? Thanks, Mike
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
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I think you will be OK. Drag it across a certified scale that can weigh your axles independently, like a CAT scale, to make sure none of your axles are over weight. You are going to have an additional 2k to 2500 lbs on your rear axle as soon as you retract the landing gear.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Towing
One thing I forgot to mention is that I had a pair of heavy duty air shocks installed on rear axle with an onboard air compressor so I can inflate/deflate from cab. I don't know if this will make a difference, but if it will I would like to know it. Thanks, Mike
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Towing
One other thing I would like to also mention. I have installed two trans temp gauges and neither one would register. I put them both in the low pressure line. I cut the line in two and then used rubber gas line and screw clamps to install the sensor in the line. I went by the wiring instructions and wired the gauge up ,l I also ran a ground wire to the ground terminal on the gauge. I don't think I could have got two bad ones in a row, so it must be me. I am a decent mechanic on small things like this. I have several 60's muscle cars that I have done a frame on restoration so I should be able to put a temp gauge in my truck, but I had no luck with two. Is there some quirck in doing this that I don't know?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
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One other thing I would like to also mention. I have installed two trans temp gauges and neither one would register. I put them both in the low pressure line. I cut the line in two and then used rubber gas line and screw clamps to install the sensor in the line. I went by the wiring instructions and wired the gauge up ,l I also ran a ground wire to the ground terminal on the gauge. I don't think I could have got two bad ones in a row, so it must be me. I am a decent mechanic on small things like this. I have several 60's muscle cars that I have done a frame on restoration so I should be able to put a temp gauge in my truck, but I had no luck with two. Is there some quirck in doing this that I don't know?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,386
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From: Spokane, WA
The intake and exhaust mods are important to have if you don't have them. The exhaust temp gauge is a must have as well, you should avoid letting the egt's go higher than 1250 degrees. Upgrade the cooler for the trans and the gauge there is another plus. The stock auto trans on our trucks are a weak link when towing.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,418
Likes: 196
From: AZ
You will be fine, do all the suggestions above though. The trans cooler is #1 followed close by a EGT gauge! Ten years ago I put a temp sensor in the trans line and it worked 'OK' but the port in the side of the trans is better. What is really good in the aeroforce scan gauge, it will read lots of stuff and your trans temp.
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 60
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Towing
You will be fine, do all the suggestions above though. The trans cooler is #1 followed close by a EGT gauge! Ten years ago I put a temp sensor in the trans line and it worked 'OK' but the port in the side of the trans is better. What is really good in the aeroforce scan gauge, it will read lots of stuff and your trans temp.
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 311
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From: Santa Barbara and Ottawa
I didn't see that you've done the simplest mod of all, the "6337" air filter replacement. It should be done with the downpipe replacement, but that is slightly more involved. The air filter replacement makes a noticeable difference on its own though.
Your gauges alone are probably the most important thing to have done. Keep that trans cool and happy.
Your gauges alone are probably the most important thing to have done. Keep that trans cool and happy.