towing questions
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
towing questions
Should it matter to the truck if i drive 500 miles over two days or pretty much all in one shot. Is it any harder on the truck to drive it all at once pretty much 10 hours straight? I'm wondering because i have towed 230 miles stayed over night and came back. We are heading to NC tomorrow from MI pretty much straight threw. Anything other than normal monitoring i should be ready for? I have tools, fluids,extra fuel filters, two spare tires for the truck. One for the TT. Tons of camping supplies first aid food probably hauling 7500lbs including people. I've not towed this much weight this far with the truck yet. I've towed about the same half the distance. And allot more a very short distance. I'm hoping for 11 mpg is that took much to ask? Summer unloaded on the freeway i get near 19mpg. All thoughts are appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Cheyenne Wy.
As far my knowledge goes, these trucks love to be on the road. One thing you didn't mention is if you have something to monitor the engine like a Scanguage II or one of the tablets with an app for monitoring things. Other than that good luck and Fair Winds and Following seas to you!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
My uneducated guess is driving a modern vehicle from one coast to the other - and then returning (stopping only for food/fuel/people stops) is no problem. I suggest you drive what is comfortable to you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 21
I think it's best for the truck/engine to run it all at once, but really not a big deal. You may want to keep an eye on all your temps, and don't forget the trans temp.
I also suggest you do what is most comfortable to you. It sound like your going on vacation, which is meant to be enjoyed.
Have fun
.
I also suggest you do what is most comfortable to you. It sound like your going on vacation, which is meant to be enjoyed.
Have fun
.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
I do have a setup to monitor things as well as my snap on scanner that I always take on long trips. I made it a rule a few years ago when we started traveling with the kids to slow down relax and enjoy the drive. Wherever I'm going will be there when i get there. It's vacation time so i don't get myself wound up in a driving frenzy Anymore. This truck has never been to the mountains with me so there will be another interesting drive. We're heading to cherokee NC. First time out with the new camper and the wife picks a place 5 states away to break it in Lol. I have enough tools to literally replace or rebuild most of the truck on board. I'm off to bed for the short night we are heading out about 3am.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Chiefland, Fl
You shouldn't have a problem. Your biggest issue is going to be kids. We used to make a trip about an hour and a half faster before. But it's all worth it!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 114
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
A properly running truck will enjoy the trip. They are made for that trip.
If it's not running well, just monitor threes coolant and oil temps. Fan souls kick on high when coolant hits 220 or oil hit 250. Back off and make steady progress if the temps get high.
If it's not running well, just monitor threes coolant and oil temps. Fan souls kick on high when coolant hits 220 or oil hit 250. Back off and make steady progress if the temps get high.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 2
Just fuel up, put it in drive and go. The truck could care less. 500 miles is on the long side for me, but I've done it many times. I rarely exceed 12 hours on the road, that's three tanks of fuel towing. 11 mpg is probably what you would expect, depending on the speed you go and the trailer. I normally get 11 - 12 mpg towing a box trailer loaded to 8K at 60 - 65 mph.
Brian
Brian
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 344
From: Breckenridge, TX
I remember Anthony saying something like he only had one cold start for an entire oil change interval once. If it's hot it's probably better to leave it on, the 15 minutes of idling at a gas station to fuel it up is a good chance to cool the turbo down correctly instead of turning the truck off right away. I'll go from Dallas to Denver without shutting it off.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
Just monitor eot's, ect's, and engine Trans temps too. I see the tranny at about 160* when pulling flat, up to 175* or so on hills.
I get just about 10 mpg when pulling our rig, 19 unloaded on the road.
Good luck.
I get just about 10 mpg when pulling our rig, 19 unloaded on the road.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
We made with no issue other than my abs light came on the scanner says left rear sensor input missing but it only has the one in the center i believe. Biggest delta i seen was 13*F i did get to hear my fan for the first time is great that it works. There are some serious hills down here compared to Michigan lol. If you want to test the health of your truck and your driving skill come on down and take 441.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 757
Likes: 6
We have done many oil changes where the only time the truck was physically shut off,, was to drain the oil(generally we changed the oil every 4 days. Our biggest spurt is 1400 miles without the wheels stopping,, nonstop. I have a 153 gal capacity. Believe it or not,, that was at 58 mph too.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 84
I really see the need for more fuel capacity. Having the short box cc i have the small tank. I stopped 4 times just to keep the level above half. I dislike getting to 1/4 tank far Away from home with the fam. It would be nice to have another 50Gal on board.