I know some of this information has been addressed in parts of other threads, but I would like to get specific suggestions for upgrades for a trip towing a heavy trailer that I will be making soon (New Mexico to Alaska ~ 3600 miles towing a 5600 lb goose neck dump trailer loaded with a 6400 lb mini excavator). I had a bad experience making the same trip several years ago with the same truck pulling a 5th wheel camper (cracked a head - among other mishaps) and do not want a repeat performance.

Truck details:
2005 F-350 King Ranch Superduty 6.0L Diesel
Bullet Proof oil cooler delete kit
Bullet Proof EGR cooler
ARP Studs (were in my back seat when I cracked the head)
~148,000 miles on the truck
Injectors replaced ~3600 miles ago.

Options I am considering:
Tuner/Programmer
EGT Pyro
I also need new shocks
(start bouncing down the road when the road is constructed of cement).

I know a lot of guys on this thread recommend SCT tuners, but they don't seem to have an option for degassing. I would really like to have a "safety" built in if I go the tuner route.

I would appreciate suggestions on the tuner and suspension (or should I just replace with OEM or equivalent shocks) or anything else that would help beef up the truck or monitors I should be using for heavy towing.

Thanks in advance!

 

Upgraded valve body and deeper trans pan

 

I am not a fan of deep trans pans. While added capacity will delay the time the fluid takes to heat up, once it reaches temperature, it won't help with keeping it cool. Larger capacity trans coolers have better effect on trans efficiency. The 6.0 trans cooler is pretty darn efficient in its own right and is considered an upgrade in the 7.3 diesel world.

 

The pyrometer was my most watched gauge when I towed with my diesel. I feel it is your most valuable asset when it comes to gauges. I used the "skinny pedal" and my tow tune options to keep the EGTs in check on my 7.3. There are some programmers that incorporate the pyro sensor's feedback and can make adjustments, accordingly. There are, also, some good custom tunes out there that provide efficient power, while limiting fueling, and keeping you in the "safe zone". I would like into what Gearhead Automotive Performance and Performance Power Hungry Performance have to offer.