towing with predator
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Another interested party
I'm considering installing the Diablo Sport and have the same question about the EGT's and the stock exhaust. I plan on installing gauges but would like to find out if I should plan on seeing a significant increase in EGT when I install the tuner.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 50
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From: Northwest Colorado
Just installed a pyrometer, I'm at high elevation and the temps can get over 1200 degrees if you hammer it in the 65 hp mode. I haven't towed with the gauge yet but I think it will be Ok if you don't get too carried away.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 231
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From: Second star to the right!
I tow a 12000# toy hauler on the tow setting with factory exhaust. Going up long steep grades, I do need to watch the temps, and have to back off sometimes. But I can always go up any hill at a minimum of 60 mph, even when I need to back off because of the temps. On the factory setting, temps are never a problem, but on really steep hills I have been limited to 50 mph because the engine runs out of go.
So, I always tow in the tow setting. There is nothing better than passing people up hill while towing 12K. Plus, I get 1-1.5 mpg better with the tow setting vs. factory. The only drawback is you have to pay a little closer attention up hills.
So, I always tow in the tow setting. There is nothing better than passing people up hill while towing 12K. Plus, I get 1-1.5 mpg better with the tow setting vs. factory. The only drawback is you have to pay a little closer attention up hills.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
Towing or not, pre turbo temps over 1200 need close attention. I think that you can tow all day at 1200 or 1250 but if the engine is humming along at those kinds of temps it would be easy to have a spike upwards of 1300 and then you could start seeing damage to the turbo.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, California
Originally Posted by tristankc
I tow a 12000# toy hauler on the tow setting with factory exhaust. Going up long steep grades, I do need to watch the temps, and have to back off sometimes. But I can always go up any hill at a minimum of 60 mph, even when I need to back off because of the temps. On the factory setting, temps are never a problem, but on really steep hills I have been limited to 50 mph because the engine runs out of go.
So, I always tow in the tow setting. There is nothing better than passing people up hill while towing 12K. Plus, I get 1-1.5 mpg better with the tow setting vs. factory. The only drawback is you have to pay a little closer attention up hills.
So, I always tow in the tow setting. There is nothing better than passing people up hill while towing 12K. Plus, I get 1-1.5 mpg better with the tow setting vs. factory. The only drawback is you have to pay a little closer attention up hills.
There are a couple grades that I've encountered that drop my rig down to 50 to 55 MPH in the stock tune too - most notably the climb up I-8 heading West into San Diego near Ocatillo.
Haven't pull that one yet with the SCMT installed, but have seen improvement over stock on some other grades.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 231
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From: Second star to the right!
I have the 3000FS as well. I do not have the bay windows with rockers though. I needed the extra bed. I also opted not to get the gel coating exterior. The gel coating looks WAY better, but it added too much weight and I already flirt with the GVRW on it. I put some pics of my setup in my gallery.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
I was considering the 26' when I bought my truck but ended up getting the 30' and the gel. Didn't think that I'd load it up as heavy as I do but somehow it all seems to add up to more than you'd think.
Actually if I was doing all the packing I think that we'd save at least 500 lb, but my wife likes to pack for a month even when we're just going out for the weekend
It's usually just us so we didn't need the other bed or table and the rockers and bay windows worked out well. I'll probably add the screen room for the ramp at some time.
You're right though that the gel coat was a fair bit heavier. If I had it to do again I'd have bought the 350 because I can end up with being a few hundred pounds over my GVWR if I load the tongue to more than 10% - which I typically do.
I've got a good equalizing hitch and with everything loaded right don't have any sway problems.
When the kids get a bit older, there will probably be a jeep in my future so that we can all go out together. I just have to make sure that it will clear the bed in the rear.
Actually if I was doing all the packing I think that we'd save at least 500 lb, but my wife likes to pack for a month even when we're just going out for the weekend
It's usually just us so we didn't need the other bed or table and the rockers and bay windows worked out well. I'll probably add the screen room for the ramp at some time.
You're right though that the gel coat was a fair bit heavier. If I had it to do again I'd have bought the 350 because I can end up with being a few hundred pounds over my GVWR if I load the tongue to more than 10% - which I typically do.
I've got a good equalizing hitch and with everything loaded right don't have any sway problems.
When the kids get a bit older, there will probably be a jeep in my future so that we can all go out together. I just have to make sure that it will clear the bed in the rear.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
There is another thread where some do not know the weight oft he trailer.....that confuses me. I weigh in at the CAT scales every trip, mostly for curiosity and usually for knowledge. My load varies...though, as much as 650/900 pounds and that is quiet a bit.
Have you tried the Firestone air bags.
Have you tried the Firestone air bags.