Me again
I have been reading about the mods. I even understand some of it!! It seems many have used the DP chip. I had thought I wanted an adjustable tuner. I have used Hypertech in the past on my trucks. Is the chip better than an adjustable unit.
Thanks Again
Pam

 

Yes, you can change tunes on the fly without having to hook a programmer up to the truck.

 

http://www.dp-tuner.com/

Do u mean adjustable by u controlling the shifts by selecting options? or do u mean adjustable by meaning having the option for a tow tune and then changing to a race tune?

 

a DP tuner is a custom program for your trucks computer..Jody makes the computer do what it needs.. to get good safe HP..and prodrams the trans for better shifts and getting power to the ground..it has 16 positions for 16 different tunes..you tell Jody what you want be it tow or play and he will make as many tunes as you like..there is a control box that mounts on the dash and the chip go's into you computer..if you get sick of one tune..push the button to whatever tune you feel like and it will switch to that tune in less then 2 seconds..

 

Thanks for all the quick replies. I don't need to shift on the fly, at least I don't think so. I want the best computer upgrade for the truck. I am way toooooo old to hot rod the truck, besides I want it to last as long as I do! I will put in the gauges and exhaust and intake. I would like the best mileage but the power I need to haul when I need to use it. It currently has a 410 rear end and I am putting on a Gear Vendor overdrive so I will have better mileage and a higher speed to RPM ratio. I will get a programmer when I figure the Gear Vendor out. I was just trying to figure out the best unit for power to economy ratio and that was the best for the truck. I am a full time RV'r but as in most trucks it is 80% empty freeway miles. If you all think that a single chip is the best that is what I will buy. The man that runs the park said he uses a chip and thinks that is better so I decided, knowing him, to ask you pros.
I keep researching all your signatures with the mods and am trying to figure out what they all mean.
Thanks Again for all the GREAT advice
Pam

 

Don't hesitate to ask what anything means. We love to help!

 

jody will also flash you computer to what ever tune you want..but you will never have the option of stock.....unless you flash it back...or keep your computer for back up and by a new flashed computer from jody...e-mail him..tell him what you want.....you will be happy and get what you want...

 

I would go with a SCT Xcal2 for your truck, you can play with the tranny shifting a bit, its ajustable, has three settings on it. You can have new tunes E mailed to you and load them on to it as well. Data logging, and streaming, read and clear codes... Thats the way you want to go.

 

Spatengal could you give us some more details about your rig?
You mention that you are a full time RV'er so I am assuming you have a pretty large 5th wheel. My wife and I are starting to get ready to make that move as well and are looking forward to that lifestyle.
What I have found when we are out with the trailer is that adding a tune really heats up the exhaust temperatures to beyond safe levels.
I have a 1999 F550 4x4 with a six speed stick shift. It's a GREAT truck for towing the trailer with. But if I load in a tune, even the mildest one, then on any hill the EGT's will go up too hot and I lose 1.5 mpg fuel economy. So I just run stock tune anymore when pulling the trailer.
I think you are doing the right thing getting that US gear OD unit. It will divide the gear ratio in half. On a long hill climb with a 20,000lb rig you can do a LOT better with a lot of gear ratios to choose from to maintain speed and 250 HP, than 300 HP and only one gear. Big, heavily loaded semi-truck employ the same principle. Their power to weight ratio is even less than us but they have up to 18 speed transmissions and that gives them the ability to keep the engine right at the perfect powerband. That in turn enables them to shift down and the engine speed raises just a touch, but that is enough extra power to keep the truck up to speed. Steeper hills require shifting even lower and yes, they do get slowed down pretty good on 6% grades, but without the 18 speed transmissions they would be down into first gear and taking all day to get to the top of the hill.
Also if you are wanting to add power, you need to get guages and put a bigger intake and exhaust system on your truck so that you can safely run that extra power without endangering the piston crowns. Since your truck pulls your home around I would be VERY hesitant to put a chip on it without properly setting up the truck to be able to support those mods. Nothing wrong with a chip, but the truck from the factory was not designed to run with that much power. It can be modified to safely run with that power, but in your case, I would not consider a chip without doing the others first. Your US gear is a GREAT start, I am saving for one myself.

So anyway, I don't want to be a wet blanket, but mostly am looking out for you because of your lifestyle. Most of us can tow the truck home and park it until it's fixed, but you are not living in a permanent residence and a truck down would be especially inconvenient, not to mention potentially very expensive.

 

I have a 40' Teton fifth wheel with 3 slides. It is a fantastic trailer for full time use. The wood is really wood and I have tile floors and Corian counters. It is very heavy. I usually don't tow it much. I put it in a spot and stay from a few months to a year. I have not hauled it with this truck. I did haul it with my Dodge. If I decide to haul it very far I would have it towed rather than risk tearing up my truck. For $1.25 a mile it is not worth the risk for me. I had thought of getting a heavier truck but don't haul it enough to justify the mileage and all on a larger truck. I have a secondary smaller Fifth wheel that I use for short trips.
As for the upgrades I just bought this truck so am just starting to fix it up. I have ordered a new intake and 4" exhaust. I have the gauges and have ordered the pillar housing. The gauges are always first for me. I am still thinking about the programmer. I will see how I like it after I get it back Tuesday with the Geav Vendor overdrive. I miss the initial takeoff that my Dodge had but I needed the larger back seat.
Also will put airbags on it before I am through.
Again thanks for the advice
Pam

 

Well, if you aren't going to use it to tow very much, but you are missing the initial take-off of the dodge, the DP tuner will improve that imediately. Even in the stock setting my throttle response is much improved. You could get it set for stock atow setting of 40 or 60, and an 80 econo. It will have a much improved throttle response in all the settings.

 

You have two trailers and you full time?
It would be a thread highjack but I would like to know how you do it?
I never thought you were going to hire someone to move the big one so what I said earlier doesn't much matter.