Need more Power
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Joined: May 2008
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Need more Power
Hello all, I have 2001 F- 350 W/ a 7.3l Diesel. All stock. 155,000 miles Automatic, 2WD SRW 3.73 rear. I tow a 2008 30ft. Trail bay V series trailer that weighs 8000 lbs. When i went to get the trailer i got 18 MPG, no trailer, after picking up the trailer, I drove straight home, no water or anything else onboard. I got 8.5 MPG and any kind of a grade up hill made the tranny drop out of over drive @ 1800 RPM to drive or 2700 RPM. is this normal? I would like the truck to stay in OD.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. We do have a section here dedicated to the 7.3 you might want to look around, or even ask your question there. 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
8,000 lbs isn't that much of a load, but wind resistance will kill mpg's pretty quick. The auto tranny likes to down shift. It's the nature of the beast. Are you interested in more power or trying to keep it in OD?
If you're traveling at 1800 rpm's pulling the trailer you might consider going a little faster to get up closer to the 2000 rpm mark. You'll be sitting in a better place on the torque curve and may get better mileage that way. I don't have an auto, but I wouldn't think dropping down into drive would increase your rpm's my more than 600 or so.
8,000 lbs isn't that much of a load, but wind resistance will kill mpg's pretty quick. The auto tranny likes to down shift. It's the nature of the beast. Are you interested in more power or trying to keep it in OD?
If you're traveling at 1800 rpm's pulling the trailer you might consider going a little faster to get up closer to the 2000 rpm mark. You'll be sitting in a better place on the torque curve and may get better mileage that way. I don't have an auto, but I wouldn't think dropping down into drive would increase your rpm's my more than 600 or so.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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when it drops down a gear it also unlocks the torque converter. i have found that when you get to a hill if you let off of the gas for a second then get back on it, it will unlock the torque converter then it don't have to downshift. i don't have a 7.3, but it is the same tranny and they do downshift a little early i think.
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