7.3 Performance
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, Alabama
7.3 Performance
The only thing that I would say is to be careful of the hunting with the tranny.. also watch your temps..some of the hill will really work your engine. If you don't get in a hurry you should be fine. I know that I pull a little over 12000 and havn't had any problem to date. Of course I have made a couple of mods but just a few... Have fun and good luck.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,628
Likes: 0
From: Baileyton, TN
7.3 Performance
I once grossed 24,600 lb going up Wolf Creek Pass, in the Rockies - that is as steep and long as it gets, and my powerstroke got hot, but managed fine. At one point on the climb, I would have felt more comfortable in low range, but we made it ok. Admittedly, my truck has a GCVW of 25,000 as opposed to your trucks GCVW of 20,000 lbs, but you should do fine towing 9,000 lbs. As others mentioned, do not try to get up the hill fast - take it easy, if you need to be in second, slow down, don't rush it, and you will keep everything cooler. With a stock truck, if you see plumes of Black smoke pouring out, ease up on the throttle a tad, to waste less fuel. Expect to be climbing hills at 30mph or less, and you will not damage anything. Try to get up at 45mph, and you probably will, but at the expense of your engine.
Check your oil levels every day, and add if needed. Make sure the coolant level is ok and ANY steam, stop and let it cool down. Take a few gallons of distilled water with you, just in case you need it.
Check your oil levels every day, and add if needed. Make sure the coolant level is ok and ANY steam, stop and let it cool down. Take a few gallons of distilled water with you, just in case you need it.
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
7.3 Performance
Thanks for the advice.
I pretty much figured it would be a slow trip up the hills. I just wanted to hear from some else that had already done it. I was wondering without doing any expensive modifications would installing a 40hp chip help?
If so what kind and how hard are they to install?
I pretty much figured it would be a slow trip up the hills. I just wanted to hear from some else that had already done it. I was wondering without doing any expensive modifications would installing a 40hp chip help?
If so what kind and how hard are they to install?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Plover, WI
7.3 Performance
Chips are way easy to install, the big and really important thing is to monitor your exhaust temps...too hot and bye bye turbo. I pull a very heavy job trailer and have no probs, but I am not in mountain country either. Flat central Wisconsin.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
7.3 Performance
When traveling through the Rockies remember your 5k+ feet higher then sea level. I live in New Mexico and there is a substantial and noticeable loss in power at this altitude..
Jeff in NM …OUT
Some call it a six-pack, I call it a support group.
Jeff in NM …OUT
Some call it a six-pack, I call it a support group.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Best Nation in the World
7.3 Performance
I pulled my 5k travel trailer through the Rockies and the Cascades last summer with out a problem. No power loss, tranny temp problems or bad milage per gallon. I got a stock F-350 no mods.
Sean
Sean