Experiences

[David Oxland]

Just finished a nice trip from British Columbia Canada Canada to AZ, up to Alberta and back home towing a 5500# fifth wheel setup. I really realize what this truck was meant to do. After hooking up and putting the tire pressures up to 50# steering was much improved. Later managed to get he fifth wheel hitch slide noise settled down. Towing and handling were a real pleasure. Only operated a tractor trailer for a year about 30 years ago but this was worlds more fun. This trip was about 5000 mi and "She Who Must Be Obeyed" did about 40% of the driving. She really appreciated the exhaust brake and said so. The "Horton" fan was a bit of a surprise. It would only cut in on long grades at full power when the outdoor temp was above 75F. The noise was a little startling the first few times but was more startling was the big jerk on the engine and therefore the whole rig. The belt would let out a little chirp. Air Conditioning would bring on the "Horton" via condenser pressure very quickly. Highest Exhaust temp we saw was probably 1350 for a short periods. I really wonder what the programmers intended as far as limits are concerned. If this was pushed foot to the floor at 2400 rpm or higher the exhaust temp would climb over 1400 with no trouble with the charge air pressure as high as 17 psi. Suppose that's OK? We would never know with out an EGT. Anyway my wife's a dedicated Ford slayer now and it made the whole thing a pleasure.

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'99 ISB w/"Isspro" EGT and Charge Air Pressure Gauges BD exhaust brake Horton Fan clutch