Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Well, I towed for the first time this weekend with the 04' and have made some observations. First, the 04' rode like a dream. Not that the 01' rode bad, it was just amazing how comfortable the 04' ride was. (For the record, the 01' was a 2500, long bed quad cab, 6 speed, with a 4. 10 rear end. ) The fiver was the same as before, a 30' Cardinal, approx 11,500#, with a pin weight of about #2500.
I was most interested in power, and mpg comparison. First, power. The 01' had an Edge, and was a HO 235/525 stock rated truck. The 04. 5 is set up and geared the same, but is a 4X4, dually, 3500 series. The 04. 5 pulled quite impressively. I towed to a location in San Diego county that I have pulled to over 30 times. I chose this route for the test, because there is some killer grades on the way that humble many vehicles (many of them Fords!)
The route was South on the I-5, to the I-805, to I-8 East. Just out of Alpine on the 8, there is a 12 mile long, 6% grade that seems to go on forever. Mant trucks, large and small crawl up the grade. I hit it at about 70mph in sixth gear, at 2250 RPM. About a mile into it, I shifted into 5th, and pulled the rest of the hill at 55mph. The Cummins kept wanting to press on over 60mph, but for the sake of my milage comparison, I resisted the urge. I crested the grade at 55mph, and the Cummins never missed a beat. In comparison, the 01' on this grade would slow to around 50mph, but I was able to remain in 5th gear.
On the return trip I pulled off at my usual off ramp and into the usual filling station. I checked the milage on the calculator. My usual milage on this trip in the 01' would be right at 10mpg. I was always happy with that, considering I usually pull the fiver at 65mph, and don't mind passing what ever gets in my way. My milage on less of a mountain type road was usually 11. 5mpg in the 01'. The mileage on the 04. 5 on this trip was 8. 8mpg. Not bad considering that the 04' had only 1100 miles on the clock when I started this trip. I fully expect the 04' to be right around the mileage that the 01' was getting when she breaks in a little more.
In comparing the two trucks, the 04' is LOTS heavier, and has a good deal more rolling resistance, with the 4X4, dual wheels, and heavier suspension.
All in all, I am delighted with the new ride. All the parts are working great, and I am happy with the 4. 10 gears, as I knew going into this that I wanted an awesome TOW VEHICLE. I got just what I was looking for. If I can get it figured out, I will try to post a picture of the rig for comparison..... Sarge
Side note: The 04. 5 is turning 2100 RPM at 65MPH, and 2250 RPM at 70MPH. The 01' turned 2250RPM at 65MPH. I contribute the difference to the 17" wheels on the 04'.
I was most interested in power, and mpg comparison. First, power. The 01' had an Edge, and was a HO 235/525 stock rated truck. The 04. 5 is set up and geared the same, but is a 4X4, dually, 3500 series. The 04. 5 pulled quite impressively. I towed to a location in San Diego county that I have pulled to over 30 times. I chose this route for the test, because there is some killer grades on the way that humble many vehicles (many of them Fords!)
The route was South on the I-5, to the I-805, to I-8 East. Just out of Alpine on the 8, there is a 12 mile long, 6% grade that seems to go on forever. Mant trucks, large and small crawl up the grade. I hit it at about 70mph in sixth gear, at 2250 RPM. About a mile into it, I shifted into 5th, and pulled the rest of the hill at 55mph. The Cummins kept wanting to press on over 60mph, but for the sake of my milage comparison, I resisted the urge. I crested the grade at 55mph, and the Cummins never missed a beat. In comparison, the 01' on this grade would slow to around 50mph, but I was able to remain in 5th gear.
On the return trip I pulled off at my usual off ramp and into the usual filling station. I checked the milage on the calculator. My usual milage on this trip in the 01' would be right at 10mpg. I was always happy with that, considering I usually pull the fiver at 65mph, and don't mind passing what ever gets in my way. My milage on less of a mountain type road was usually 11. 5mpg in the 01'. The mileage on the 04. 5 on this trip was 8. 8mpg. Not bad considering that the 04' had only 1100 miles on the clock when I started this trip. I fully expect the 04' to be right around the mileage that the 01' was getting when she breaks in a little more.
In comparing the two trucks, the 04' is LOTS heavier, and has a good deal more rolling resistance, with the 4X4, dual wheels, and heavier suspension.
All in all, I am delighted with the new ride. All the parts are working great, and I am happy with the 4. 10 gears, as I knew going into this that I wanted an awesome TOW VEHICLE. I got just what I was looking for. If I can get it figured out, I will try to post a picture of the rig for comparison..... Sarge
Side note: The 04. 5 is turning 2100 RPM at 65MPH, and 2250 RPM at 70MPH. The 01' turned 2250RPM at 65MPH. I contribute the difference to the 17" wheels on the 04'.
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