First Tow with Max Tow Pkg 3500 Impressions

[RonD]

My 2012 has 2000 miles, this was my first tow with the new truck, my old one was a 2005 4x4 3500 SRW 48RE built trans, and a Smarty on level 3, so this is what I can compare it to. First the truck is very quite, no wind noise at all, the seats are fantastic, very comfortable, the dash layout is also very good. At 59 mph towing in 6th gear it turns 1620 RPM's, and that is with 4:10 gears, my rig weighs just under 22,000 pounds combined, MPG on a 900 mile tow lots of hills, and 6-7% grades I averaged 10. 2 mpg, not bad, on the same trip in the old truck would have been about 10. 8, the engine pulls great, on a long 6% grade it went into 4th gear, and that was 53 mph about 2200 rpm, it pulls like a train, trans temp at 65 degrees outside was at 174-182, engine temp was 206 degrees, on hills, 202 on flats. The best part is all the systems are talking to each other, the engine, trans, exhaust brake, Interrogated Brake Controller are all on the same page, descending down a long 6% grade with the Cruse Control on at 55 mph when the speed comes up to about 57, the throttle retards, the exhaust brake comes on, and it down shifts as needed to keep the speed where you want it, it works very nicely. I few other things, the 2012 rides noticabley better than the 05, the brakes are better also, it is without question very well engineered, the Nav system also is far better than my old one, it displays the turns and distance to the turn on the EVIC when your getting close, plus the information on the screen itself, over all this truck exceeds all my expectations of what I thought it would be.

 

[MChrist]

That's great to hear! I have been very interested in hearing from somebody that came from a lightly modified 3rd Gen and went to a Max Tow. Power is probably similar, from what you say, but overall quality and comfort is better. I must say I'm surprised that the dually rides nicer than your '05 SRW, though. I wouldn't have guessed that.
Any more comparisons you can make, or info to provide? Very interested!

 

[MChrist]

Oh, I just noticed you had 4X4, and now have 2WD... that'll make a huge difference right there!

 

[Don]

Sounds great! Mine is sitting at the rail yard waiting for a ride to the dealer. I ordered a Longhorn 4x4 and can't wait to get it. The dealer expects it this week end. I will be lucky to have 1000 miles on it before I hook up to my Montana to head south.
Don

 

[TNT]

I just towed with my 2012 for the first time and it is superior to my 2008 with the following exceptions: the cruise control would wander when set on 56 between 50 and 60 going up and down small hills. The mpg absolutly SUCKS 6. 6 mpg @ 68 mph my 08 got 10; 9 on a bad day 11 on a good day, it had a 3. 73, but equiped similar to the 12. The total weight of truck and trailer is 23970 using the 2012. I never weighed the rig when I pulled it with the 08.

 

[bigblock_doc]

I've had mine now for three weeks, and its a lot better than my 03. But I said

that with the 03 vs the 99. Pulling a 28 ft car trailer, mileage is a constent

10. Rides good, handels good. Hooked up to the trailer with only 300 miles on it.

Put 6,000 and changed the oil. Will keep everyone posted.

 

[Grizzly]

Happy to hear all the good things about the 2012 Max Tow. It's very tempting.

 

[bigblock_doc]

Installed a green LED light behind the ashtray. My truck didn't have the light

package. Now I can find the cup holder hole. Had to switch to the skinny bottom

cups, just gotta get used to that. Cap on order, so is bedrug. After that, extra tank

air bags, compressor and bed lights. That should do me. Ya right.