HP and towing

[Wyatt 1]

I have been reading post and I am curious, is it possible have a 500 HP truck and still tow safely, horse trailer, 25' gooseneck with out burning up? Is there a box that can do this with the flip of a switch or a combination of a bunch of different expensive mods? I appreciate your experience on this.

 

[Dean Upson]

This is not really an answer to your question, but I have an 03' (see sig) with just the TAG and aFe Magnum Force, which I doubt add a whole lot of hp/torque, otherwise I am bone stock. I am very pleased with the truck towing a 15k trailer. I do recommend an exhaust brake if towing heavy.



Dean

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Air filters and such, add maybe 4 hp and exhaust adds maybe 0 hp. To tow with around 500 hp and not worry about EGT's you would have to run injectors that add 100 hp. New turbo configuration, maybe even twins. TST box and probably stacked with an EZ. This will net you somewhere in the 500+ HP range with adjustability. The tst you can turn off when pulling grades. The Ez can be set at 70 HP and with the injectors will keep you round 400 HP which is a much better number for towing. 450 hp maybe, but with 500 I would thing you are going to have heat issues and could burn up the truck.



Greg

 

[krabman]

I sure havent heard of a single that can run at the 500 hp level and provide the cooling needed for towing while retaining spoolup and avoiding lag issues. I tow no problem at the 420 level and I know others are as well. By that I mean I could unhook my boat and pull up on the rollers everything set as is for towing and get 420. There are of course guys with 500 and a single towing but as far as I know not at the settings used to pull the 500. Twins are a different story and I know some folks are towing without difficulty with em but I dont know at what power level.

 

[Wyatt 1]

Krabman, with 420 hp you tow just fine no heat problems as of yet? can you adjust it anyhow like what Greg was talking about, when you are not towing sorta the best of both worlds?

 

[krabman]

With my current setup I always run at that level. On continuous pulls say up one of our mountain passes I will typically be in the 8 to 900 range while pulling steady. Up to 11 or 12 when flogging it while passing or racing other guys towing. Im waiting to see what edge comes out with before I pick up the timing/duration box. When I do it will be the same for me as Greg or most anybody in a similar configuration. I would be able to crank up the box and get bigger numbers but tow at lower levels for egt purposes. With my turbo I am already at about the most fuel I can run while towing. Dont have enough cooling to go any more. To actually be towing at the 500 level I think your pretty much looking at twins. I big single would get you there but with quite a bit reduced driveability. I think Gregs assessment is about right. You would need to be stacked with injectors and twins. Im still not sure that you could do it but talking to one of the fellows that has Piers twins on it sounds like he is getting awesome cooling. Maybe some of the folks running twins will chime in.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Another variable that we need to address is the amount of weight you will be towing. With my current setup, PDR bomber lite turbo and an EZ, I can still see 1200* pretty easy empty. I am waiting on more air then injectors. I did run DDIII's for about six monthhs and I loved the power. I did have to turn the box on 0 to fool boost only. I could run all day at 85 mph up a steep hill with 12,000 in tow. I sold the injectors and went back to stock to see how the turbo worked with just a box. I would love to get twins but the price tag is a little hight for me. I just don't have 4 large laying around. Oh yea. Let us not forget the clutch or transmission upgrades with that kind of power. That could be another 4 large for you slushers. So if you want to run hard, 500 HP hard, you will need some kind of box, injectors, clutch/transmission, turbo(s) to be safe. That is about $10,000 to get there. If you are interested call Kieth. They are the best. I have never had a problem with any of their products. Everything works as good or better than advertised HP wise. Good luck and have fun. I miss my 450 HP 01 truck.



Greg

 

[krabman]

I was talking about power stuff but your right, a person does need to take all the stuff into account. The stock lift pump will also need help. Not expensive but a factor when counting pennys.

 

[Wyatt 1]

I dont want to spend 4 either for just a turbo setup, I knew by reading post and doing a little reading in the TDR mag I would have to upgrade the turbo, but I still want the truck be a hoss, functional every day driver/ tow when I need to with out having to constantly watch EGTS. There are so many products out there I just dont know which one to choose, thats why I ask you guys, experience pays off. I dont want to pay alot of money, who does but I will spend the money to get the power from a reliable part, if that makes any sense. What size turbo? injectors? Box? This will be going on the 05, is this a problem, with it being so new and all? This is the best web site ever thanks for all your suggestions and your time.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Wyatt,

I would say that the way to go is with a mild to medium set of injectors and a turbo. Piers Diesel Research has everything you will need to make a truck run good. Diesel Dynamics has the same stuff and they make it themselves. I get my stuff from Fred Swanson. He is a member of the TDR and well respected among other members. Give him a call, he will give you a great price and great service too. .



Fred

623-910-9575

www.desertdieselparts.com

 

[Wyatt 1]

I appreciate the info guys. I went to BD and saw the twin turbo setup, that looks sweet, expensive but sweet $4199. I will look into Piers and DD and will give Fred a call. The BD web site said kit with fuel modifacations, the kit is just what is required to install the twins correct, the rest a box and what not, is not included, this could get expensive quick. Say I did opt for the twins( let me dream for a minute) how reliable would a setup like this be, I know with performance parts its hard to say but is two more effecient than one, it would mean lower egts, that is good. What I am asking is this, what would the long term cost be, alot of maintenance involved, short life spam of the turbos?