Planning a trip...

[steved]

I got a trip coming up in a few months that involves towing a 10k trailer from PA to Moab. The truck is fairly stock as you can see in the sig... I'll probably be pushing the 20k GCVW of the truck and trailer.



I have the option to run either a 245 or a 265 tire... the shorter tire will hinder ground speed; but probably would tow better, keeping the RPMs up in 6th... keep in mind the truck has the NV5600 and 4. 10 rears. I actually have two sets of 245s and three sets of 265s... so getting the tires is not an issue.



I figure I have about 5 hard pull between here and there... Somerset, WV/OH line, MO, and CO... obviously CO will be the worst one. Now, I pulled the M37 home and travelled much of the same roads... didn't have to much trouble for a 215HP slushbox, but didn't even get close to CO...



If it were you, which tire would you choose? I'm thinking the 245s would be the better choice... probably not much difference in mileage between the two towing that much weight and it's not like I'm trying to set a land-speed record... thoughts?



steved

 

[B.G. Smith]

I think you will do better in the mtns. and on flat land. With the 245s, won't that put your rpms in the 2,000 range in 6th gear? bg

 

[steved]

I think you will do better in the mtns. and on flat land. With the 245s, won't that put your rpms in the 2,000 range in 6th gear? bg

At 60mph, I turn 2k with 265s... at 65mph, I'm turning 2200, at 75mph, I'm slightly over 2500... not that I'm going to be anywhere near 75mph. I hope to run about 60mph.



IIRC, my 245s ran about 2150 at 60mph...



steved

 

[Grizzly]

Given that you are going over the Rockies with that much weight, I'd op for the 245's. In addition to the steeper grades in the Rockies, you will also be at a much higher altitude where the engine will loose some efficiency.

 

[steved]

Good points... I was leaning towards the 245s just because of the added "leverage" they would give the truck... never thought about the effects of the higher altitudes... never really been out there "loaded" to notice much difference.



Even running empty, there is a significant difference between the 245s and 265s... the mileage is more/less a moot point anyhow with that much weight...



Thanks for the replies!



steved

 

[EEdmondson]

I've pulled Eisenhower (I-70) both ways with a 7,000 GVW travel trailer with my stock 04. 5, NV5600, 3. 73 with no problem. With 4. 10 and 6 speed you should be able to pull better than me. I worry more about the downhill... need exhaust brake. Most of the interstates in the west are 75MPH speed limit and not that steep. I cruised at 70-73MPH most of the time (about the average of the big rigs). Don't limit yourself on the flat for a few steep pulls. I've also pulled that trailer with a Chevy 1/2 ton 5. 3 gas with automatic... what a royal pain in the *****.

 

[NIsaacs]

I agree with Rick, "Don't limit yourself on the flats for a few steep pulls". With your axle ratio and the 6spd, you have unlimited pulling power. Don't be afraid of using 5th in the mountains. The 265's are just bigger, better and have more weight capacity.





"NICK"

 

[ToddK]

I live in Denver. All of last year I had the std 265's on my truck(06 mega,g56,sc fp). Before the snow flew, I put on 285 bfg's. I just came back from the first camping trip of the season and I was very happy with how the truck pulled with the 285's(btw, 12k of trailer). Last year I was in between 5th and 6th on the hills. With the 285's 5th gear is a great hill pulling gear.

I think the nv5600 and 410's is very similar to my g56 and 373's. Do not be afraid to run the 265's. I think they will work well.

 

[steved]

Hmmm, well maybe I'll stick with my 265s. It would definately be nicer to run around out there once unhooked from the wagon.

steved

 

[BDeMartile]

Your truck will do fine my 5th wheel is heavier loaded than that and my truck has no prob going over the sierras ie donner pass. The transmission is there for the steepest of climbs.

 

[jandtjil]

Ditto, stay with the 265s.

 

[JHardwick]

265's and 4:10' will do fine ... ... ... . you'll be kicking yourself if you put the 245's on there.

 

[steved]

I keep reading all the signatures of the guys replying and looking at all the mods... and then me with my poor little stocker... ha!

I just had a friend confirm everything everyone has indicated... with 4. 10s, 10k isn't going to be anything. He was telling me he towed a 40-ft RV with his 92... he grossed 27k as scaled!!! He said the 4. 10s are almost too low and that I show really consider a set of 3. 73s, even with towing 10k. So I guess I'll leave well enough alone and run the 265s...

On a side note, I got 22mpg for the first part of the trip to NM running 60mph. Averaged 20mpg from the next three tanks pulling 65mph. Coming through OK last night (bucking a 30mph headwind and cruising 75mph+ for a good portion to get ahead of the storms) netted me 17mpg!! And ULSD/LSD makes no difference in mileage/power... I ran both and there was not discernable difference in either fuel!

My temps of a NV5600 manual trans with FastCoolers:

at 60mph and 70*F outside, I ran 140*F.
at 65mph and 70*F outside, I ran 150*F.
at 65mph and 80*F outside, I ran 160*F
at 75mph, 80*F outside, and bucking a 30mph headwind, I ran around 170*F.

Over the entire trip, I never broke 175*F... pulling a hill will also cause a heat up, and coasting down the other side will cause a cooldown... just like you would expect with an auto!

steved