Power and economy while towing

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What's this 5th wheel worth??

Pulling a trailer

Anyone towing with DD2's and an Edge Comp, and any other goodies tell me what level you use for best fuel economy and power? My trailer with gear and Jeep weigh about 8000-8500 lbs. Mainly will be on fairly flat roads but some big hills for a while (Arkansas). Thanks!!



Robin
 
Robin,



I towed 9,000, 10,000 lb 5th wheel for a year with DDIIs and Edge Comp. I set it on 2 most of the time and it delivered all the power I wanted or needed. Only problems encountered were smoke at elevations of 7,000 to 9,000 feet and EGT's when pulling long 6 or 8 percent grades that were several miles long. See profile for features, HX 40 is new to address the EGTs but havn't pulled since it was installed. I don't think you will have any problems in Arkansas.



Tom
 
What turbo did you have before the 40?? I am trying to decide between a pdr35 and 40. And I will be going to COlorado once or twice a year, so will be in the higher altitudes.



Robin
 
Robin,



I had the HX 35 before the 40. However, the HX35 worked OK on the long pulls, I just had to get off the pedal because of EGTs before I ran out of power. The upgrade to the 40 was one more of choice than need. The truck is something of a toy for me so I play with it by adding and changing things. A HX 35 turbo will be just fine in the mountains of Arkansas and Co.
 
I was trying to figure out which turbo to use with DDIIs for towing and was planning on doing a PDRhx35. My local diesel god turned me away from that and highly recommended a stock 35 with a 16 non waste gated housing.
 
Adam



One of the individuals at Piers made the same recommendation to me and I suspect that if I had planned to continue running the DDIIs and Edge box, that solution would have worked to keep the EGTs in check. However, after deciding to change the Edge box to a Comp box and talking to some other members of the TDR, it seemed that the HX 40 was a better solution for my particular situation. I'm sure others on the board could give information on the 16 cm solution. I know that it is a lot less expensive than a HX 40. If I remember correctly, the price quote from Piers was around $350. 00 for the 16 cm.



Tom
 
So many options!!!! I am leaning towards a PDR35 right now... But in another month when I can afford it, who knows what I'll get. It can get confusing!!



Robin
 
I just replaced my HY35 with the an HX35 that a friend had given me. I sent it to Piers to be Piersified and put on a 16CM housing I couldn't be happier. I haven't towed with it yet so we will have to see. Currently I can not get my EGT's over 1300 even on 5X5 and the spool up with my DTT transmission is not objectionable at all.
 
Hey how you doing Mtngoat? If I were you I would go with the 16cm since you have the comp unless you will only tow in #1. I had the DD2's and EZ and temp would be fine all over KS, AK, OK, but CO is just a bit toasty do to elevation and very long steep grades. My 14cm worked pretty good, but you have to watch the EGT pretty close and feather the trottle pedal accordingly while towing through the Rockies to keep the EGT's in check so the 16cm would be better or at least in my opinion.
 
Ya know, all the above chatter is really why I have thus far stuck with only my Comp for power - plenty of power towing any Sierra grade at about 15,000 GCVW - EGT always 1200 or under, even on LONG steep grades on 5x5, my clutch is still grinnin' - economy is relatively unchanged in all-around driving - I just hate to complicate things with still MORE power - especially when I can already top the Sierra at 90 MPH in OD towing my 5er as it is... ;) :D



BUT, power is adictive, isn't it! :p :D
 
Mtngoat, Yes I got home okay, thanks. Since there was a very slight headwind going home my mileage may not be totally accurate, but I think currently I am getting about the same or maybe 1/2 to 1 MPH less. I will let you know after I get a tank or two through it with my current setup.
 
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