2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Stock '97 Truck Pyro / Mileage Report Hauling Camper

[Mike Ellis]

I thought those who are curious about 12-valves might be interested in how they perform stock, so I thought I would post some info from a recent trip. I have kept my truck stock all this time, still has the catalytic converter and stock exhaust on it. It only has 210K on it so it is just about broken in and is pretty representative of a stock 12-valve.



I haul pretty heavy trailers and loads with my truck, so I was curious to see what my EGT's would be like. Finally got around to having an X-monitor installed with the sensor installed pre-turbo, and have watched it for quite a while now.



In unloaded form, the pyro rarely sees more than 900 degrees unless I am putting my foot into pretty hard. At constant speed in the 60 - 70 mph range the pyro will stay in the 600 - 700 degree range with only a couple PSI of turbo boost.



Just got back from a trip to Yellowstone with my Bigfoot 2500 truck camper. With the camper all loaded up and ready to go and us on board, my truck weighs in very close to GVWR. The Bigfoot is a very tall camper and presents a pretty large sail area to the wind, so in addition to the approx. 3500 pounds of camper weight it is hauling the truck has to work harder to keep at highway speeds.



With the camper on, I drive 65 mph max because the truck handles well and returns very good fuel economy - going faster hits the mpg hard and handling gets a bit more challenging. At 65 in the flat lands the pyro will read in the 750 - 850 range with around 6 psi of turbo boost in steady state mode.



Highest pyro temps come in 5th gear when trying to maintain speed up a grade, can easily exceed 1000 degrees. I had the X-monitor set to warn at 1100, and in my trip through the Rockies including a jaunt up to the top of Pikes Peak, the highest temp recorded was 1106. This must have been a pretty brief spike because I never saw the X-monitor flash its warning.



For those who wonder what kind of mileage you can get in these trucks carrying a camper, here are the fillups and mpg for my truck from the trip. Averaged 15. 8 for the trip, with the last 3 being pretty good due to the "downhill all the way" nature of the return to Texas. All tanks were straight regular ULSD diesel, no additives. Truck is a 5-speed, with all fluids being ordinary Dodge-recommended dinosaur lubes (Rotella T etc).



Overall I think it would be tough to find a rig that can beat the versatility, handling, and cost-effective economy of the 12-valve Dodge trucks. They are old enough now that they are ridiculously cheap for the performance they provide. I have also become a big fan of the truck camper, makes camping a real breeze and handles very well if you keep the speed reasonable



Miles at Fillup MPG

454. 0 15. 4

434. 1 15. 1

448. 5 14. 7

272. 0 15. 5

235. 9 15. 7

410. 2 16. 7

478. 1 16. 8

209. 5 16. 2

 

[DonTX]

It is amazing how close we are to doing the same thing Mike. I just returned from 7500 miles up to the north border with my Host 11 1/2 foot camper. I am just a tad over 12000 lbs when travelling, and like to drive faster than I really should. My truck is a dually one ton automatic, with a TST plate. My mileage is close to yours, I ranged from 14 to 19 at higher speeds (the 19 was back East in KY, where the winding narrow roads slowed me waaaaay down). Mine handles so nicely at 75-80, it often climbs up there when I am not looking. The Host has a pretty good slant on the front overhang, I think that is a help at higher speeds I tend to drive. Mine is in the paint shop getting its reward as I write this.

I truly love my truck, would not trade it for a brand new one or any other configuration.

 

[Mike Ellis]

I have been thinking of upgrading to the 230/605 plate myself Don. What kind of pyro temps do you see when hauling your camper?



Mine handles better than a class C at 70+ mph (at least compared to the Winnebago class C we had for years), however with my stock suspension and aging Ranchos it becomes noticeably more squirmy at the higher speeds. Never had any side to side wallowing problems, just a bit worse steering wander than usual.



Did you haul yours before the suspension mods? How much difference did your air bags make?

 

[DonTX]

I never hauled without the bags, but can reduce pressure to zero. I find that the ride is far improved with about 40-45 lbs in the air bags. I love my TST plate for the camper, you cannot seem to get it too hot on the pyro with the camper. Previously I hauled a large 5er, and out in the hills of AZ and NV during mid summer, you better watch that pyro VERY CLOSE.

You must have something bad, there is absolutely NO squirmisness with mine, handling is perfect in any situation. Side winds, passing semis, etc. Bags may be a help there too.

 

[Mike Ellis]

I think my handling is a function of steering wander, because on curves, passing semis etc there is no problem at all, truck is very stable with no wallow side to side. But there steering as it has aged has become noticeably "looser" if that makes sense, it has quite a bit of wander and at higher speeds it is fatiguing to have it darting around and constantly correcting it.



I took it to the tire shop before I left and the guy told me he could replace the steering gear and get it tighter. I don't know if it is a big enough problem to shell out that kind of cash though. Wish my 2nd gen had the tight steering like the 3rd gen trucks.



How do you like your Host camper? They are very slick rigs and I like that aluminum frame. Do you have the version with the fold out rear tent?



I always get a kick out of camping somewhere like Yellowstone, people in the big Class A's always think the truck camper must be impossibly cramped and want to look inside. "Wow I had no idea they made campers this nice inside" :-laf :-laf The thing that fascinates them the most is the remote control jacks, I have had on several occasions people trying to get their 5th wheels set up, stop what they were doing to watch.



"How long does that thing take to get ready to camp?"



"Well, you plug in the cord, loosen these turnbuckles, and drop the jacks. "



"How long does that take?"



"Already finished :-laf :-laf"

 

[AClayton]

Mike,I've often considered selling my A to get a Lance. Came real close at an RVshow in PA once but decided I would lose too much on my Winnebago to justify. Those things do have a lot of room.



Alan

 

[DonTX]

Mine has that borgeson shaft fix by prior owner, nothing else, 210k miles. I had it aligned and new tires a few months ago, made no difference whatever. I have the Host Yellowstone, double slide, dry bath model, no rear slide out. I totally love it! We have put on 17,500 miles on it since last October! MANY people have climbed inside, and could not believe how roomy and comfortable it is. If you get Truck Camper Magazine, I just completed an interview this morning to tell "my story". You may want to subscribe, it is free, here is a link, it is online and it is free: Truck Camper Magazine | Dedicated to the Truck Camping Lifestyle - HOME