Towing issues revisited

[Archive]

Ok guys, I try to keep up reading the posts, but get so many options I'm still confused #ad
.
Here's my situation. I have a 2001 ETH 4x4 with 3. 54's. I am going to be fulltime RVing pulling a 10k travel trailer. We are going to be spending most of our time in and out of the various mountain ranges.
I have no intrest in racing PSD's or any thing else, however I know DC didn't give us the HP we paid for. Therefore I am looking for the best possible upgrade for my application. Basically I am looking for more power pulling my TT with out getting into an EGT problem.
I will appreciate all of your suggestions.
Also, we hope to meet some of you when we begin our journey.


------------------
ABE
2001 SLT+,HO,6spd,4x4,SWB,QC,3. 54,every option except sport and roof marker lights. White w/agate leather.
Oem molded steps,Jacobs E Brake,Espar,Quad Headlights w/guards,Century Royal cap,Manik grill guard and class V hitch.

2000 Holiday Rambler 28'aluma-lite,TT, w/slide.

 

[Archive]

Hey guy,
If you are only going to tow, I suggest the Diesel Dynamics Stage III-A injectors with a boost module.
I put the stage 111-A's on mine and it was great, woke up the sleeping gaint and let it do what it really should. Then added the PE module and now race Corvettes #ad
I don't tow so I like it, however, this would not work well for towing.
The Stage III-A's are great with a boost module for towing. Give Lawrence a call at Diesel Dynamics. His systems are set up specifically for towing.
Last thing, when I put the stage III-A's in they looked identical to the stock ones I pulled out. #ad
#ad

Good luck!
Mike

------------------
2001 4X4 ETH 6 spd, QC, SLT,SB, 3:54, Flame Red,camel tan leather, 4" exhaust turbo back, EGT,boost guages, Stage III A's, Edge Products Module, Line-X bedliner.
License Plate "1QIK4X4"
-------------------------
Project that got way out of hand: total "BOMB"
95 Wrangler 4. 0L, NV4500, Reverse cut Dana 60 rear 44 front, Altas II, Quarter Eliptic suspension in rear, coils up front, Warn 10,000 lb to turn me right side up and the list goes on!

 

[Archive]

Abe, being as how your going to be doing alot of towing you might want to look hard at the VA CPC, its good power right at the RPM range you normally tow at. This topic will get you 4300 opinions and there all good but the VA gives you that little extra I think your looking for. The big selling point is no egt worries with it. Regards Pete

------------------
99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!PROPER VALVEMENT

 

[Archive]

I know I will probably get flamed here but I pull an 11k+ 5er all over Oregon and Washington with my stock 2001 ETH 6 speed. I have yet to need more power. Just my . 02 worth. Enjoy your travels.

------------------
Mike Clay
2001 HO,6 speed QC,2500,4x4 SLT, Dark Garnet Red,ISSPRO EGT & Boost gauges mounted on A Pillar camper package, hd tow pkg,Reese 20k hitch. Towing a 30' Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 5th Wheel triple slide. Geno's chrome exhaust tip. The Mule

[This message has been edited by claymike (edited 07-12-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

You can check my signature for my mods. I just pulled 2200 miles with a GCVW of 21,650 lbs and averaged 11. 5 mpg's running 65 - 75 mph. I like the setup but would honestly like just a little more punch running up mountains. That's really kind of a reach because I can run any Interstate road through 6% grades (that's the max on Interstates) at 55mph. Not too shabby for a couple of stealth mods...

------------------
Puller: Y2K 3500 Quad Cab Cummins 6spd, All options except leather, 4" exhaust, K&N Air Filter, VA CPC Box
Pullee: '98 Trails West 3 Horse Slant with 10' Living Qtrs and Mid Tack.

 

[Archive]

I will give my opinion, which you (and BOMBers) may ignore at will:

The ETH engine has all the power you need, and all that the drive train can reliabily handle. If you do a lot of mountain driving by far the best addition would be an auxilary overdrive transmission. This allows you to split your gears and keep engine RPMs in the optimum power output range. Running a stock engine at peak power RPMs is the most reliable way to get more power to the rear wheels. With the 6-speed I would have to question the payback however, as an overdrive transmission will cost well over $3,000 by the time you get it installed and you already have good gear selections with the 6-speed.

------------------
Wait'n for my 2001 2500QC, SB, 4x4, HO 6-sp, 4. 10 LSD, SLT++

 

[Archive]

I tow 14,000 lbs... Original PowerMax plus DDIII's and a 4" exhaust to help keep it cool are the highlights.

Now... . if you're not nuts like I am and don't race PSDs with empty horse trailers up long grades then I would stick to a mild injector upgrade (DDI or II) plus a boost module. Some type of boost module is a must just to use the power that's already there.

You'll have tons of fun trying to sort out all the opinions!

 

[Archive]

I'm with you diese1 nut. If I wanted a racing pick-up I probably would have bought a Ford Lightning. The only mods to my truck are boost and egt gauges plus VA CPC. I'm not going to get into what is best but I am pretty happy with my set up. I just returned back to Alabama from York, PA by way of Washington DC. I was towing a 5th wheel that has been weighed on certified scales at just over 10,000#. Going east on I64 from I95 over to I81 there is a pretty good grade that goes for several miles. In 5th gear I pulled that grade maintaining 65 MPH with a little pedal left. As I topped grade my EGT(post turbo) was reading 850 degrees. That was highest I had ever seen it but not dangerously high.
MPG pulling:
70 MPH - 12. 4 MPG
65 MPH - 13. 8 MPG
I have on occasion removed VA to compare. My VA CPC is not for sell.
Paul

------------------
Northport,AL. 1999 2500 quad cab, driftwood, 5 speed ISB. Boost and Pyro gauges. Line-x.
Amateur extra W4XH

 

[Archive]

claymike You must of gotten one of those good ones. Being able to tow with all that stock power. \

My ETH going up a 6% 3mile grade towing 6000lb can't even get past 50mph with the pedal matted. Dealer took truck for test ride saying no problems here.

If I take the truck to bd's shop here in B. C. Canada would there dyno show my stock hp under a trailer load experence.

What I am trying to ask is if the truck gets dynoed empty could it show normal addvertized power dodge claims, but not show the power loss I think I am having when trailering??

From reading previous reports a Dyno is a good start to seeing what you really have under the hood to start with.

If this is a good first rout to go. I'll have the truck in their shop right away!

Thank guys for any info thrown my way!!



------------------
2001 3500 slt+ sport HO ETH 6spd every option available Black with agate leather
3:54,Class 5 hitch

 

[Archive]

Paul Willson, The truck I have is just like Claymike's as when I tow my 6000 lbs. Jeep and trailer my truck will go 65 MPH easly and I stile have pedal left over.

------------------
2001 2500HD Quad Cab SLT SB 4x4, HO Cummins, 6-speed, 3. 55 gears, LSD, brightwhite/driftwood, air dam, 4w ABS, camper and trailer tow packages, fog lamps, CD/cassette, HD transfer case, snow plow prep, travel convenience group, cab lights, Isspro Boost and Pyrometer gauges mounted on A-pillar, PowerEdge. (ordered 1/11/00, shipped 2/14/00, recieved 3/4/00).
11200 miles as of 6/28/00.

1980 CJ-5, Modified for off-road use, bobbed fenders, 350 TBI, NP435 trans, 4. 56 gears, Dana 300, Dana 44 front, Dana 60 reverse-cut rear axle, ARB air lockers front and rear, 15/35/15 Super Swamper TSL on 10X15 steel rims, Cobra CB, Warn 9000I winch, nerf bars, 1/4" steel rock crawler bumper front and rear, jerri can/spare tire rack, custom roll cage.

 

[Archive]

If you do have the truck dyno'ed on a roller dyno (at the wheels instead of the flywheel), don't forget to add for power lost through the drivetrain. It shouldn't be much with a manual trans. When my brother had his dyno'ed it showed approx. 20% under factory at the rear wheels which is about right b/c he has an auto. Also, you can probably get it dyno'ed at any large 18 wheeler dealer if they have a dyno. My brother got his done at the local Kenworth dealer for $125.

 

[Archive]

Thanks for the replies.
I did see a ETH dyno out at Dyno Days at BD it was very impresive, 3000kms bone stock
225hp off the rears. Mind you that dyno was smoking the truck was #70 to be dynoed that day!!

Also when that ETH left the lot you could hear the power. Sounded like he could lay rubber at will.

Though nothing could of compared to Peir's Show.


------------------
2001 3500 slt+ sport HO ETH 6spd every option available Black with agate leather
3:54,Class 5 hitch

 

[Archive]

Paul;

Your truck could use some attention of some sort. With my '01 ETH 6 speed and 3. 54 gears pulling #7000 plus trailer up Willamette Pass in Oregon (many miles of 6% grades) I could excellerate in 5th gear at any time. Speed was limited only by the curves and other traffic. Dealers never seem to adequately deal with such non objective problems. I would find a real diesel mechanic (maybe a cummins shop) and pay to have it made right.

Vaughn

 

[Archive]

Theres a 6% grade down here in Oregon which I would love to see any truck ,regardless of manufacturer,pull at 50mph. Im not against any sort of Bombing if that is what a person wants. Thats one of the reasons I enjoy being a TDR member. The question in my mind is this. Is it at all reasonable to expect a truck to pull any given grade at or above the speed limit with a TT or 5er?I do a lot of mountain driving. My HO pulls a lot stronger than my 99 auto with the same TT. Its more than enough especially with safety being my number one concern when towing not speed. Its an individual choice but lets not forget safety. LOL and BTW mike Clay and I bought our trucks at about the same time. He had a Bombed truck before getting the 2001. Can you say $$$$$?

------------------
2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar (more to come)

 

[Archive]

Have you spent any time pulling? The only thing holding my truck back is my R foot - and the temperature gauge. I keep my foot in it till the temp gets close to the 3rd mark(The OEM one I might add)and then I back off. By then I'm at the top of the hill. I have never had anyone pulling anything attempt to pass me. Try it - you'll like it!

------------------
99' Quad 4x4 A/T LB 3. 54 30K Miles.

 

[Archive]

Abe, from what you say, it sounds like you just want a little extra umpff, nothing too outrageous. As far as convenience and practicality, I would have to say the VA CPC is a pretty nice choice. It won't make your truck a rocket ship unloaded - but makes a marked improvement while towing. Installs in 10 min. and easily removed. I think a mild set of injectors like DD stage 1's would also work well, probably a little more than a VA, but you can't beat the ease of install with the CPC. Take your pick between all of these options mentioned, they are all wonderful products and you will be happy whichever way you decide to go.
Craig

------------------
2000, 2500,QC,4x4,white,tow,leather,6 spd,4. 10, 4" exhaust - turbo back, K&N, Balls of steel hitch, line-x bedliner, Autometer Ultralite pyro and boost... wouldn't dare add anything to void that good ole DC warranty!

 

[Archive]

Thanks for all the reply's.
I have done some towing and have been fairlywell satisfied, but out here on the east coast the grades are not to demanding.
I have been able to maintain my speed, but the coolant temp. does rise and it just seems it's working a little harder than it should.
I am only looking for a mild modification just for a little more punch.
I have been considering the VA, or injectors. I have been reading some posts about the VA quiting on some trucks. Is this a problem or an isolated incedent. Also on the DD web site which are the RV injectors.
I do plan on getting guages, and I like the SPA. I am open for suggestions.
Thanks


------------------

2001 SLT+,HO,6spd,4x4,SWB,QC,3. 54,every option except sport and roof marker lights. White w/agate leather.
Oem molded steps,Jacobs E Brake,Espar,Quad Headlights w/guards,Century Royal cap,Manik grill guard and class V hitch.

2000 Holiday Rambler 28'aluma-lite,TT, w/slide.

 

[Archive]

My son can get me a set of injectors installed for $300. 00. My sons freind says I will get 50 more HP. I think it is a good deal, but will it hurt anything. I tow alot and need dependability. I don't want to have to be monitoring gauges on my A-pillar so I don't smoke my motor. Or have my trans turn to dust where Moses lost the tablets. So far with 55,000+ and regular servicing everything is always perfect. A little more grunt and better mpg are tempting if there is no sacrafice to depenability and durability. Is the VA CPC a control unit for the engine management? And how much $'s. Wich is better for towing? Thanx

------------------
1999,WHITE,2500,AUTO,QC,S/B,ANTI-SPIN,CAMPER,TOW,SLT,6CD,CB,B&M TRANS TEMP GAUGE,REFLASHED,3. 5,241HD,CUST PKG 2CG, ARE TONEAU, ARMA-TUFF BEDLINER(don't like, to slippery),rear slider,8way pwr seat,cloth +.

 

[Archive]

DD Injectors go like this -
275hp (RV injectors) are stock Bosch fit/function.
DD1 - Stock injectors that are honed out bigger.
DD2 & 3 - Not sure what base injector is used but they are honed out as well.