Towing like a Pig

[Cml390]

I just purchased a new travel trailer and the truck was struggeling to get up to any speed (55mph and higher) after shifting into 4th or O/D. The trailer weighs about 6k empty, and I have towed similar weights before without too much of an issue (it has never been a rocket and i know that). The truck is pretty much stock except for the exhaust. I noticed that the max boost i could achieve was about 8-10lbs in any gear, any speed, any flat or hill. With no load I hit about the same. Question is do i have an issue with the turbo, I know with no load the boost will be lower, but with a load shouldnt it be at least double? Where should I start looking?

[caissiel]

Towing a travel trailer. its not the weight that affects towing its the wide body in the wind or aero drag over 55 MPH. I tow a 5th wheel weighing 15K and a 7K travel trailer is harder to tow then my unit.

[Cml390]

I understand that part, but I guess what really has me stumped is the low boost. It just seamed like the truck had no balls. I will be taking it on a trip next weekend and see if It might just be me expecting something else, but is that right for the boost?

[JER-1]

Check your boots should get more boast, might have a cracked small in the hose, had one in my 2005 f-350.
JER-1

[CowboyCody]

My stock truck will hit 18-19lbs of boost when I'm towing but that's it... I'm pretty sure that is normal for stock.

[Cml390]

I do not have an intercooler, but the y pipe boots look ok. If 18 psi is about normal with a load where can I start looking to find out why im only getting 8-10,( my gauge is tapped in the map hose)?

[BigFuel]

Do you still have the stock DP? Do you have a chip, what tunes? Is this the first time you've towed with this truck? Are you sure the brakes on the trailer are functioning correctly, not dragging? What do the compressor blades look like? Also check the o-ring under the compressor outlet (under hose clamp).

[Cml390]

i have a 3" downpipe with 4" exahust all the way back, no tunes or chips, and i replaced the o-ring about a month back (old one was cracked). It is not the first time towing with it, but it was really hot out (115 F), so i am sure that was part of the problem. I will double check the trailer brakes this weekend, and see if the cooler temperatures make a difference. Talking with someone else, that had a similar problem and was told the fuel pump was getting weak and caused low performance and boost numbers. Any one know what the fuel pressure should be so I can check that as well?

[Cml390]

Just got back from the trip and the truck pulled the trailer just fine, it must have been the heat before. The boost maxed out at about 10 lbs, is there a way i can test the gauge to see if that is the problem? the plumbing is good, no kinks, leaks or pinched hose anywhere.

[BigFuel]

Go somewhere with shop air or get a small compressor. Dial the line pressure to 10-15 PSI and using a blow gun with a rubber tip hit the gauge and see what it reads.