Towing with the 7.3

[BigLew]

Hey guys bought my 2000 7.3 crew cab DRW 4x4 about a year ago with 180 on the clock. It has been a very good truck. Bought a 40' toyhauler last month that weights 15500 loaded plus the truck. Have done an exhaust and cold air with a prdedator programmer for tow mode. I'm not sure how well the tranny likes the toyhauler. Thinking I will at some time want some more torque which means I will need to do something about the tranny. I really wish I had another gear like the 6.0 ( but thats all I miss about the 6.0). So considering the power upgrade in the future what about the tranny? Do I drive it until it quits and then what? Something aftermarket with another gear? I guess I should change the cooler as well now. Just seems at 65mph it running to many rpms and needs to be in overdrive.
By the way what is the best rpm for towing something that heavy. thanks

Mike

[HVAC SuperTech]

What are your tranny temps while towing? If they are ok, then I would do a Valve body from BTS, and a 3 disc billet TC minimum. If it seems like its starting to slip, go full rebuild and get a reputable builder to do the work.

BTS does one hell of a trans, but its will cost ya about 4500. I had one rebuilt totally here local by 1st gear transmissions and they warrantied it for life as long as I brought it in for service every 25k. I like it so far and it shifts really well.

dont know about speed and towing heavy like that. no experience really.

I do know that the predator tune probably doenst do your trans justice under the higher power levels. someone like PHP or Tony wildman would be better with some GOOD tranmission tuning.

[Dietoremain]

get good tunes, thats heavy, and i hope you have gauges..

[mxfever090]

I thought pulling that heavy you should use a stock tune anyway? I know the truck could handle it but isn't the tow weight on a 5th wheel 13,5 for a dually?

[CT Performance, Inc.]

You can run good tunes, not what the OP has, with any weight..but think the OP is overweight.

[catman 3]

A friend with a stock F-250 once pulled my Cat 416 backhoe that tips the scales at 14,500 + trailer.
I've also had a Dodge pull my backhoe up and down some huge hills using an 18' gooseneck.
I have no clue what the gross weight was but it had to be over 30k.

I don't pull my backhoe with my 350, I'd rather pay someone a haul fee.

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by mxfever090

I thought pulling that heavy you should use a stock tune anyway? I know the truck could handle it but isn't the tow weight on a 5th wheel 13,5 for a dually?

25hp Extremely Heavy Tow 12,500+ pounds
40hp Heavy Tow 10,000 -12,500 pounds
65hp Moderate Tow 7,500 - 10,000 pounds
80hp Light Tow Up to 7,500 pounds

Those are the chip settings for PHP's tunes... I have the u/l ones.

[mxfever090]

Originally Posted by catman 3

I don't pull my backhoe with my 350, I'd rather pay someone a haul fee.

Good call! I've pulled 18,700 before. It isn't bad other than the other drivers. Had a few white knuckle experiences and probably won't be doing it again!

Originally Posted by ToMang07

25hp Extremely Heavy Tow 12,500+ pounds
40hp Heavy Tow 10,000 -12,500 pounds
65hp Moderate Tow 7,500 - 10,000 pounds
80hp Light Tow Up to 7,500 pounds

Those are the chip settings for PHP's tunes... I have the u/l ones.

What's your fuel mileage pulling 7500 - 10K? I pull mostly 5-7 and get 12-13 mpg, no tunes.

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by mxfever090

Good call! I've pulled 18,700 before. It isn't bad other than the other drivers. Had a few white knuckle experiences and probably won't be doing it again!



What's your fuel mileage pulling 7500 - 10K? I pull mostly 5-7 and get 12-13 mpg, no tunes.

No idea... havent used it yet. My boat isn't that heavy... and I havent had to move my brother's boat in a while. Most of the "work" my truck does is pushing... Limited pulling in the summer, lol.

I might be pulling a 10k+ lb lobster boat this summer, tho, the broother has a new 30+'(ish) lobster boat.... thing is huge.... should be getting launched in another month or 2.... THAT will be fun, lol!

[chillls]

Originally Posted by ToMang07

30+"(ish)

30" (inches)??? thats a big boat.....a big toy boat

just kidding