Programmers and Towing Fifth Wheel

[TEX06f250]

I have a long trip to Orland to to visit the mouse. I will be towing a 13,000 lbs fifth wheel with my F250 Crew Cab. Any suggestions on increasing the performance's. Already Big air in/ Big Air out.

Considering a Programmer but have heard of issues with popping head gaskets.

Any Issues with adding 50 odd hp and towing a heavy load. Am I creating a recipe for disaster?

Thanks

[rednekexprez]

I would have to say SCT with custom tunes..And some gauges...

[04powerstroker]

go with hypertech max energy best otc plug and go out there. Upgrade the elbow on the intake manifold also.

[tubular031]

Get some gauges and drive based on the EGTs. if they are high, dont push so hard, if they are low, then push it harder!

[SuperCrutyPS]

Be careful about programmers. Most have all kinds of power settings, but many will say only to tow at a certain level for towing.

I have a Hypertech Power Programmer III (older version of their Max Energy programmer) When I had my gauges installed, the diesel tech said even with the Hypertech, he wouldn't tow on the top setting. (Hypertech says you can).

Also a general rule of thumb is to keep your EGTs at or below 1250* for sustained pulls. Above that for short bursts is not an issue.

If you're going pull that heavy, I'd definitely get gauges. I have the Autometer Z-series EGT, Boost and Tranny Temp. I have found them very useful while towing my 5er. (12K GVWR)

For something like this, definitely do your homework. Be as well informed as you can when deciding to programmer or chip.

Good luck in your search - It's half the fun!!!!

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

Originally Posted by tubular031

Get some gauges and drive based on the EGTs. if they are high, dont push so hard, if they are low, then push it harder!

i agree.... you drive your truck according to what your gauges are saying... if you dont already have some get some.. you need at least pyro and trans..... most get boost as well.... your stock trans gauge is very inaccurate.... i would go custom tunes... im asuming you have a 6.0L so i would def suggest SCT... their is no comparison to custom tunes.... i would do a custom tuned SCT with Innovative tunes... let me know if you have any more questions or need any prices on gauges or the tuner

-Raul