Truck/trannie issues

[bigdisneydaddy]

The Allison isnt immune from problems, although its a very stout trans it can still suffer if you add a lot of power to it. Some say 75HP is the limit on a stock Allison without upgrading the trans.
A lot depends on your rig, a big trailer needs a big truck. I used to pull my 27ft with a 1/2 ton gasser, I bought the 2500 Diesel and it was a world of difference, it was so much easier to drive that it made travel much less stressful. I bought the truck with the intention of someday getting a bigger trailer which is what we did last fall.

Scott

 

[Gatordad]

what was easier about the drive with the new truck?

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

for those with diesel trucks under the year of 2007. with the ulsd are you using an additive for lubricity. our neighbor is a truck driver and part time diesel mechanic and he says it should be used and I have seen in some Rv magazines they say it is not necessary. it is probably too early to tell if the ulsd will hurt the engine over time. just curious as to what the Dis diesel guys and gals think.

I manage the maintenance on a fleet of 22 trucks and all but a few are Diesels. Detroit diesel and Cummins both say that additive isnt necessary, which I believe is true, it isnt necessary but it is beneficial. We run power service in the company trucks during the winter mostly to prevent gelling problems since they are in and out of the cold frequently. Personally I run a mix of power service (white bottle in winter silver in summer) and 2 cycle oil. Since my truck is an 05 I can get away with the 2 cycle, you cant if you have an 07 or later with the DPF. I saw a very comprehensive lubricity study on additives and came up with this combination. Where I live I think its prudent to use an additive because of the cold, in the warmer climates like Florida I would run it strictly for the ability to add lubricity and the algeacide benefit. It boils down to what your personal comfort level is, opinions vary like anything else so you have to do a little research and decide for yourself.

On edit, the fuel is mixed at the distributor, it all starts out the same, different brands get varying additive packages based on that companies guidelines. All of the companies add a lubricity package into their fuel as part of that package. This additive replaces the lost lubricity from the process that removes the sulfur and makes it 15ppm ULSD.

Scott

 

[ftwildernessguy]

what was easier about the drive with the new truck?

More cup holders.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

what was easier about the drive with the new truck?

Bigger truck, easier to drive, more power, set the cruise and go.

 

[RvUsa]

I agree, when we first bought our last TT 30' coachman, we made our 1st trip to the fort pulling it with an expedition. YIKES that was about impossible. It was 40 mph up hills, and hang on and hope on the way down.

We upgraded to an excursion, with a v-10 it was better, uphill at 60 down hill, just a small prayer before you crested the top.

We then got a f-250 diesel, Up hill at 80, down hill no problem, but still a little squirrly in cross winds and truck passings.

Then we got the 34' ulta heavy ) tt and a f-350 duallie, now we can go up hill, down hill aound curves, past trucks at 90 if you want, with 1 finger on the wheel, a coke in the other and 2 taco bell tacos between your legs, and not even a worry in your head.

LOL

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

More cup holders.

The big red one I drive at work weighs 44,000 # and it still has cup holders

 

[ftwildernessguy]

The big red one I drive at work weighs 44,000 # and it still has cup holders

A truck that big should have a lot of cup holders.

 

[2goofycampers]

BDD; we have been using stanadyne performance formula all season additive. $3.00 for 8 ounces. heard of it ? is it worth it? should we do it every fill up ?

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

BDD; we have been using stanadyne performance formula all season additive. $3.00 for 8 ounces. heard of it ? is it worth it? should we do it every fill up ?

Standyne is what GM suggests for their D-max, if it was more widely available I would use it. Power service is available everywhere up here so thats what I use. I pay around $6.50 for a 32 oz of PS and then mix it half and half with 2 cycle and THEN put about 12 oz per tankful (my tank is only 26 gal)
The bottle should have the recommended mix ratio on it, unless you are having fuel quality issues or premature filter problems I would add about 1/2 the suggested amount on every tank. All other things being equal the additive will also make the filter last a little longer.

Scott

 

[clkelley]

OK, for all you experts out there. I'm nowhere in the class with the big dogs as far as trucks and weight goes, but I do have a question.

As most of you know, I've got an 02 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0 V6, 2-wheel drive (5,000 lb tow limit; GCWR 9600 lbs) and I tow a T@B which weighs (verified by a CAT scale) 1960 fully loaded. Numbers from the weigh ticket: Drive Axle - 4840 lbs, trailer axle - 1960 lbs; Gross Weight 6800 lbs)

I've thought about a transmission cooler, but haven't installed one yet. Do I need one??

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

OK, for all you experts out there. I'm nowhere in the class with the big dogs as far as trucks and weight goes, but I do have a question.

As most of you know, I've got an 02 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0 V6, 2-wheel drive (5,000 lb tow limit; GCWR 9600 lbs) and I tow a T@B which weighs (verified by a CAT scale) 1960 fully loaded. Numbers from the weigh ticket: Drive Axle - 4840 lbs, trailer axle - 1960 lbs; Gross Weight 6800 lbs)

I've thought about a transmission cooler, but haven't installed one yet. Do I need one??

Yes. heat is the #1 killer of transmissions. If your truck does not have a towing package or an auxiliary transmission cooler you should add one. If you are unsure about it you could call your dealer and giv them the VIN and they could tell you or you could look inside the grille area for what looks like a small radiator FORWARD of the AC condensor and the radiator. Typically they are rectangular and vary from a approximately 3"x10" up to 12"x18" I would think your vehicle (if it has one) would be around 3"x10"
If you need to add one I would suggest using a transmission shop (ask around about a reputable one) since they are expert at tranmissions and they should be able to size one correctly. If you dont have one and decide to add one I would have them service the trans if you are over 50,000 miles (new fluid and filter, not a big fan of the "flush" methods) whiel they add the cooler.

Thats my $.02, remember you get what you pay for

 

[LONE-STAR]

I agree, when we first bought our last TT 30' coachman, we made our 1st trip to the fort pulling it with an expedition. YIKES that was about impossible. It was 40 mph up hills, and hang on and hope on the way down.

We upgraded to an excursion, with a v-10 it was better, uphill at 60 down hill, just a small prayer before you crested the top.

We then got a f-250 diesel, Up hill at 80, down hill no problem, but still a little squirrly in cross winds and truck passings.

Then we got the 34' ulta heavy ) tt and a f-350 duallie, now we can go up hill, down hill aound curves, past trucks at 90 if you want, with 1 finger on the wheel, a coke in the other and 2 taco bell tacos between your legs, and not even a worry in your head.

LOL

So now the only worry you have left is paying for the diesel.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

OK, for all you experts out there. I'm nowhere in the class with the big dogs as far as trucks and weight goes, but I do have a question.

As most of you know, I've got an 02 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0 V6, 2-wheel drive (5,000 lb tow limit; GCWR 9600 lbs) and I tow a T@B which weighs (verified by a CAT scale) 1960 fully loaded. Numbers from the weigh ticket: Drive Axle - 4840 lbs, trailer axle - 1960 lbs; Gross Weight 6800 lbs)

I've thought about a transmission cooler, but haven't installed one yet. Do I need one??

Take a look at your truck, Carol, 'cause I'm pretty sure it already has one on it. I had a Sporttrac from '02 and it was standard on it.

 

[RvUsa]

So now the only worry you have left is paying for the diesel.

Tell me about it, just need a third mortgage on the house and we can camp again this year.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

And people ask if camping is just a cheap way to take a vacation!!!!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

And people ask if camping is just a cheap way to take a vacation!!!!

Hey, I'm the one who told that guy that it wasn't. Everybody else was saying how much money they save.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Youre 100% correct...Ive been buying crap for my trip and even tenting supplies is REALLY starting to add up!!!! ANd Im just getting started!!!!

 

[Gatordad]

A truck that big should have a lot of cup holders.

agreed, 1 cup holder x 44

 

[chief19spixi]

So now the only worry you have left is paying for the diesel.

aint that the truth.. I am dreading that part too!!

The other day DH and I went to the store and out alternator up and died on us! That was a bummer cause I had to wait 30 mins while he replaced it in the parking lot of Advance auto parts!! LOL

just kidding.. I did help when it came to putting the belt thing on so his hand would not get crushed.. then we happily went on our merry way continuing to blow money on items for the trip that we don't need!