Tailering question with 2500 6.0

CdnChevy · August 5, 2004

Quick question to all the heavy towing experts out there. Picked of a 5th wheel this spring and have been on several trips, say 500 KM round trip. My 04 2500 LD pulls the 29 foot fiver great. Set the cruise at 100 KM/H and it pretty much holds it there. This past weekend we zipped out to the mountains for a few days, there was a large pass to climb prior to the campground, fairly straight road but going up. In Tow mode the truck at 100KM/h runs say 2500 RPM as a average. We hit the first grade and it shifted down as per normal to around 3700 RPM or so. We then hit a steeper grade and when it shifted down again it went to like 5800 RPM. Just about off the tach. It then regained its speed, shifted back to 3rd and countinued its climb, reached the summit, back to 2500 or less. I was surprised at the RPM jump the 2nd time. Would it have been wiser to slow the truck down say 10-20 KM/hr to maybe avoid that RPM? Or should I just let the truck do what it thinks is best.

Thanks!

496 CUBIC INCHES · August 5, 2004

It sounds to me like you need to slow down a bit. How fast is 100KM compared to MPH? The other thing is to try pulling the hill without the cruise on. Cruise control can't tell what's ahead in the road,and can't "get a run" when you encounter a hill.

5800 RPM's is excessive. You're WAY past peak HP and torque,so all you're really doing is burning more fuel.

CdnChevy · August 5, 2004

100 KM/h is 60 MPH

stlmaj · August 5, 2004

I have a crewcab with the 6.0L engine. I tow a 26 ft travel trailer at about 65mph I slow down on steep grades. I usually pull around 3500 to 4000 RPMs on steep grades. Can't say I ever remember going over 5000RPM's. I also tow in the tow haul mode.

Hope this helps

Matt

Shaners · August 5, 2004

In hilly terrain I don't run with the cruise on when towing. I've found that by playing the throttle and not horsing the truck, I can usually gain about 1 MPG with my right foot.

mhraracing · August 5, 2004

Agree with Shaners - my towing goes throught the Addirondaks in NY - very hilly - but beautiful - always use my foot - it makes it easier on the truck by getting a "little run" and keep her in the sweet zone (max hp and TQ).

gave20 · August 5, 2004

My 04 2500 LD pulls the 29 foot fiver great. Set the cruise at 100 KM/H and it pretty much holds it there.

Just wondering what the dry and wet weight on your trailer is? I was looking at a travel trailer from sunline that had a GVW of 7K, but I also found holiday rambler is making a 27' 5ther that weighs close to 9K. If the 5ther will pull nice I might focus on it. What's your thoughts?

CdnChevy · August 6, 2004

Here are some specs.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight 7516 Exterior Width 96"

Dry Hitch Weight 1316 Exterior Length 30' 5"

Dry Axle Weight 6200 Exterior Height 142"

Net Carrier Capacity 2324 Interior Height 82"

GVWR 9840 Water Capacity 55 gal.

LP Gas Capacity 60 lbs. Waste Water Capacity 50 gal.

Refrigerator 8 cu ft Gray Water Capacity 50 gal.

Furnace BTUs 30,000 Water Heater Capacity 6 gal.

Tire Size 15"

496 CUBIC INCHES · August 6, 2004

A fifth wheel will almost always pull better than a bumper pull trailer,plus all you have to do is hitch up and go. With a bumper pull,you have W/D bars and sway control to deal with.