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I pull a 31' trailer and have similar issues with cruise control at 70mph. I don't use a tuner. I like to cruise about 65 when pulling the trailer. Don't know if you like that option or not....
As for the airbags, I love mine. I originally had the SuperSprings but I've had problems getting my adjusted just right to get a comfortable non-loaded level. With the airbags, I can get just the right feel no matter what I'm towing and it's a nice ride. I found 30psi for my trailer to be just right. I don't have a level kit installed, so not sure how much different that will make it.
I have a 34' TT (loaded to camp around 9,200) and found the cruise control sweet spot to be 67mph.
I have airbags as well and they help a ton. 20psi with my bed not loaded and around 35psi if I have wood, coolers, etc. back there.
Question for the more experienced towers out here.
I've done a couple of trips with my trailer now and have some observations.
I have a 13 Platinum 5.0 4X4 3.55 gears and a 5 Star tune.
Trailer is a 35' Kodiak 7100 lbs dry.
I've noticed when cruising on the highway, if I set the speed to say 70, the truck tries to hold on in 5th gear but often goes down to 4th. I feel like I'm right in between gears at that speed. I am in tow/haul mode too. I have 6th locked out and thought locking out 5th would be unnecessary but now not sure. The ride is smooth otherwise...just curious about this.
Are there any upgrades you guys would recommend for this like gears or engine?
I was also thinking about leveling the truck then putting airbags in back. Comments?
Tks
This might be a result of your 3.55 gearing and 5.0 motor. 3.55 when towing is going to make the engine lug along and the 5.0 doesn't have enough torque to maintain speed with such a big trailer. When speed drops, the cruise wants to down shift.
For comparison, my 3.73 Ecoboost cruises along all day in 6th gear on the flats. Hit a slight incline and it will drop to 5th. 4th at highway speed is only reserved for the steep grades. Granted the 3.73 vs 3.55 makes a big difference, but mine is also the Ecoboost motor with 5-star tune which is torque monster!
I would say keep doing what you're doing as you can't do much about the 3.55 unless you want to regear which isn't very realistic.
Chanced upon this Mountain Town Public Radio Fundraiser last Friday night while looking for a place to set down for the evening. This huge Ranch @ ~7,700' specializes in holding everything from Music Events to Weddings to help pay the Bills. $15- to hear 3 very good Bands, and a place to 'Boondock' for the night in a mowed Hay Field. It sho beat being 6' away from the next RVer. There was a 2nd Camping Area for the 'Late Arrivals'; a.k.a. loud, Partying types.
Kayakers. Cowboys. Earth Muffins. City Folk passing through. You name it. A nonstop, huge Campfire kept alive by Ranch Hands. Being Colorado, a temp Tent with several Couches safely out of the Weather, with the obligatory Green Lights symbolizing 'Medicinal Activities', was set up for those so inclined to plop down and partake of now-Legal 'Herb'.
The Chain Link Fence is at one end of a ~2 mile-long Airport Runway. More Private Planes/Jets than Commercial ones. The first takeoffs were after 8 A.M., so no Hangovers were harmed in the making of this Fundraiser.
My newly-installed Firestone Air Bags worked very well, as did 'Tow/Haul' Mode. Temp Gauges never budged from normal.
Boondock Camping
Last edited by Engineer Guy; 08-26-2014 at 11:57 PM.
First summer with the truck, and first summer with the trailer. These pictures were taken on our recent trip to the Finger Lakes area of NY. My son asked to get in the picture, and I couldn't say no!
Here's a shot of us setup at Robert Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY. Close quarters, between getting it over far enough without the awning hitting the tree, or keeping the trailer from rolling down the hill behind us.
I couldn't be happier with how it pulls currently. Tune and new tires coming next year for sure! The trailer is a 2014 Jayco Jayflight 28BHBE that weighs roughly 7100 lbs dry. The truck with the Ecoboost, max tow and 3.73s pulls it beautifully. With the WDH and anti-sway, you wouldn't know it was there at 55 MPH on a two lane road!
08-25-2014, 12:17 PM
