Quick check with the guys pulling with a 5.4
#1
Flatlander
Thread Starter
Quick check with the guys pulling with a 5.4
We just put our TT in it's winter home. About 300kms away pulling through hills. Morbid curiosity had me watching the tach. I seem to sit consistently in 5th jumping to 4th from time to time on longer light grades. It will sit in 6th on long flat stretches as long as I am not humping a wind. So, RPM wise, usually about 1900- 2600, occassionaly into the low threes. Temps good. When we were heading down the Frenchman valley (8% grade) and the engine was braking- it would bounce off 4000 rpm. 3.55s BTW- TT is a 26' about 5900 to 6000 loaded up.
The question I have- is this fairly normal across the board pulling with the 5.4? It's a curiosity I have- just want to see if I am running the same as most. We are thinking about a mountain trip next year... just want to make sure I'm not going to work that poor engine into the ground
The question I have- is this fairly normal across the board pulling with the 5.4? It's a curiosity I have- just want to see if I am running the same as most. We are thinking about a mountain trip next year... just want to make sure I'm not going to work that poor engine into the ground
#2
I have an expedition el with the 5.4 that I towed my 30' TT with. I would say your right about the same rpm range I was in. I know its a diff truck and I think I had 3.73 gears. But seems like your pretty close
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smurfs_of_war (10-07-2013)
#3
Senior Member
about right. we have a smaller 19ft weighing in at 4000lbs loaded and see the same numbers. maybe a bit more time in 6th gear with a tailwind. I've recently added a performance tune from 5 star and expect it to run a bit easier from the way it has been acting without the trailer.
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smurfs_of_war (10-07-2013)
#4
Yup, sounds normal. Really it all depends on how fast you go -- flatland pushing air with a boxy TT shape, uphill of course the weight.
You determine the fuel economy and powertrain life by your right foot.
FYI when pulling up steep hills I shoot for 3,500 RPM in my 5.4. It is really happy there; makes good power, stays cool, doesn't destroy itself. I try hard not to let arbitrary speed goals mess with my head. Just let the load, TCM, and PCM negotiate a happy gear and pace.
Likewise on freeways I try to find a pace where it can pull it mostly in 5th gear without a lot of constant shifting.
You determine the fuel economy and powertrain life by your right foot.
FYI when pulling up steep hills I shoot for 3,500 RPM in my 5.4. It is really happy there; makes good power, stays cool, doesn't destroy itself. I try hard not to let arbitrary speed goals mess with my head. Just let the load, TCM, and PCM negotiate a happy gear and pace.
Likewise on freeways I try to find a pace where it can pull it mostly in 5th gear without a lot of constant shifting.
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smurfs_of_war (10-08-2013)
#5
Flatlander
Thread Starter
All right! Thanks for the feedback. I caught myself lugging a bit going back up that valley. Its a learning game for me to find the shift points with the drive by wire.
#7
Grandpa's big Blue Truck
Where are you going next year in the mountains ( BC? ) as long as you stay on main highways most are not as much grade as the Frenchman valley but much longer. I have pulled super b's in BC and Montana so I might be able to give you some info on what it is like
where you are heading .
where you are heading .
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#8
Flatlander
Thread Starter
Where are you going next year in the mountains ( BC? ) as long as you stay on main highways most are not as much grade as the Frenchman valley but much longer. I have pulled super b's in BC and Montana so I might be able to give you some info on what it is like
where you are heading .
where you are heading .
But, we haven't nailed down a definite destination yet. Still up in the air I guess.
Last edited by smurfs_of_war; 10-09-2013 at 08:21 PM.
#9
Grandpa's big Blue Truck
Herd it's a good place to go I have driven by it many times . Towing your tt I would recommend coming up from highway 3 or down from Golden . Highway 93 is the shortest but very steep grades , best scenery vary hard on brakes. Hope this helps should be a fun trip. If you decide to go further west on 3 take the ferry the Kootenai pass is vary steep and long on west side it levels out halfway down then gets steep again. also your kids will love the ferry
#10
Flatlander
Thread Starter
Herd it's a good place to go I have driven by it many times . Towing your tt I would recommend coming up from highway 3 or down from Golden . Highway 93 is the shortest but very steep grades , best scenery vary hard on brakes. Hope this helps should be a fun trip. If you decide to go further west on 3 take the ferry the Kootenai pass is vary steep and long on west side it levels out halfway down then gets steep again. also your kids will love the ferry