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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: diesel exhaust fluid?
I have a 2012 Volkswagon Passat with a diesel engine that uses DEF. The same engine design is also used is late model Jetta and Golf models without DEF. All have DPF. In both the EPA ratings and owners real world ratings, the Passat uses less fuel than the other two models, despite it's larger weight and size. DEF seems to allow the manufacturers to tune the engine a little better for performance/efficiency besides the lower emmisions.
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APT
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05/24/12 09:22am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: finding max trailer weight for SUV
I like Ron's examples, but I think the payload you will find is even lower than 1500 pounds of published base curb weight. 2004 was before the US government required the yellow tire and loading stickers. Get the weight of your Durango preferably with your family on board and subtract from GVWR. Use that for available tongue weight following Ron's example calculations.
Regardless of axle ratio and performance, I do not think you will be comfortable towing more than about 5000 pounds loaded.
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APT
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05/24/12 09:17am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: F-150 EB - Tow, or Max Tow Package?
I am a huge fan of more payload for half tons, and Ford's max trailer towing and HD payload packages. However, for your situation, two adults and a Supercab, you should have 1700 pounds of payload the regular version. Supercrew plus families are where they run out of payload quicker because they have less, 1400-1500 for XLTs and down to 1200 for loaded up Lariats and Platinum models.
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APT
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05/24/12 09:11am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Backing-Up with Reese Weight Distribution Hitch
Thank you, for all of the responses, folks! I guess that I'll just keep doing what I've always done, and just work at hitting that driveway at the exact right angle.
If you need to remove the WD bars to raise the rear end from scraping or prevent jackknife situation, sure. But the WD bars design does not need to be removed.
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APT
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05/24/12 08:55am |
Towing
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RE: wieght dist.hitch?
Both the TV and TT should be level as possible with a WDH when standing at the side of your setup.
If that turns out to be the end result with a correctly adjusted WD setup, then that's a bonus. It's not what you should be shooting for. You want the front end of the TV returned to the unhitched height, or whatever the TV owners manual specifies. Many threads about this in the Towing section.
The unhitched height should be level:
If everything is set up correctly, the tow vehicle will settle down evenly, front and rear. Compare the coupled height measurements at the front and rear wheel openings to the ground with the measurements taken during Step 1. If front settles lower than rear, increase the number of chain links between lift unit and spring bar. If rear settles excessively lower than front, decrease the number of chain links between lift unit and spring bars. You should be able to get within 1/2 inch both front and rear. Ensure there are always at least 6 links between the lift unit and the spring bar.
The words you are using are either not right or you are not describing how to properly adjust a WD hitch. How much the rear of the TV squats or settles is irrelevant. Thus, how level the TV is does not matter. Only the front axle height/weight.
There is a very thorough reference thread I recommend.
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APT
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05/24/12 08:53am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Backing-Up with Reese Weight Distribution Hitch
I have never disconnected my Reese dual cam when backing up. It is an issue for some designs, but not the dual cam.
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APT
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05/23/12 01:17pm |
Towing
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RE: Electric tongue jacks
Barker 3500. 15 minute installation. Three bolts, and only one "hot" wire to hook to the battery and done.
They all install the same way. Very pleased with my refurbished Ultrafab 3502 for under $100 shipped. Yes, there is some kind of manual crank override on all of them.
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APT
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05/23/12 01:14pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Upgrade Tundra to F150 HD?
If your going to trade get a Dodge Ram. But you are better off keeping what you have.
Ram 1500 has lower payload than Tundra, for the same equipment. Not a wise choice.
Anyway, why not weigh your combo? You are happy with how the Tundra performs, so I see little to gain.
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APT
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05/23/12 08:46am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Rolling up awning rope lights
White 5M strip, but RVers will probably want a dimmer.
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APT
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05/23/12 08:43am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: GM's new 2013 tow ratings
The SAE standard will mean little to the RV world where many vehicles exceed payload well below the tow ratings and GCWR. The aerodynamic profile and relatively high percentage of tongue weight of RVing is about the worst type of towing relative to trailer weight.
The weight police will just have to work harder to prove such things given a new "standard".
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APT
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05/23/12 06:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Did I choose the wrong gear ratio 3.73?
...I have a VERY CLEAR understanding of gearing and torque multiplication, from my thousands of very in-depth posts on the subject, over several years here on the forum.
The fact remains that, regardless of the transmission ratios, the 4.10 ratio OVERALL provides greater towing power through greater torque multiplication and higher rpms, in ALL transmission gears, at ALL road speeds, regardless of how many gears are in the transmission, than the 3.73's do.
...with today's trucks being equipped with taller and taller factory tire sizes, that is even more reason to go with lower overall axle ratio gearing.
The primary reasons for increasing the number of transmission gears from 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 and soon to 7 or 8 is two-fold.
One is to provide much smaller gear spread steps, so the engine can operate in a tighter rpm range as you shift up and down through the gears. This allows the engine to operate it it's most efficient rpm for fuel mileage and power.
The other reason is to widen the overall ratio spread from low to high, which allows a wider range of driving conditions, terrain and loaded weights that the engine can motivate in a more efficent manner.
I agree with the above quote.
With today's engines spinning higher and higher rpm's to get into their power bands, and with the advent of double overdrive gearing in the 6 speed trannys, that is actually all the MORE reason to go with lower ratio (higher number) axle gearing, since the extra high overdrive gearing can handle the lower axle gearing and the engine is allowed to spin higher into it's power band at a lower, more useful road speed for towing.
The purpose of greater number of gears in the transmission is not to raise (lower number) the needed axle gear ratio. The axle gear ratio is the final deciding factor in how the vehicle will perform when the type of terrain, loaded weight and tire diameter are considered. Match axle ratio to actual vehicle use and happiness will occur. :)
I do not agree with the above quote.
GM's new 6-spd trans with 3.73 axle helps get the engine to its peak torque (my 6.0L is far happier over 3000rpm) at 19mph and as you said the smaller spacing allows it to stay in its peak power range if desired from there until cruising speed. Compare that to first gear at 25mph for the old 4-spd with 4.56 axle. Would a new 6-spd with 4.10 axle be better than 3.73? Yep. But I'll gladly take the 6-spd 3.73 over anything with the old 4-spd for towing an RV.
My point is the axle ratio alone means nothing.
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APT
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05/23/12 06:02am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: correct number of links for tensioner
What Eric James said.
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APT
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05/23/12 05:43am |
Towing
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RE: Rolling up awning rope lights
Yes, the strip is made of a very flexible printed circuit board with surface mounted LEDs. There are markings of where it can be cut (every 3 in series needs ~12v) and then however many parallel for 5 meters long. It should cut with nearly any household scissors. You will need to reseal the cut end. The waterproofing is a clear silicone sleeve, and the automotive double sided tape I bought would not stick to it. So, I think I will try contact cement.
I plan to run 12v power to the controller which I will set in the awning arm. The connector between the LED strip and controller will have to be disconnected every time it needs to be rolled back up. But the controller allows for many different colors and patterns if you choose to play or customize.
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APT
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05/23/12 05:39am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Need advice on 2 new tow vehicle scenarios...
I really do not think you have a firm grasp on the costs of transportation for either fuel economy or purchase price and how it fits into your budget. You keep using MPG, but you do not know how much the different options will cost YOU for your driving situation. Too many assumptions and making big ticket purchase decisions based on them.
Realistically with <3 mile drives each way (kid taxi), no engine will do great, and get near (if that) its EPA city rating. That's 15mpg for Ford's Ecoboost or GM's 5.3L in half ton, 13mpg for the 5.4L, etc. However, much like family RVing, the relative cost is probably not that high for you. 10 10-mile trips per week only means 5200 miles per year. 15mpg vs. 10mpg means $58/mo at $4/gallon. Weekender family RVing typically means 4-6 300-400 mile trips per year. Even at 8mpg towing, that's a small cost relative for "vacation and recreation" compared to the cost of the vehicles and non towing fuel economy.
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APT
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05/22/12 07:43am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Did I choose the wrong gear ratio 3.73?
The only people who say you should need the 4.10 axle are the ones who do not understand gearing and torque multiplication or towed with a modern 6-spd. Compare the 4-gears of GM's HD 4-spd/4.10 with GM's HD 6-spd/3.73:
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/apt-albums-misc-picture169056-gm-hd-4spd-6spd.jpg
First gear is significantly shorter, providing about the same amount of wheel torque as the old 4-spd with a 6.0:1 axle! 5th gear is similar to old 4th gear. So you get a much better first gear for starting to move the weight and then 5 smaller spaced usable towing gears.
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APT
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05/22/12 07:04am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: First Tw Chevy 2500HD Gas
Yes, the GM has "manual mode" which is really only a gear range limiter (except 2 which will start in second gear). I recommend tow/haul mode and M5 with the 6.0L. There is not enough power in 6th gear to hold at 65mph towing an RV.
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APT
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05/22/12 06:13am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Rolling up awning rope lights
Do you have pics? And information about where to buy them?
Thanks!
No pictures yet, but these are what I bought to install. Tri-color LED waterproof light strip with remote controller. If you only want white or single color, they will be even cheaper.
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APT
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05/22/12 05:25am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2012 Ford F-150 6 Ecoboost
Rear Living, just a couple in the cab? The dry hitch weight is high and will go up, so you need something with about 1200 pounds of receiver rating. Need the max trailer towing package or HD payload package.
The engine/trans are plenty for that kind of weight.
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APT
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05/21/12 11:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Maximum I can tow safely with this truck
Find this one on your driver's door where mine says 2051:
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/apt-albums-misc-picture175291-2011-suburban-2500-tire-loading.jpg width=640
Yours is probably in the 1800 pound range. How much does your family weigh? How much cargo do to estimate you will put in the truck bed?
1800
- 600 family
- 300 cargo
= 900 for trailer TW, or about 7000 pounds loaded.
My guess: The closer to stay to 6000 pounds dry, the happier you'll be.
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APT
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05/21/12 11:28am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Help me narrow down from 3 choices...
3/4 and 1-ton vans are great values on the used market as well. They make for terrific tow vehicles. They just are relatively spartan for features and amenities compared to a 10 year old Surburban, minivan, or family sedan.
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APT
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05/18/12 12:27pm |
Tow Vehicles
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