Need opinions on RV towing improvements
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 10
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From: Lebanon, Missouri
Need opinions on RV towing improvements
I tow a travel trailer and for the most part my truck does a good job. We are taking the RV on vacation next month and I would like some help in determining whether or not a couple of things that I want to do would be worth the money or not. First, I'd like to get a Diablo Predator power tuner. But on the website it mentions a 87, 91, and 93 octane performance tunes, but it doesn't say anything about a 89 octane tune which is what I use per the owners manual. I'd like to hear some from some Predator users on what works for them and if the tuner is worth the money. Secondly, the tires. I'd like to get rid of my 20's and go to 17's because tire options are limited with the 20's and I'm having problems with sidewall flex while towing. 17's would actually give me a bit of a gear ratio/torque advantage and and I can get LT tires with a higher load range which should improve handling. Any thoughts from you experienced towers out there as to whether my thinking is on the right track or am I way out in left field?
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
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From: South Georgia/East Florida
Your only option if you do not want to pay for premium fuel is to run the 87 tune with 89 gas. I'm not sure of the Diablo, but the Superchips has two dedicated tow tunes with the 3865 tuner, one for mid weight and one for heavy weight towing. I've found that with a SC tuner, the gas mileage increase with a 91 octane tune costs me less per mile than no tune or a 87 tune with the lower octane fuel.
17" wheels is a prudent choice for performance. They are less weight, offer more tire flex and generally are better performing. But you'll not get any gearing advantage unless you either A) go to smaller diameter tires as well or B) re-gear. (changing to 4.10 or even 4.56 gears would give you much better towing performance)...
17" wheels is a prudent choice for performance. They are less weight, offer more tire flex and generally are better performing. But you'll not get any gearing advantage unless you either A) go to smaller diameter tires as well or B) re-gear. (changing to 4.10 or even 4.56 gears would give you much better towing performance)...
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 385
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From: Maryland
As usual, Hammer is the man at this kind of thing. i just got a SC and love it! Also, I got some rear air bags on the advice of hammer and I have been installing them over the past few days. Tires will also help a lot lot as stated. Make sure that if yor tongue weight is over 350lbs, you get a weight distro hitch. All in all, go with the SuperChip!