I may be nuts, need second opinion
I apologize in advance for the long post. Just trying to give as much info as possible. My GF and I are new to camping, bought a 2007 Aerolite 718fd in Feb. We made a shakedown weekend trip to Myrt...
Forum Discussion
So, what is your concern with the grades? Is it having to drop down a gear or two and pull some 3000-3500 rpms? Or do you need to be able to hold 65 mph going up the grades? Or is it just the higher mileage your truck has?
My 16 year old F150 takes the passes here in WA State pretty good, but it's in 2nd gear, pulling 3000-3500 rpms and I feel I only need to go 50-55 mph. Still pass all the semi trucks! :)
I'm not pedal to the floor either. I will let the truck downshift and then I pull the gear lever to "2" and just let it cruise where it feels the most comfortable. Been doing this for over 11 years with this truck and trailer combo. The truck has over 252,000 miles on it too.. :)
I've got some aftermarket TRANS and WATER temp gauges, so I can monitor them and it gets to 210* on hot summer days, but cools back down to 195* on the back side, or when it flattens out again.
If you want a new truck, by all means get one.. :) I'd love to have a shiny new F150, but it'll still need to pull higher rpms and slow down going up the grades... ;)
Good luck!
Mitch
My 16 year old F150 takes the passes here in WA State pretty good, but it's in 2nd gear, pulling 3000-3500 rpms and I feel I only need to go 50-55 mph. Still pass all the semi trucks! :)
I'm not pedal to the floor either. I will let the truck downshift and then I pull the gear lever to "2" and just let it cruise where it feels the most comfortable. Been doing this for over 11 years with this truck and trailer combo. The truck has over 252,000 miles on it too.. :)
I've got some aftermarket TRANS and WATER temp gauges, so I can monitor them and it gets to 210* on hot summer days, but cools back down to 195* on the back side, or when it flattens out again.
If you want a new truck, by all means get one.. :) I'd love to have a shiny new F150, but it'll still need to pull higher rpms and slow down going up the grades... ;)
Good luck!
Mitch
