I did overall pretty good with a 185/385 6.5td yanking a total of 15K around in my TT, upwards of 20K with my equipment trailer. Then I got a 310 or so with 620 lbs of torque in the dually. Actually, more than ample power doing freeway work. Down low on steeper grades when having to go slow. A 6sp ally with 4.10 ro 4.33's, or even the 6l90 trans with 3.73s would be better.
In the end, what and how do you use the rig. I do more towing local on local streets at speeds to 45-50, with intermediate interstate hops now. So a LOT of power is not needed as much as if one is doing 60-65 with a LOT of frontal area as many RV trailers have. An RV trailer at 60 mph is another upwards of 30-40HP needed at 60 mph vs my equipment trailer with a bobcat or mini trackhoe on it.
Get me the right gears in the trans, ample power to work with overall, I'm happy. Heck, I move ok, not as good as I would like upwards of 15K with my Navistar, it has a whopping 175hp and 335 lb ft of torque. Oh, and NO STEENKIN TURBO! It will pull 30K up a 30% grade, Better than that dangmax I had, 20K up a 24% grade. My lowly 6.5 would do 20K up a 30% grade! Power is not the end all be all of how well a rig will tow, again, depending upon the where you need to get to and back!
Reality, if talking diesels, it would be nice if there was a derated motor per say, for those like myself, do not need the performance of a higher HP rig for doing city work per say. BIG twucks get this option! So shouldn't wittle twucks get this option?!?!?!
marty
