lenr
Explorer III
Joined 17 years ago
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Re: Ford 7.3 engine users?
My opinion—yours may vary; no experience, just thoughts: Rear ratio: Generally, my answer is get the 3.73 and let the transmission shift. However reasons to get the 4.30 are towing more than 50% of the time or towing in the higher end of capacity (IMHO 14-15K is “higher”). Fuel mileage change will not be significant if towing a lot, but the engine will, theoretically wear out 15% faster with the 4.30. Engine braking: well covered. Fuel tank: Ford long bed trucks get a 48 gallon fuel tank regardless of fuel type per Order Guide. Cylinder Displacement: Back around 1975 to 1978 Ford was working on direct injection and cylinder deactivation as a reaction to high fuel prices coming out of the original OPEC oil crisis. They scrapped it because the cost of production greatly exceeded the value of fuel saved. The technology was projected to be in the 1978 trucks, but the only thing that made it was a new 4 speed manual with an OD gear.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Shocks
The MORRyde SRE4000 is the best rubberized equalizer out there. It allows more axle movement (watch their video.) It eliminated virtually all chucking on our fifth wheel. Their SRE3000 is similar to all the others. You have to have enough clearance above the tire and it raises the trailer 1.25". I'd do it before shocks because so simple.1.4KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Inverter draw from battery for residential fridge
My residential fridge draws 1.3 amps, 120 volts, when running which is nowhere close to all the time. My battery monitor says my batteries are down to 55% in 8 hours when not plugged into shore power. However, driving down the road they only drop to 90% so I have to believe that the truck hot wire is supplying 80% of the fridge draw. No DC to DC converter is used, just a straight connection.2.8KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Tires again.
I was a little underwhelmed by Endurance tires (new 2019) on our 13,500 fifth wheel. Had one tire on a rear axle with a tread separation just as wear was almost down to wear bars. Now trying Hankooks: 235/85-16 gives a few extra lbs capacity over typical 230/80-16; they are made in China, yet they are proably the most expensive. Good so far. They are rated for something North of 80 mph which is a minimum for me.749Views0likes0CommentsRe: Do we have a pickup glut already?
No! Not 'till I see 2023 F-250 and larger sitting on Ford dealer lots. On January 2 Ford had over 250,000 2023 Super Duty orders and hadn't started building them yet. According to multiple dealers you have to show ID, put down a deposit, and take a retail confirming order from Ford to order a 2023. No glut in Ford land.372Views0likes0CommentsRe: Negative and ground wire questions
Do both. Technically there should be only 1 frame connection, but I've had no problem running a new negative battery to converter wire when the trailer already has 2 frame connections for negative return. I'm concerned about corrosion at frame which is often out in the weather.928Views0likes0CommentsRe: New HD truck bed rails too tall for 5th wheel
My standard suggestions of a process to raise a fifth wheel trailer to level (assuming leaf springs—not torsion axles.) I discourage the use of Correct Track due to my experience. I added bolt on Correct Track to raise the trailer 2”. In a panic stop a spring hanger ripped off ending up at a 45 degree angle. I attribute that to the extra leverage added by the Correct Track and weak welds from the factory. 1. Check that the springs are on the top of the axle tubes. If not have an axle shop install new tubes with spring perches on the top. They’re not that expensive. 2. On a flat paved area back the trailer up on to stacks of boards (same stack under each tire) until the trailer is parallel with the pavement surface. Check the truck bed clearance and trailer height clearance to see if adjustments are necessary. Measure the boards to see how much lift is needed. 3. Add a MORRyde SRE4000 rubberized equalizer. It will add 1.25” to the height at the axles, and you’ll be amazed how much it will smooth out the trailer ride. You need at least 3” of clearance above the tires before installation as the SRE4000 allows more axle movement. MORRyde also recommends their X-brace be used with the SRE4000. 4. See if taller tires could be used. Using 235/85-16 in place of 235/80-16 will raise about .5” but you need .5” more clearance above the tire. If moving from 15” then new wheels and more clearance is needed. I did this on a prior 27’ fifth wheel trailer ending up with about 1” clearance between the tires. 5. And the strongest solution: have a sub-frame welded on with new spring hangers. MORRyde welds on rectangular tubes to the bottom of the I-beams and no one complains about their work. However, a cross brace welded between the tubes would add strength.1.4KViews0likes0Comments
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