skylos
Issaquah, WA
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So I have a 7.3L Powerstroke Turbodiesel in my 1994 F250 tug and a 1992 Carriage Commander 34.5' fifth wheel.
I went on a trip from flagstaff to las vegas and back this weekend.
The question is, mathemetically/theoretically, how fast should my truck and trailer be able to climb a 6% grade?
Per my experimental data, third gear at 2K rpm is insufficient to maintain speed, but second gear at 2.8K rpm is able to pull, though engine temperature rises enough to engage the fan.
It feels... slow. Thats about 25-28 mph. Does it really take *that much* power to go up a hill? Do the new trucks have that much MORE power than my estimated 250 horsepower?
(My doors were blown off a couple times by pickups pulling roughly equivalent fivers)
- Skylos
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You can't take the Fisherman out of this Camper
Ontario, Canada
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skylos wrote:
(My doors were blown off a couple times by pickups pulling roughly equivalent fivers)
- Skylos Therin lies your problem, with no doors you have a lot more drag. Make sure they are secure!
1960's: Tents.. 1970's: Soft top & Hard top P/U.. 1980's: 17' RV.. 1990's: 24' RV.. 2000's: 2002 Cougar 276EFS & 2005 Laredo 29GS; 2002 GMC 2500HD Ext Cab 4x4; (Nfld/Labrador-Yukon/NWT/Alaska-Gaspe', Que./Florida!!)
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skylos
Issaquah, WA
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ROFL Fisherman. At 25mph I could climb out onto the running board just to feel a breeze. You know aerodynamics are negligible at those speeds!
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BuckBarker
Overgaard, AZ
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There is nothing wrong with your cooling fan turning on. That is what its for.
Personally, I don't care who is passing me. Sure it would be nice for me to climb the Rim at 60mph but 45mph will also get me there. My V-10 is wound up to 3800 rpm to maintain 45 mph and that suits me just fine.
Enjoy the trip. Pull out lanes were built for a good reason.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Horsepower Calculator
Plug your numbers in and post the results
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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wandering1
Texas
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Thats about right for your tv always has been for my F250 7.3l diesel.
If you want better performance get an MDT or HDT with more hp, torque and lower speed rear end ratio.
HR
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skylos
Issaquah, WA
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Yes BuckBarker - I'm fine with taking my time up the hill if that is appropriate for the power of the truck. I Just find myself wondering "is my truck generating the power it should? Am I hurting it by running it at this rpm?" I pay close attention to engine noise and dash indicators - hence the comment about the fan and temp - but I never thought it was a problem. I had the impression that my F250 had a BIG ENGINE. But I can't go up the hill fast!
But getting better than 9mpg over 300 miles certainly isn't anything to complain about. I can take my time if it costs less to move along. 
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Did the 94's really have 250hp? I don't remember them being that strong.
Anyway, 350hp or more is nice 
2008 Dodge 3500 CTD LB SRW 4X4 6-Speed Auto
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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I have talked to several guys with your truck and they all say slow on the hills.
chevman
chevman
2001 35 ft avalon alpenlite RK
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kampinguru
Ontario
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You could add some more power to your truck with a chip, turbo housing, intake and exhaust. Based on what I have seen with the new ones, the pollution stuff is a real PIA. Keep your 7.3 as long as you can. IMO, the money you spend on your old truck will be a lot less than a new one.
2000 F-250 S/B 4X4
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