Well, the first camping trip is completed with the new toy hauler. Just got back from it's maiden voyage and all is well. I've pulled the trailer around town 8 times or so, but this was the first trip on the road to actually use it loaded up with all your weekend stuff.

Truck does pretty good on the road. Cruise off, it will hold any speed I choose and the converter stays locked no problem. Small hills are not a big deal. Trust me, I aint gonna win no drag races that's for sure. But it's not unpleasurable to drive. Tranny stayed right around 180* with the converter locked at 60-65mph, and 88* outside.

The hills into the mountains by the lake the last couple of miles were another story. Pretty steep grade and I tried to take them at speed the first time. My tranny didn't like that one little bit. She got hot. 235* with the converter unlocked in second. Every time I'd get the converter locked in second (which felt like it took an eternity to achieve BTW) some idiot would blow my momentum. I discovered on the way home to just take my time, drop down to first, and let the truck work for me. Pulled better, I can control the tranny temp with gas pedal (somewhat), and it keeps it away from the 200+'s that's for sure. Just got to remember to be nice and let people by.

I also learned I can really control the tranny temp just by how hard you try (or don't try rather...) to accelerate, even with the converter unlocked. Great learning trip.

I also discovered we drove up the hill with quite a bit of fresh water in the tanks...oh well.

Weight...who cares?? Too late now, I already bought the thing

Seriously though, the trailer is no too much for the truck at all. The tranny is the weak link by far and I'm sure it will have to be replaced someday, but I'm gonna run her (and take very good care of her) until that day comes. A supercharger would probably make the hills a tad bit more bearable, but one project at a time!!

 

Dude seriously, nice set-up!!! Thanks for the great report. If you had to guess, what does your rig weigh? I just ordered a toy hauler myself and am waiting for delivery. Can you describe how you know when your TC is locked or unlocked? Thanks again! Nice rig!!!

 

Hey Galaxy,

Nice rig and setup! You learned quite a bit on that first pull!! That's the main thing you have to do in order to have a comfortable tow... Let the truck tell you what it can or can't do, then adjust to it... Having the temp gauges makes all the difference IMO..... I didn't get my gauges until around my 3rd or 4th trip, and I found I was doing all kinds of 'wrong' things that my truck didn't like!

And, you learned the #1 thing that most folks don't seem to get..... That's where you just let the faster guys go by and don't let them dictate how fast you go... Go the speed that makes you and your truck the most comfortable, and if that speed is not up to what the guy tailing your *** wants to go, just let him by... I use the pullouts when I can and you usually don't lose any time at all, as long as you can still pull back without having to stop! Just have to know how many other vehicles are behind you and allow for that as well.... I've been doing it for 5 years so far and I've never had to 'stop'.... I also usually get a nice 'thank you' from the driver as they pass as well! Better then getting the "you're #1" salute!!

Mitch

 

Sweet Toybox Galaxy What is that? Looks like a 26 foot. How many "big" toys you stuff in there? Glad to hear the old Fiddy pulling it ok, Just wait till you get a good head wind. I am thinking those gears are kinda shallow for that big of a box...you might want to go a little deeper. Say 456, Just saying that cuz you said you had to do a hill in 1st. Before I put in my gears 1st was all the time, But now 2nd is the lowest I ever go.

 

Weight is listed as 5,900 dry. When the TC locks, the rpm's drop slightly, so you'll hear the difference in the motor. If you have a temp gauge, the temp drops IMMEDIATELY and quite a bit when it locks. Running with the converter unlocked creates a lot of heat.

 

23' Did you not notice the art work on the back door?? We haul two Ducati's to the track. Wife and I both race. Just spent the money on 4.10's so that's all it's gonna get.

 

Man nice set up! Awesome report, always like to see how others members are using the trucks and how they perform. Looks like you have about everything under control. The only thing i might mention is a larger Trans cooler. Would probably help keep the temps down on those long uphill climbs.

 

Nice set up. Diff. take care of your tranny. What kind of milage are you getting?

I'm pulling a 26 ft Tahoe TH 4750# dry 7500#loaded with my 06 F150 4x4. 3.55 on 33's getting about 6-7 mpg.

 

I'm getting just over 9 last tank I checked in tow. I assume TH is toy hauler?? A 26' toy hauler that weighs 4,750 lbs dry???? Sorry...gonna throw down the BS flag on that one....unless it has absolutely nothing on it. Either way, with those tires you'd absolutely love new gears!!

 

Flag for sure, My 21 foot is 4900 dry. 9 mpg is what I get too.
Galaxy how much of a drop you got on your hitch?

 

I always thought it was at least 5200#'s but I was cleaning it and the tag said 4750#'s. But the tag is so worn (I can make out a few numbers but can't see what the numbers are for) I didn't know for sure and was guessing that was the dry weight.

I must be wrong then. Esp. with my ****ty MPG

 

I've sent the manuf. a email asking for the correct weight. Now I'm really curious. I thought 4750 was light but thats what I thought I read.

 

You guys wanted to know what's going in the trialer...

Here's the wife and I in action...

 

That's cool.

 

So, who's faster?