sunnyvalesmostwanted
edmonton
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Joined: 01/19/2008
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Hi,
I was wondering if adding a programmer to a stock 05 6.0diesel crew cab f350 would be safe for towing a 38' 5th wheel trailer. I was advised by someone locally here not to add a programmer due ot the heavy loads the truck will be under whilw climbing hills in the mountains. The truck pulls it absolutely fine stock, but has a little troule in the mountains so i was wondering if adding a programmer would help.
I guess the only concerns are the EGT's while under heavy load with the programmer. Would i need a CAI and/or upgraded exhaust if i went with the programmer? or would the prgrammer be safe on its own? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
2008 Keystone Everest 348R
2005 F350 Crew Cab XLT Longbox 4x4 6.0 Powerstroke
Wonderful wife, son (12), daughter (4), son (new baby)
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mikehart92
Oklahoma
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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dieselstop
These guys can tell you everything you need to know and then some.
Mike
Boilermakers Local 592
2005 Chevy 2500HD.............6.6 D/A, 4x4, Crew Cab
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PAWildcat
Temple ,PA
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Joined: 12/06/2006
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I have one in mine, but keep it on level one. I don't want to push the engine too hard, and that keeps the boost at stock levels on mine. I have not added the exhaust yet, but am hoping to soon. I also don't have any extra gages, but would not mind a couple. I came up the mountain on I-77 in NC (? VA ? ) at 65 this way in cruise control. I had to slow down to 55 for a car in the lane until I could move over, and went back to 65. One good thing to add would be a turbo timer , or just let the engine run for a few minutes after towing to cool the turbo back down.
2005 Ford F-250 PSD CC 4x4
2006 Forest River Wildcat 29BHBP
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Fulltimer50
Zephyrhills , FL
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Joined: 07/07/2001
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I think an important thing to know is once you use a chip/programer the factory checks/controls that keep EGTs and boost within the safe zone are gone, so you will have to do it yourself. This means you have to have gauges. EGT,Boost and TRANNY TEMP are the most popular.
George
99F250XLT/SC/LB/4x2/3.73LS/gauges/JNB BypassReg/Ford AISw/ Airlifts/Rancho 9000s/DS Predator Tuner/203*TS/Coolant filter/OptimaRedTops/Jimmyjammers/Oilguard/MBRP 4"turbo back/Suncoast Extreme tranny/BD EBrake.
06 Newmar Cypress 29KSRE 5th wheel
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Puddles
Lafayette, Indiana
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Joined: 03/17/2003
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Adding a Banks Monster exhaust to my 7.3 made night and day difference. The programer can dump more fuel, change timing, ect... Dumping more fuel in there is a waste of money if you can't get it out. Lots of air in, lots of air out makes HP...
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Sundowner1
Chesapeake, VA
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Joined: 11/21/2006
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I pull a 13500 lb Fleetwood Quantum 325RKTS with a bone stock 04 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax, 4X4.
I have 99650 miles on the truck and have never had a lack of power anywhere. In the mountains, it will slow down slightly, but still does a good job.
I would not personally modify my truck with a programer.
However, for you, it's your choice. You don't spend that much time climbing a particular upgrade.
Sundowner
04 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax, ext cab, short bed, 4X4
08 Fleetwood Quantum 325RKTS
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glsurrat
Virginia
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Joined: 07/20/2006
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Probably the biggest danger of a programmer on the Ford is stretching the head bolts if you aren't careful.
You're going to slow down on the hills when towing if you are stock. If you put a programmer and an EGT gauge on the truck and force yourself to pay attention to the gauge, you'll back out when the EGT's rise and slow down anyways, so where's the advantage of the programmer?
Greg
Full-timing and soon to be retired US Navy Master Chief
Enjoying Champagne on the King Ranch!
'06 King Ranch F-350 Dually Diesel 4x4 Long Bed Crew Cab w/ Tow Boss
'07 Champagne Edition NuWa Hitchiker 3 axle 4 slide 37CKRD /w TrailAir all around
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RonandConni
Greentown In
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Joined: 03/11/2008
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I have a 2005 F250 6.0 Powerstroke and am pulling a 12000 lb 5er. I have thought about adding a programmer but became concerned about all of the powertrain system strain. I have pulled long trips in the mountains out west with no problems. I may not be able to take a 7% grade at 65 but who needs to. I generally do not get passed by any other RVers on the hills.
I just seems to be a lot of expense with very little gain and a certain amount of risk to the engine and transmission if you are not careful.
Ron and Conni
Greentown, In
Cedar Creek 29LRLBS
Ford F-250 6.0 Diesel
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pinesman
virginia
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Joined: 08/21/2006
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If you really NEED power, that is one thing but if you are looking for economy, you can buy a LOT of fuel for what the available mods can cost. From what I have read most programmers will only get you 1-3 extra miles per gallon while towing. Is the NEED for more power or economy worth the cost of the mods? I am almost always hooked to some kind of trailer and I have been beating that question around for years and so far the math has not worked out FOR ME in favor of the mods.
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portablevcb
Tijeras, NM
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Joined: 05/04/2006
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I would not simply buy a programmer. If you don't know what you are doing then find a good tuner like BANKS and get a full system. As said before, it doesn't help to just upgrade one part of the system (programmer) and have another (exhaust) choke it.
I would also put on a tranny temp gage, but, you might scare yourself too 
charlie
2006 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab
2003 Skyline Nomad 24ft Fiver
Me and Wife
Maggie the Old English Sheepdog
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