cathtrac
washington
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Joined: 02/22/2008
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Well, we did it and made the leap into truck camper ownership!
We purchased a 2008 Arctic Fox 990! Can't wait to try it out!
It will be sitting on our 2007 Ford F350 4x4 powerstroke diesel (non-dually). We're getting the airbags this week and wonder if it makes sense to get an engine control chip. Does anyone have experience with this things and do they improve fuel performance, engine torque, longevity? I guess that I'm wondering if anyone has real-world experience with these things and if they are worth the money or if they are just an over-hyped, do-nothing add-on.
Thanks,
Cath
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fuelhauler
Southern Oregon
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Joined: 07/25/2006
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You might find answers to that question click here.
2005 Dodge q/c 4x4 dually six speed pac brake
2006 bigfoot 10.6
2003 Everest 32' 5vr
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jsmmv
California
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Joined: 06/16/2005
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You may want to check DieselStop.com it could lead to problems i.e. blown head gaskets. If you must do it though think about getting some after market replacement studs for the heads.
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cathtrac
washington
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Thanks for the link, I don't have time to wade through the site right now but maybe later. I've never seen a discussion forum with so many ads before! How incredibly annoying!
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Beach Bum
Long Island NY, USA
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Joined: 09/16/2002
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They do increase your engine output both in terms of torque and horsepower but it will be at the expense of fuel consumption and to a lesser extent longevity. I keep my Cummins stock, it makes tons-o-torque for me.
Beach Bum™
04.5 3500 Dodge Ram  Cummins, 4x4 srw, 9000s
05 Lance 981, Solar, 22" LCD, 5.1 surround 1K watts, Hon 2k
04 Paradise Point 33RL
04 Honda GoldWing 05 Yam FJR 1300 2) 87 Hon XL600R
Toy Trailer 7x14
WAY too many toys, never enough time 
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Raften
Northern Calfornia
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Joined: 01/27/2003
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You need to research the chips out there well because they range from mild to radical in what they do. A mild chip that just changes the timimg will give you a nice hp and torque increase without stressing anything.
You might want to think of a bigger turbo back exhaust system. I don't think I have heard of Dodges blowing head gaskets with just a chip but chip technology has changed since I chiped mine. From reading these posts it sounds like Fords might have that problem. If you are going to up your power it would be a good idea to install a boost and EGT gauges.
* This post was
edited 03/16/08 03:01pm by Raften *
'01 Dodge 3500 CTD, Lance 1121, Air Bags, Rancho 9000, All Wheels Under Power When Needed, A Few Engine Mods For Increased HP
Burning Grease, 800 ft/lbs. of torque from something you throw away.
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whazoo
Arizona
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Joined: 10/12/2007
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I have a GMC with the Duramax engine and am using a Hypertech programmer. It has 3 different hp settings, 30,60, and 90 extra horses. Most programmers do. I went right into stage 3 the 90 horses. ABSOLUTELY love it. I have heard of head issues with either Ford or Dodge, maybe both but have not heard issues with GMC. Not saying that means anything other than do research before buying. My last trip just getting back from I'm in the second stage "tow" mode. I've gotten about 1.5 extra mpg on the highway fully loaded. It's nice to have when passing on a 2 lane! There is also the issue of exhaust gas temps to watch.
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46 Woodie
Elfin Forest, CA 92029
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Joined: 01/17/2008
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I have a 2005 6.0 powerstroke and have done alot of research on the 2003 through 2007 Ford models. Bottom line is that the 6.0 has plenty of power for what you want to haul. It is not that forgiving of most modifications. A chip can push it over the edge relibility wise. Then there is the question of warranty issues. I think Chevy and Dodge are more tolerant of chips and of course some other Ford poster will say a chip is great, but here is one example. Put in a chip and you increase the odds of blown head gaskets. Possibly your dealer hassles the warranty work because they "probably" can confirm your chip is or was in it. Then you have to consider ARP head studs to beef up your heads and if you buy the studs "maybe" the dealer will install them. Just forget about a chip until you have nothing else to do except read internet information while its raining/ snowing for about a week. Good luck
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cathtrac
washington
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Thank you Woodie, good info. We didn't even think about the warranty implications.
We can't wait to take delivery on our new camper and try it out!
This board has been so helpful in our decision making process and will no doubt continue to be a good place to go to learn more about truck camping. Thank you everyone!
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Beach Bum
Long Island NY, USA
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With warranty issues etc. in play, why not try your truck stock and see where you are at? You will likely not need anything more than you have available already. Save the hassle and money. With no mods, I am not worrying about exhaust gas temps etc. I do cool down my turbo after a hard run and do regular oil changes and other service. I expect long term service and reliability from my Dodge, it'll remain stock enginewise.
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