Is it typical to hit a maximum speed of 50-55mph while towing a fifth wheel with my 1995 F-450? It has the E4OD transmission, and I mostly drove with overdrive off. After purchasing the truck, I changed the rear differential from 5.13 to 4.10 when I had the transmission rebuilt.
That is fairly decent, try a previous model that has a 7.3 IDI. For years, I had an 11-inch Stahl service body on a 91 F-Super Duty.
I have heard that those and the 6.9s can produce a lot of smoke, similar to a freight train. I have seen it myself with my Ford 5900 tractor, when towing about 7,000 pounds up a slight grade, it looked like an old locomotive.
The 7.3 is pretty sluggish. The saying don’t expect to be the first one there, but you will get there definitely applies.
In our 2000 model, without a load, it felt like it maxed out around 72 mph on the freeway. I usually kept it at 65-70 mph and never went above 60 mph while towing.
Sure, it’s simple to work on, but it’s not quick. I hired a 2021 or 2022 Dodge 2500 with a 6.7-liter engine from Enterprise Truck Rental, and wow, that thing moves quickly. I achieved a fuel economy of 18–19 mpg while towing one of my TDIs and its matching trailer at a speed of approximately 70 mph. However, at this time, I am not planning on upgrading to a newer truck.
That is a massive trailer for an old truck. It sounds like you are doing really well, I would be satisfied with that performance and wouldn’t push it much harder.
yeah. I didn’t anticipate getting something this big, but I will use the toy hauler/garage area for my e-business until my house is built.
Add an intercooler, and you will see a significant improvement. Your pistons will benefit from it as well, since it greatly reduces exhaust gas temperatures.