2 questions today --

1. It does not seem that we can use engine compression to slow us down when going down a hill, hence causing more braking than we would like to use. Without towing, putting it out of overdrive doesn't help much. The truck feels like it is free wheeling. It just feels like the transmission or the engine isn't holding the truck back. Is this just a diesel characteristic? This problem is magnified of course when we are towing with the fifth wheel pushing us downhill!

2. Thinking about getting a chip. Maybe the Edge? We have thought about doing the whole Banks Six Gun system, but man that is expensive! One thing that Banks has is a different Waste Gate Actuator and that is interesting to us. When we are pulling, it seems that all of a sudden the engine makes a different noise and then no power. We are assuming that the waste gate is popping and putting us into limp mode? If we get the Edge chip, would we be smart to purchase the waste gate actuator too? We really aren't planning on doing the whole exhuast system right now, simply because of costs. Will the chip solve some of these issues when we are towing? Should we put the truck in Tow/Haul mode as soon as we hook up the fifth wheel and just leave it there, up and down hills, flat smooth sailing, etc.? The owners manual doesn't really say much about the tow/haul mode so I am looking to you all for some advice.

Portia

The diesels dont really provide much engine braking because there is no throttle body, gassers close the throttle body and the back pressure causes engine braking. If your towing heavy with a diesel, and would like additional braking downhill, you should look into an exhaust brake.

About chips, I personally would reccomend the Banks Six Gun tuner over the Edge for towing, especially because you dont seem like the type of person who is into racing your truck. I personally have the Banks and its a great chip for towing and doesnt drive EGT's through the roof, as long as you stay in levels 1,2,3. With any tuner, i would reccomend that you get an air intake or a high flow filter. Also, the exhaust is a must especially if your going to tow. With a tuner and a stock exhaust your going to drive your EGT's through the roof. Personally I would start by getting an intake and and exhaust, then the tuner. You probably dont need the Wastegate actuator, but for maximum power i would reccomend it.

Remember first airflow (exhaust,intake) then fuel (tuner).

The Edge will give you more power going up the hill, also has the gauges on it rather than running seperate gauges. Tells you engine load, engine temp that seems more accurate than the stock gauge & other useful things.

Do you have a LB7 or a LLY? This part is for the LB7.
With the actuator, it will hold the boost from letting off early like the stock one. It's adjustable, have to be careful with the adjustment on it so it doesn't let the turbo get over boosted. The Edge only reads boost PSI up to 25.6, if over adjusted you won't know what you have for actual PSI.

I don't trailer that oftend, but when I do I use the tow/haul going up & over hills.

If you want more of the engine braking, turning on the tow haul button when going down hill (if you are not towing a trailer) and then tapping the brakes will engage the engine braking feature for you. I do turn the tow/haul on and off when going down hills as I feel I need to. For me, it's not a big deal.

As far as the chip goes, I am a fan of the Edge Juice. I run level one when towing and usually level 2 running empty. I would recommend going to a 4" exhaust and probably not do anything on the air intake side. I did swiss-cheeze my stock air box with a stock filter though. As far as air intake goes, there is a very long informative thread regarding air intake and filters. The stock filter won hands down on keeping dirt out of the engine and alot of us have oil analysis to back it up too. Do a search, there are some differing opinions on the subject, but this is what I have done and I am very happy with the performance increases, especially while towing.

moving to LB7 electronics..