Sdiesel
07-24-2005, 04:16 PM
Well, after a second trip with the 8-9K lbs trailer I'm happier with my truck. Trip was from San Bernardino to Santee (near San Diego) at around 300 miles. Weather was much more tolerable than first trip, ranging from mid 80's to 100 F. Mileage was still around 10.5mpg. (DIC said 11.4, but that included approximately 50 miles driving around San Diego sans the trailer.) The engine cooling fan kicked on often as it did my last trip, however, I kept my foot on the throttle and the truck easily maintained 55-60 mph whenever I wished. Perhaps some of you are right, us newbies need to learn about our trucks...I hate to admit that...
Regarding my concerns, they are as follows (and seem minor):
1. I noticed a surge and funky sound briefly when exiting the freeway and hitting the brakes. All functioned fine but wanted to know if this is correct. (Yes, I saw the thread about the surge issue and will take this up with my dealer.)
2. Often, especially with the trailer, there is an annoying vibration/rattle with a subtle hum (similar to the turbo whine but different and not as high-pitched). It is definately not the cooling fan engaging as I've learned its sound at various levels of operation. The sound seems to be under the dash near the driver. Anyone else notice this?
3. When driving the truck slowly, for example, around campsites at 5-10 mph, the truck seems to lurch even though I'm holding the trottle steady. I kept thinking that I was being 'jerky' with the gas but now I'm thinking that the truck is surging on it's own.
4. Lastly, I've decided to mess with my truck and add an exhaust and probably an Edge w/ attitude tuner. Which should come first? (Main goal- better economy with slight power improvement when towing.)
Regarding my concerns, they are as follows (and seem minor):
1. I noticed a surge and funky sound briefly when exiting the freeway and hitting the brakes. All functioned fine but wanted to know if this is correct. (Yes, I saw the thread about the surge issue and will take this up with my dealer.)
2. Often, especially with the trailer, there is an annoying vibration/rattle with a subtle hum (similar to the turbo whine but different and not as high-pitched). It is definately not the cooling fan engaging as I've learned its sound at various levels of operation. The sound seems to be under the dash near the driver. Anyone else notice this?
3. When driving the truck slowly, for example, around campsites at 5-10 mph, the truck seems to lurch even though I'm holding the trottle steady. I kept thinking that I was being 'jerky' with the gas but now I'm thinking that the truck is surging on it's own.
4. Lastly, I've decided to mess with my truck and add an exhaust and probably an Edge w/ attitude tuner. Which should come first? (Main goal- better economy with slight power improvement when towing.)