F250 & FW trip notes

[Mover480]

I weighed my 2011 F250 diesel with the 5th wheel toy hauler attached while on a trip the other day. This was with full fuel in the main and aux tanks (63 gals total), and the DW and me in the truck. The Harley Ultra was in the Cougar 325SRX FW along with all the other stuff. Black and grey tanks empty and about a 1/4 in the fresh water tank.

Front axle 5,000 lbs, GAWR 5,600 lbs
Rear axle 5,500 lbs, GAWR 6,100 lbs

GVW 10,500 lbs, GVWR 10,000 lbs

5th wheel axles (2) 9,800 lbs, GAWR 10,400 lbs (I think)

GCW 20,300 lbs, GCWR 24,900 lbs

So I'm a little over on the GVW, about 5%, but under on everything else. As fuel is consumed, GVW will get better. Also, weight is pretty evenly distributed on the truck.

We were gone 2 1/2 weeks, put on 5,000 miles. The FW pulled like a dream. Up and down 7 and 8% grades without any problems. Interstate 8 from Yuma to San Diego over the mountains in real gusty winds ... no problems. I80 from Sacramento to Reno pulled great up that long grade. Oil temp got up to 246F, transmission to 212F. Normal was about 210F and 190F.

I've got tire pressure and temperature sensors on the FW. In 103F outside temp in Utah, tires got to 116F. Pressures would go up about 5 to 7 psi over cold setting of 78 psi as they heated up. Temperature would normally go up about 10F.

Most of the time I had the truck on cruise set at 65 mph. For the whole trip, got 10.5 mpg.

This was our first long trip and overall, it was great! BTW, it was comforting having the tire monitor.

[Ken / Claudia]

Nice report, glad things worked out. I check the psi morning and end or sometimes thru out the day. I was carrying a artic fox camper for about 8 years. Rear tires at 80 psi at home 40 degree. In Redding Ca. 113-115 degrees and the rear tires where at 96psi. The rear axle was around 7000lbs.
I do not have TMS for the truck or trailer but, feel I should get one sooner than later.

[Chrisk153]

Thanks for the post and the weight info. Which TPM system do you have?

Also - have you installed a tuner in the F250?

[Mover480]

It's the TireMinder system. The reviews I found on it were mostly positive. It's not cheap, but I think it's worth it. Also, the batteries are replaceable, whereas some of the other brands are not.

The truck is box stock. F250, 6.7L turbo diesel, 4x4 Off Road, SB, SRW, camper package. I think Ford hit a homerun with this engine, although the DEF is kind of a pain. But it is the quietest diesel you've ever heard.

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[lightning79]

Great photo!

[T11ravis]

Originally Posted by Mover480

Most of the time I had the truck on cruise set at 65 mph. For the whole trip, got 10.5 mpg.

Nice.
What gear ratio are you running?

[Mover480]

It is 3.55

[Chrisk153]

Thanks for the feedback. I wish I had waited a few months and gotten the 2011, DEF or not. The DPF was a horrible idea. Having it fall off and installing a tuner is an option, but it seems to be the start of a never ending parade of mods, one requiring the next. (Delete pipe, tuner, muffler/exhaust, air filter, EGR delete, etc).

[Mover480]

Yeah, I hear ya.

It's always something. I wish I would have waited and got the 103 inch Ultra instead of the 96. Or I could go pipes, exhaust, filters, tuners, chips, etc. ... about like your truck, eh?