Hello, new to the forum. Just picked up a 2003 2500HD CC SB 4x4 w/allison and 120k miles (all stock, well maintained, know previous owner). It is not a daily driver and will be used primarily to haul my 24' enclosed car hauler (flat front, barn door aerodynimics!) .
My dad just towed the trailer (no car, but about 800lb of tools and gear -around 4800lb) to Phoenix from Calgary. First the fuel economy averaged 10-11mpg at 75mph. I thought it would be better as my 5.3L 1500 Sierra got 8 mpg at 70mph in Drive/3 gear with the trailer loaded up (~9000lbs). Will a cat back exhaust or programer help with mpg while towing? Are there any cat backs that retain stock noise levels in the cab? What is a good choice for a programmer for small hp gains, increase mpg and stock relability?
Second on the long hills the engine seemed to "loose" power as the hills went on. Speed would drop to 60mph, engine temp increased slightly and the engine fan roared, trans temp remained constant. Is this normal, why does it happen and what can be done to eliminate it? I always hear guys brag about towing their 12000lb 5th wheels up steep/long hills at 75mph with duramaxs.
Thanks
My dad just towed the trailer (no car, but about 800lb of tools and gear -around 4800lb) to Phoenix from Calgary. First the fuel economy averaged 10-11mpg at 75mph. I thought it would be better as my 5.3L 1500 Sierra got 8 mpg at 70mph in Drive/3 gear with the trailer loaded up (~9000lbs). Will a cat back exhaust or programer help with mpg while towing? Are there any cat backs that retain stock noise levels in the cab? What is a good choice for a programmer for small hp gains, increase mpg and stock relability?
Second on the long hills the engine seemed to "loose" power as the hills went on. Speed would drop to 60mph, engine temp increased slightly and the engine fan roared, trans temp remained constant. Is this normal, why does it happen and what can be done to eliminate it? I always hear guys brag about towing their 12000lb 5th wheels up steep/long hills at 75mph with duramaxs.
Thanks