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LoveToCamp · 06-11-2012, 07:00 PM

Greetings forum,

Got a question to ask and would like to know if anyone has had a problem with or rave reviews about putting a performance chip in their tow vehicle. I have a 2005 F-350 dually and have had several people tell me I should install a performance chip to get better gas mileage and power from my truck when towing my 5er. This is my first diesel I have ever owned as well as my first 5er (36ft Heartland Big Country) so I'm really behind the power curve (no pun intended) on this one. I currently get about 9ish miles to the gallon when pulling my 5er and about 13-14ish without it. With it being an after market device I am a little leery and not sure if it would really screw up my truck if I get it installed. On the other hand, I am very interested in getting better power and gas mileage. Any thoughts?

TXiceman · 06-11-2012, 07:47 PM

2005 is a 6.0L Powerjoke. With the problems on this engine, I would never push it by adding a chip. Go over to Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

Ken

Grumpyyyy · 06-11-2012, 08:13 PM

Leave it stock ... I'm pulling a 36 ft 5er getting 10 to 10.5 mpg at 62 to 65 mph with plenty of power and don't go by the onboard comp for mpg do it buy calc ... You'll be happy with the numbers and I'm avg 18 mpg empty at 72 mph
Chipping a 6.0 is hard on it

JohnBoyToo · 06-11-2012, 08:27 PM

While I did tune all my recent ford diesels, I always de-tuned them to tow...

there are some tow tunes that are usable, but you'll never recoup the cost of the tuner and tuning in mpg savings - more power and fun, yes, but not cost effective....

MRBB · 06-11-2012, 10:04 PM

I would never chip it but I use a Superchips tuner which has a heavy tow setting that really helps and won't mess up your engine.

LoveToCamp · 06-12-2012, 07:57 PM

Thanks guys for all the input. Didn't know about the Ford 6.0 till after I bought the truck so there isn't much I can do about it now. I'll stay away from the chip especially if it's going to hurt the engine. Haven't had any issues yet, but was trying to stay ahead of the game.

Ray,IN · 06-12-2012, 09:02 PM

Wanting more HP and torque is one thing, needing it is totally different. If I were contemplating an engine programmer, my first stop would be a reputable diesel shop to ask their advice.

There are several things one can do to the 6.0 Ford diesel to practically eliminate the inherent problems you have read about, do more reading on that subject and you can have a very good dependable engine.

travelgirl · 06-12-2012, 09:11 PM

Howdy,

Why not just add a Power Bank's System Kit not only are you adding H.P but your also adding M.P.G so the forget the chip and do it right all the way not half it...

04266832 · 06-12-2012, 10:11 PM

I use an SCT tuner and custom tunes from a popular site on my 2006. When not towing the daily tune makes around town driving so much easier with an MPG gain.

For towing, the tune uses the default fuel parameters and mostly stock settings but does give me gains of 2-3 mpg. But I also have a 10k TT and not a fifth wheel.

I already had the ford tuner from my mustang so for me the $100 for the additional tunes was worth it.

I would say for towing, it's not worth the cash. If you use it as a daily driver, it makes a ton of difference in drivability.

MRBB · 06-12-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveToCamp

Thanks guys for all the input. Didn't know about the Ford 6.0 till after I bought the truck so there isn't much I can do about it now. I'll stay away from the chip especially if it's going to hurt the engine. Haven't had any issues yet, but was trying to stay ahead of the game.

You have a good engine but need some mods to make it bulletproof:

1- IF you can delete the EGR cooler. This is what plugs up and blows the engine.

2- Replace the Ford Gold coolant with CAT ELC and make sure you flush it good. the ford coolant plugs up the EGR cooler and oil cooler.

3- Install a coolant filter to collect sand and gunk so your oil cooler doesn't get plugged up.

4- Get a scanGauge II to monitor your oil, water, trans temps and volts.

5- ALWAYS use Motorcraft filters because they have a patent and will filter ALL your oil and fuel.

6- If you want to increase millage put in a turbo back 5" exhaust system and a Banks intercooler. Both will help the motor and MPG.

7- If you want more power then go with the SuperChips tuner and the heavy tow. It will give you 48 more HP and 150 more FT pounds of torque without harming your engine. OR the SCT is a good tuner also.

I've spent a lot of hours on the Fordpowerstroke site and my F-350 6.0 has over 200,000 miles and going strong. 17 mpg empty and 11 mpg towing a 17,500 5th wheel. LOVE my truck.