Community Forums

KSCRUDE · 08-29-2012, 06:35 PM

Had our 2013 Newmar a little over a week now and put about 600 miles on it on her maiden voyage. Got back and joined this forum and and already did the cheap fix! Although I used the factory links as I think they will work great as Long as I can refrain from jumping motorcycles. Haven't had her out of the shop since I swapped holes on the sway bars though. What's is every ones thoughts on the 5 star tune. I think it needs it as I don't like the downshifting, especially in cruise mode. Wish you could lock it in 5th gear, but there is no provision to do so on the 5 speed ford auto. Is it worth the $400?

teddyu · 08-29-2012, 07:08 PM

Waited a long time before I jumped into the after market "power adders". I was relunctant due to the warranty issues. I now have had my 5 star for 3950 miles. It was well worth the purchase price. I've had an increase in MPG (0.6 mpg average over the total mileage) from what I is believe is the less downshifting into lower gears. Should be paid for around 9000 miles.

When at speed on cruise (~2400 rpm) the first thing that occurs is the unit comes out of lock-up and pulls at about 2750 rpm. This usually corrects the speed fluctuations over mild changes in roads slopes, like over passes. If the incline is more severe it will down shift again for an engine speed of about 3100 rpm. Cruise speed is restored and everything is fine. Since having the program installed, only once has the motor gone into the screaming 4500 rpm range on an 8% climb. It use to do it on 2% inclines. Should have done it sooner. You know what they say - shoulda, coulda, woulda but didn't. JM2¢...
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coffeeman · 08-29-2012, 07:14 PM

5 Star best $ spent for performance and driving fatique.

gman69 · 08-29-2012, 07:16 PM

Yes! I bought my MH in Texas and drove it back home to Idaho. The constant down shifting, and especially the downshifting to much lower gears on hills often allowed the engine to run near 6k rpm. I was constantly shutting off the cruise control to prevent over rev'ing the engine. Now after installing the 5 star tune (4k miles on my MH), it runs like it should. The trans stays in gear much better and allows the engine to use more of its torque, rather than constantly downshifting, to make it up inclines.

Best investment you can do. Too bad Ford won't fix this problem. The dealers response to me was that they couldn't help me, and that was why there was a warranty!

KSCRUDE · 08-29-2012, 07:23 PM

Thanks for all the quick replys! Do they need the ECM code when you order the tuner? I want to order one now but am not close to the MH!

teddyu · 08-30-2012, 06:31 AM

YES! and the type tune you want. Talk to Mike. JM2¢...

falcor · 09-02-2012, 11:17 AM

We do coast to coast to coast every year. The five star is the best thing since sliced bread. Better bang for the buck than Banks, which We had on our last V10. And you can erase it.

Hipshot · 09-02-2012, 12:52 PM

All the above X2.

KSCRUDE · 09-04-2012, 09:42 PM

Got the 5 star tune coming today. They only make one for the V10 RV with the f53 chasis. For the V10 super duties they come with 3 different tune for you to use. They both cost about $400 in round numbers! I have done the cheap fix now just need the tune and I should be ready to get the new girl out on the road! They tell me at five star that I will gain about 30 HP and 70 FPT with this RV tune. So about 400 HP and over 500 FPT should be it's range now. If I like what the tune does I may have to get one for the 08 king ranch I have with 16 k on the clock!

koda59 · 09-05-2012, 10:07 PM

The nice thing about the 5startune is that you can put it back to stock before taking in in for service.

Hudsoner · 10-11-2012, 09:08 AM

I have the 5 Sta tuning, and with it, my relatively light weight MH goes like a "bat out of hell". We use our MH mostly as potable bedroom when visiting relatives. last year we went to California, and on the way there, on the long I60 hills in Wyoming and later on I 80 to the Donner Pass we were most of the time on the passing lanes, and just "flew" by the trucks and diesel pushers, But, as I say, we travel very light weight, no water in any tank, not much of any supplies, etc.

bdickson · 10-11-2012, 04:41 PM

Is this what y'all are talking about?
Ford 6.8L V10 RV / Motor Home ONLY! X3 Power Flash Device - 5 Star Tuning

jclarkfork · 10-11-2012, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdickson

Is this what y'all are talking about?
Ford 6.8L V10 RV / Motor Home ONLY! X3 Power Flash Device - 5 Star Tuning

That would be it, works great!!

Dunner · 10-11-2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddyu

When at speed on cruise (~2400 rpm) the first thing that occurs is the unit comes out of lock-up and pulls at about 2750 rpm. This usually corrects the speed fluctuations over mild changes in roads slopes, like over passes. If the incline is more severe it will down shift again for an engine speed of about 3100 rpm. Cruise speed is restored and everything is fine. Since having the program installed, only once has the motor gone into the screaming 4500 rpm range on an 8% climb. It use to do it on 2% inclines. Should have done it sooner. You know what they say - shoulda, coulda, woulda but didn't. JM2¢...
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Good to hear I'm not the only one that still gets down shifts on over passes. I'm light, but do pull a 5k 20' enclosed.

BTW, it's worth the $s for the improved shifting alone.