towing with smarty
 

Hey everyone im going to be making a trip up the mountain here in a couple weeks pulling a trailer roughly 8k but i have to climb a really steep switchback so im wondering would be safe turning my smarty down to the 30 hp tune or should i just put it back to stock

Do you have guages #3 should be fine if your stock otherwise.

Yes I do and my transmission has had some work to

Then your fine just watch the guages 1300 ok and coolant if it gets hot drop out of overdrive.

What transmission temps are acceptable the other day I when up there empty I was running on the #5 tune and my transmission temp was 190

trans temp can hit 220 on a hard climb that's fine 250 driving slow while towing in town is common. I run two aux coolers with fans. and sit at 180.

Synthetic ATF will also help keep your trans happy. Like dangerous1965, I too run an auxilliary trans cooler with an electric fan mounted to it. The whole assembly is bolted to the frame, near the trans, via fabricated brackets. Towing, my 10k travel trailer, my trans temps never go over 180. Pulling hills or mountain passes, I will switch on the fan, and that helps to keep the temp in check.:c:

thanks for the input bigg redd how do you like the wtr/meth kit I was looking into those just wasn't sure if it would be worth the money

The 190 temp is perfectly fine. Even a little higher in extreme condtions is not going to hurt. As long as it stays around 190 with the TC locked it is good.

As long as you can run 25-30 mph on the switch backs most of the time just select a gear appropriate for the speed your running to keep the TC. If you don't the TC will unlock and get things really hot. Don't be afraid to downshift and use some rpms, everything will stay cooler.

:U: Yep. I second that! Water/meth kit is the way to go. Its cheap insurance against cooking your turbo, adds hp and tq, keeps EGTs in check when towing or "street play". It can add up to 70hp or more depending on your set-up and concentration of water meth mix. I use below-0 winter windshield washer fluid. It has a 50/50 mix of water and meth. The newer multi-stage versions, with the control box, an can be tailored to your driving style and /or needs. Mine uses a boost reference switch to activate my system. I have mine set to come in at 15 pounds of boost. I mainly use it when towing my 10k travel trailer (sometimes during "street play.") It comes on when Im getting on the freeway while towing my trailer, and when going up hills and mountain passes while towing. When boost levels come down below 15 psi, it will automatically shut off and remain on stand-by until the need arises again. Before I had a w/m kit, my trans would hunt for gears while climbing hills or mtn passes. Now, with the extra hp and tq, it no longer hunts for gears. Smooth sailing with no issues. Ive had this same kit on two other trucks within the past 8 years. Well worth the money IMO.:pca1: