Rick and Harry,

I also have 4:10 gears towing a 31' Excella weighing in around 7100 loaded.

Although it tows pretty darn good and gets reasonable gas mileage, (9-12 pulling and depending on terrain), I was thinking of the longevity aspect of the tow vehicle, etc. If I could tow at 1800 rpms (only guessing) rather than at 2300 rpms, wouldn't the engine last longer? And wouldn't the transmission fluid tend not to get as hot? And wouldn't the engine oil stay cooler as well?

How much are these units? Which ones are the proven ones? Does one kind work better on a GM 454?

What does one of these do to my GM bumper to bumper warranty?

On retirement:

I've been out of the workforce since July of '98 and I can't say enough about the lifestyle change; it is just super that a person can do pretty much what he/she wants to and get paid to boot. What a life! Harry, I always thought I would work until I was 56 because of the years of longevity and financial planning, etc., but I got fed up with so much crap in such a short time, that I went out 2.5 years early. I am so happy that I did that!

I saw the blue sky and sniffed the clean air and gave them 2 weeks notice after a month long trip to southwest USA. I guess I just needed to see if the 31' was big enough for the bride and me. It is! Now, I've got to get her out of the same place!

Good luck in your retirement!

Rich Walbridge WBCCI#3371
'73 Excella 500 (with an airstream.net sticker)