Re: [SilverStreak] Picking up Grandma's 78' 28ft SS in a month... ?'s

["Tom Patterson" <pattersontj@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Just a few observations.  I have a 2000 F-250 with the 7.3 power-stroke 
diesel.  I put a BD chip in the vehicle, which increased the horsepower by 
around 75, the torque by about 100 ft. lbs. and the mileage by about 3-4 
MPG.

I do believe in overkill, as I am pulling a '65 22' Streamline with the 
truck.  Trailer weight is probably close to 5,000 going down the road, with 
the added hardwood floor, etc.

I run around 70 MPH when possible, and in a 3,000 mile trip earlier this 
year, averaged 16.5 mpg pulling the trailer from Houston-L.A. and back. 
Mountains and hills don't seem to have as much effect on mileage as does the 
prevailing wind.

The diesel has just over 200,000 miles, and is still going strong.  It did 
cost an extra $4,000 for the diesel, but it was well worth the extra cost, 
and is definitely now paying dividends.  I am told that there are similar 
7.3 diesel engines around town with over 1,000,000 miles on them.  Whatever, 
I see no need for replacement any time soon.

As far as sway goes, I just don't experience any.  I don't consider rear 
duallys necessary, but a properly balanced trailer is what you do need.  My 
tongue weight on the trailer is just under 800 lbs., or around 20% of the 
total weight.  This, coupled with a long, heavy tow vehicle keeps the 
trailer under control.  I do not have an expensive sway control hitch, or 
use a sway bar.  I do use spring bars to distribute the tongue weight.

The only sway episode I ever had with this vehicle was once when I went into 
a skid coming around a curve.  That was my error, because I was using the 
exhaust, or engine brake when it was raining.  I learned from that that one 
never uses an engine brake on wet roads!  Even so, I was able to get the 
trailer back under control, and remain on the road, although I did need both 
lanes for a short distance until I got both truck and trailer straightened 
out.

-Tom