Allison 6sp: Towing a big boat

maxaholic

Active member
Dec 6, 2008
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Central, Texas
Should have got a manual. :joker: I've loaded a small load of round bales behind mine (14 @ 1000lbs each) on a 7k lb trailer. It pulled like a dream running 70 mph.
 

WolfLMM

Making Chips
Nov 21, 2006
4,005
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AL
Oh the truck pulled it, but it won't do that everyday for long. I know what "overloaded" feels like, your truck won't last long pulling that heavy often.

Fuel mileage wise, I would have been better off to put the boat and trailer on my lowboy and pull it with the Pete. But then I don't know if I would clear the overpasses.

I have had three, I know the truck runs right. But maybe I got three duds.
 

LBZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jul 2, 2007
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B.C.
5th gear and between 1700 and 1900 rpm should get you the best mileage.

I personally have my trans tune set so my truck won't even shift into 6th until I get above 68 to 70 mph depending on throttle position-no matter if it is in T/H or not. This seems to keep me around the 2000rpm mark before it will shift and I'm quite happy with it this way.
 

SteveFord

What's Next?
May 8, 2008
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Iowa
I know when I had my lbz and ran my tow tune I could pull my Boss 302 easily. Not sure what wieghs as it has twin Merc 454's. Probably around 10,000#'s or so going down the road loaded with crap. I kept it in 5th since I had 315's on it to keep the rpms around 2000 and it set best there. Someone could bring me a check and pull it home to see how there truck handles it LOL!! I'll see how this 02 does in the spring.
 
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Trailerhauler

Trailer Hauler
Dec 18, 2009
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If you are stock (no programmer) put in Drive, Tow and Cruise set a 60. I pull a 12,000 lb Travel Trailer w/ my 2006 and haul it up to 10,000 foot elevation. Never over heats and still get 10.8 to 12.9 mpg depending on wind. Will occasionally auto-downshift to 5th gear on its own.
 

coker6303

Keep Calm and Chive On!!
Aug 6, 2009
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If you are cruising down the interstate with traffic, stay in 6th at 65-70 and don't use cruise control. Learn your truck let it fall back a little going up the hills (not letting it downshift) and then gain it back on the backside of the hill.

What tune are you running? a tune with extra fuel would probably benefit from 5th over 6th to keep from dumping fuel with no boost and EGT's would be lower. 5th gear will bring the turbo in much stronger and cool EGT's.

If it were me, I'd stick it in "D" with T/H and cruise about 65-68 mph avg. If the truck wants to downshift frequently, lock it out of 6th and cruise on. I'm thinking it won't have a problem. If you are taking back roads with no traffic (traffic = less wind resistance) then you will probably have to drop it down in 5th and keep it there. :thumb:

Cruise control is not gas mileage friendly, it's just convenient!