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Old 11-24-2013, 10:40 AM   #1
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First time towing a TOAD

We have a 2013 329DS and are going to be towing a Jeep GC for the first time.

My dumb question is this. What is the best RPM to pull at while going up hills with our rig.

First time out we are headed up Cajon Pass (Southern California) and I just don't know what is a good safe RPM.

Thanks for the help.
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Old 11-24-2013, 10:52 AM   #2
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Just take your time.
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Old 11-24-2013, 11:12 AM   #3
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goin...

I just googeled your specs:
Peak HP: 240 HP @ 2,600 RPM
Peak Torque (lb – Ft. Max Net): 620 @ 1,400 RPM

So I am guessing by this that you would want to stay below 3K RPM (Disclaimer: I am not a Class A'er - just going by the specs...)
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Old 11-25-2013, 12:06 PM   #4
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I tow a Jeep JKU behind my 2014 329DS. I go from OC to the high desert on a regular basis. Just put your MH in Tow/Haul mode and let it decide which gear it wants. It's not unusual for the Ford V-10 to turn 3500 - 4000 rpm when I'm going up the Cajon Pass. Just take your time and you'll be fine.
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Old 11-25-2013, 03:44 PM   #5
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Awesome. Thanks for all the replies. Good news is the weather will be on the cool side.
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Old 11-26-2013, 12:45 AM   #6
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I frequently climb Cajon Pass, and I usually set the cruise on 55, and let it do it's thing as well. It will climb it faster, but it is easier on it at 55. Don't worry about the revs, the v-10 is a higher revving engine than the GM.

PS, it's a lot louder to, but don't worry about it.

Happy Trails, Forrest
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Old 11-26-2013, 11:01 AM   #7
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I frequently climb Cajon Pass, and I usually set the cruise on 55, and let it do it's thing as well. It will climb it faster, but it is easier on it at 55. Don't worry about the revs, the v-10 is a higher revving engine than the GM.

PS, it's a lot louder to, but don't worry about it.

Happy Trails, Forrest
X2. Set the cruise, tow/haul mode on and let that high winding engine figure out what is best. Going down the mountain is the same thing. The computers will not let you break anything. Even if you try to force a down shift with the shifter. Yes it will sing to you but the motor is happy, happy, happy! I've seen nearly 5000RPM while climbing an 8% grade.

I'm am super impressed with it's capabilities.
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Old 11-26-2013, 11:15 AM   #8
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I'm very happy with the Ford V10. It has some serious balls. I was stuck trying to cross a main road with lots of never ending traffic and when I had a chance I floored it and it took off like a bat out of hell. Tons of power at any range. I do have to admit that it is very loud after 3k rpms.
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Old 11-26-2013, 11:51 AM   #9
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Thanks for all the help. I am feeling way better about the trip. I was just a little nervous and certainly when it starts getting loud I get a little anxious. Glad to hear it is normal. We will be fully loaded for the first time as we are dry camping so full water, propane and now a toad. I will report in how it goes.
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Old 11-26-2013, 01:12 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by goin2drt View Post
Thanks for all the help. I am feeling way better about the trip. I was just a little nervous and certainly when it starts getting loud I get a little anxious. Glad to hear it is normal. We will be fully loaded for the first time as we are dry camping so full water, propane and now a toad. I will report in how it goes.
Just trust that motor, you will be fine. Happy Turkey Day....
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Old 11-26-2013, 07:40 PM   #11
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I have changed to toad from time to time to my Avalanche at 5200 lbs. Even with the beast behind us there is no engine issue. Just don't use more than 60% pedal and let the computer figure out the best gear. BTW if you very lightly push the brake pedal on the down side the 2012 and later transmissions will downshift automatically. If you have the cruise they will maintain the down slope speed by downshifting too.
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Old 12-01-2013, 04:04 PM   #12
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Guys thanks for all the help. I was s nervous. First time with a toad and first time taking the RV up a steep grade.

It was perfect. It liked 50mph at 4200 rpm. I could have pushed her a little more but did not want to. We were fully loaded including the Jeep with fuel.

Coming down the cruise was set at 58 and barely even tapped the brakes. The V-10 is amazing.
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Old 12-02-2013, 08:14 AM   #13
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I haven't pulled the inside engine cover to look, but I wonder how much insulation it has along with under the front part of the floor.
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Old 12-02-2013, 12:33 PM   #14
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No Insulation under the floor pans and minimal on the engine cover. I added insulation to both and dropped the noise and heat level some.
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Old 01-05-2014, 06:02 PM   #15
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Update

Well I just wanted to share. We headed out for our second trip towing the TOAD and I can't be happier.

We went with the Falcon All-terrain tow bar and invisibrake set up. Pricey but it has been awesome.

Also when towing with the RV it also has been great. I listened to all the advise from you all and the RV really does know what it wants to do and at what speed. I set the cruise and let it do the rest. Our 329 has also towed well with very little struggle.

Here we are ready for deployment for our New Years trip 4 wheeling.
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All white Siberian Husky "Turbo"
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