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Old 05-29-2020, 02:10 PM   #1
Last2Die
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First tow

Well this is the first time I’m taking the new truck out with the 5th wheel. I must say there is a difference from my 2015, the biggest being the 10 speed transmission. It’s darn near perfect. Heading to Las Vegas 15 north there are some pretty good hills, I was going 70-75. It is fun passing the gassers going up hill !! Lol. So far happy with the new truck !
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Old 05-29-2020, 04:29 PM   #2
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You're kidding us right, 75??
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Old 05-29-2020, 05:14 PM   #3
Dam Worker
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Enjoy your new truck as it should be wonderful to tow with. I also do anywhere from 55-75 mph depending on speed limits and traffic. One of my friends never does more that 55-60 no matter what and that works for him. Going south into Denver from Wyoming I was getting run over by 18 wheelers doing 80 plus. With that ten speed the engine can pick the sweet spot and stay at that rpm.
Happy and safe roads to you.

Tom Marty
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Old 05-29-2020, 05:25 PM   #4
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I drove from Missoula to Vegas on I15 with my 2012 Silverado a while back. With the exhaust brake and duramax, the cruise only had to be helped once on uphill and I think I hit the brakes only once due to a steep hill. These newer diesels are great.
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Old 05-29-2020, 07:13 PM   #5
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Great new truck, enjoy.
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Old 05-29-2020, 07:49 PM   #6
Charlie 3931fb
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Good luck on the new ride. I have always liked the 10 speed transmission but in manual mode. I have a 9 speed fuller roadranger RTO 090 in my 3500 and a 13 speed in my 5500. Like the 9 speed the best. By the way I see your from so cal. speed limit when towing 55. California CHP will impound your truck and trailer going over 70 mph. Be careful.

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Old 05-29-2020, 09:00 PM   #7
Last2Die
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In California I drive 60-65. In Nevada no limitations on speed while towing.
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Old 05-30-2020, 10:53 AM   #8
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Below is great reference on maximum towing speed by state.

https://rvnerds.com/resources/speed-limits-and-towing/
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Old 05-30-2020, 10:59 AM   #9
Last2Die
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I just follow the posted limits....ish. Depends on traffic and what’s around me. Always safe and keep a distance from the vehicle in front of me allowing plenty of breaking time. Of course I’m California drivers think it’s just space for them to cut me off... lol
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Old 05-30-2020, 11:23 AM   #10
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You're kidding us right, 75??

Don't turn this into the Keystone forum.
Good 4 lane tailwind I'll step mine up a bit too.
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Old 05-30-2020, 03:01 PM   #11
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Last2Die,

First, congrats on the new truck and it turned out to be everything you hoped it to be. I hope you have many good times with your truck and camper and every road trip is successful.

Now for the word of concern. Yes, your truck is able to tow with magnificent ease and comfort, even blowing the competition away on some of the most difficult inclines and mountain conditions. I think we've all showed off a little with our magnificant trucks! Mine is a towing beast and can blow the socks off almost everything, even in mountains towing 14,000 pounds. It's magnificent. I'm sure yours is too. Basically... been there done that, so I'm JUST as thrilled as you.

However, now you got away with it, but before speeding in excess of 65 miles per hour when towing, you really need to double check the speed rating of the tires on your trailer. The truck may be entirely capable of towing at 100 mph, but if the trailer tires are rated at 65 mph, you REALLY need to NEVER exceed 65 mph on the trailer. Blow-outs on fifth wheels and travel trailers are absolutely no fun, and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your trailer.

If your trailer tires are rated higher, then that is good. Just do not exceed their speed rating. And remember, at higher speeds, your stopping distance is longer, and any adverse reaction to the trailer may not be able to be corrected at such speeds.

Here's the absolute best bit of advise I can give you regarding towing your camper ... When towing your camper, it should NEVER be about speed. It should ALWAYS be about arriving safely. The "journey" is just as important and should be just as much fun as the destination. Tow for safety, not for speed and EVERY trip will be successful
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Old 05-30-2020, 03:33 PM   #12
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Thank you for the concern. No I dont want to get into an accident or worse die. I’m pretty sure the tires are rated L and at 75mph but I’m sure someone knows better then I do. Straight is one thing down hill is another turns are a whole bother beast. I drive safe and keep situational awareness of my surroundings.
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Old 06-01-2020, 10:48 AM   #13
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Question for those with the 2020 duramax. Just towed for the first time, and man this thing guzzles def. anyone experience this..?

Tony
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Old 06-01-2020, 12:43 PM   #14
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for sure

Quote:
Originally Posted by Last2Die View Post
Question for those with the 2020 duramax. Just towed for the first time, and man this thing guzzles def. anyone experience this..?

Tony
It will get better. i hooked my 305rl weighing 13500lbs loaded to my new 3500 duramax with 500 mile on it and left Johnstown Pa. for California. I think the first 5000 miles it used as much DEF as fuel! It continually improved and our last trip from Pa to Corpus Christi then to Florida and then home it used considerably less with approx. 15000 miles on the truck. Speed,head winds and hills have an adverse effect on consumption. Also i get much more mileage out of the GM DEF fluid. If i have to buy an off brand while on the road i notice greater consumption right away. Cost at dealer is $16.00 for 2.5 gal. jug.
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Old 06-01-2020, 01:25 PM   #15
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Speaking of tires...are the sailun G rated tires that are the OEM for the Montana a good tire???
I’m sure there is an upgrade and I would love to know what other members are running.
We would upgrade if we need to.

On our TT before our Montana we ran maxxis 8008
They were great!
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Old 06-01-2020, 01:34 PM   #16
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I'm averaging just under 500 miles to a gallon of DEF on my 2018 High Country Dually pulling 19K plus. So yes the consumption of DEF is approx twice what my 2011 got.
I also think it goes through more Regen cycles than the 2011, but overall mileage is pretty close to the 2011.
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Old 06-01-2020, 02:31 PM   #17
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<snip>.....Also i get much more mileage out of the GM DEF fluid. If i have to buy an off brand while on the road i notice greater consumption right away...
</snip>
DEF is not a fuel additive and never comes into contact with diesel. It is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water regardless of the brand.. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. DEF is not a fuel additive and never comes into contact with diesel. There is no effect on mileage regardless of the brand used.
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Old 06-01-2020, 02:32 PM   #18
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Speaking of tires...are the sailun G rated tires that are the OEM for the Montana a good tire???
I’m sure there is an upgrade and I would love to know what other members are running.
We would upgrade if we need to.

On our TT before our Montana we ran maxxis 8008
They were great!
The tire of choice for Montana owners is the Sailun. Be happy, you got a great tire.
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Old 06-01-2020, 06:00 PM   #19
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That’s good news...at least we don’t have to spend money on new tires.
Thanks for the info!
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Old 06-01-2020, 06:08 PM   #20
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Question for those with the 2020 duramax. Just towed for the first time, and man this thing guzzles def. anyone experience this..?

Tony
Last2Die, although I don't have a 2020, I have a 2019 ( see sig ), and use about 1 gallon per 300 miles when towing. Without towing, about 1 gallon per 1000 miles.
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