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05-27-2021, 09:51 AM
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#41
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,570
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I have the 5-star tune on my 5 speed. I can still use cruise control and while I haven't been in the mountains with cruise on, here in Texas it seems to work just like it did and the tune does make a difference. Perhaps Johnny can add a bit to his experience but what I suspect is happening, is that the 5-star tune keeps the transmission from downshifting so often, so perhaps (not sure) what is happening is that while on cruise control the RV could loose speed on a steep hill and after a ~10 mph loss it cuts off, while previously it would downshift at even the slightest grade, now it doesn't. In any case, I rarely use cruise (if ever) while in the mountains (where there are steep grades), but I do use it on interstates and highways and haven't noticed any issues, again and not an issue (as this is the reason I purchased it), it does hold gear more and doesn't downshift on every little grade like it used to, which is a good thing imo but certainly could be an issue when on a steep grade using CC, seeing how the CC doesn't seem to give full throttle forcing as many downshifts like it did prior to the tune (it will still downshift but not as aggressively as before). I suspect that is the difference. ~CA
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2010 GreyHawk 31SS
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05-27-2021, 09:56 AM
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#42
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Waynesboro
Posts: 41
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Thank you. I'm learning
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05-27-2021, 10:07 AM
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#43
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Out there somewhere
Posts: 1,616
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camper_bob
I use cruise most of the time. For smaller grades where I know the transmission will drop 2 gears, I nudge the throttle a little to get one gear down, and the rig will usually maintain speed over the grade. If I don't do this, it will bleed off 5 mph before it shifts, then downshift 2 gears and scream the rest of the way over the grade, and never make up that lost speed until it crests and starts going back down. I don't care so much about the speed, but I don't want to rev the motor if I don't have to. Like I said, one gear downshift is usually sufficient to pull the grade at 65-70 mph.
Cruise can't read the terrain (yet), so I find "managing" it a little helps.
If I'm going up and down several small grades, I'll shut it off. Like in a city where there are overpasses every 1/4 to 1/2 mile. If I just let the cruise drive on its own, the transmission would be shifting constantly, which creates heat, which kills transmission fluid, which kills transmissions. Better to just manage the throttle myself and keep the power/drive-train happy.
I'll usually cut the cruise off if I'm pulling a long, steep grade too.
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I pretty much do the same. We are in the middle of our cross country trip out west. If I don’t manage some of these grades manually it kills the engine and trans. I also pull over from time to time to let things cool down by letting things idle and circulate fluids for 20-30 min. Shutting the key off after spanking the pony is a no no!
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05-27-2021, 11:45 AM
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#44
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Waynesboro
Posts: 41
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So idling at rest is preferred over turning off the engine ? Our 1/2 tank is about 3 hours so we would stop every 3 hours to fill up.
We were coming back to VA from CA & we were unsure of the gas situation since it was just resolving. I thought we might be giving the RV a brief respite
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05-27-2021, 12:06 PM
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#45
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,570
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finchr1
So idling at rest is preferred over turning off the engine ? Our 1/2 tank is about 3 hours so we would stop every 3 hours to fill up.
We were coming back to VA from CA & we were unsure of the gas situation since it was just resolving. I thought we might be giving the RV a brief respite
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Yes and No, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. For example, I use ObdFusion (and sometimes ForScan) that allows me to monitor much more than what is displayed on the dashboard, in particular the transmission temperature (you have to plug in a device into the obd2 port under the dash and left of the steering wheel). If your transmission is getting hot due to lots of shifting and without much torque converter lockup time and you want to give it a break and let it cool down some, leaving the engine running will keep the fluid circulating and cool the transmission off much more evenly and prevent any heat soak in areas of the transmission seeing that if the engine was off, the cooling fluid would not be moving and the same for the engine.
I generally like to let everything rest at least 5~10 minutes before shutting down the engine, however if I am taking it easy and pulling into a gas station generally speaking the off ramp and slow drive to the station is enough cooling for me (especially if I haven't just pulled a steep grade).
On the other hand, if your engine is running hot (never happened on mine) then stopping and running a fast idle would be better along with shutting off the A/C and if the temp doesn't drop right away (within a minute or maybe two most), then don't keep running the engine as something is not right, could be a hose leak or similar.
FYI, another thing about the 5-Star tuner that I like, is that the torque converter locks up sooner and that in turn keeps the transmission temp running cooler, w/o the tuner you can get a similar effect by always running in tow\haul mode. I always use TH mode except sometimes when I forget and on very flat roads, it is easy to tell I am not in TH mode even w/o looking as the transmission shifts into higher gears much sooner than with it on.
I would suggest an obd2 module along with an app that can monitor the transmission temps, Ford should have had a gauge for that. If I remember correctly Johny shared with us that he purchased a specific gauge that ties into the obd2 port for monitoring his transmission temp, I use an app for that which works with my android radio or an iphone\android phone or tablet.
__________________
2010 GreyHawk 31SS
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05-27-2021, 02:05 PM
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#46
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Out there somewhere
Posts: 1,616
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Yes, I also use an Obd2 scanner/reader. I monitor all my Rigs temps. Wouldn’t drive without one!
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05-27-2021, 02:24 PM
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#47
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Waynesboro
Posts: 41
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I owe you guys. Thank you so much.
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05-28-2021, 07:22 AM
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#48
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 355
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finchr1
As a first time RV'er, we were surprised at the amount of trailer movement by wind and semis. We got a 2019 Greyhawk Prestige fsp and drove it from CA to eastern VA in 4 days.
After some research I have heard to get rear and front stabilizers, TruCenter, 1 7/8 inch front Sumo spring, check alifgnment, and steering stabilizer. I was told the TruCenter would decrease sway if you blow a tire.
I know you can't get rid of wind push but I sincerely hope you can modify it.
My question is would all of these help as a whole or is there excessive redundancy in the part list I have presented ?
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I have a 2018 Jayco Greyhawk 29 mv and have done a number of upgrades to improve handling. They all have added to the improved handling in wind and with large vehicles passing me. You probably have the J ride plus so you already have a rear stabilizer (track bar).
I put these in order of important (my opinion)
- Have an alignment done. see the posts on this for the suggested camber and caster. Improving handling starts here. If you're under warranty Jayco usually pays for the first one. At least they did for me
- Adjust the Helwieg helper springs. they usually don"t come adjusted properly from the factory. It won't cost to do it but it is a bit of work. see the posts on this forum for specs
-Roadmaster steering stabilizer
-Helweig front stabilizer bar
- Front Sumo springs
I may put the Sumo springs on the rear but since i adjusted the helper spring i don't think they will add anything.
The handling of my RV is night and day better than when i picked it up.
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05-28-2021, 07:35 AM
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#49
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 355
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Quote:
Originally Posted by craigav
I have the 5-star tune on my 5 speed. I can still use cruise control and while I haven't been in the mountains with cruise on, here in Texas it seems to work just like it did and the tune does make a difference. Perhaps Johnny can add a bit to his experience but what I suspect is happening, is that the 5-star tune keeps the transmission from downshifting so often, so perhaps (not sure) what is happening is that while on cruise control the RV could loose speed on a steep hill and after a ~10 mph loss it cuts off, while previously it would downshift at even the slightest grade, now it doesn't. In any case, I rarely use cruise (if ever) while in the mountains (where there are steep grades), but I do use it on interstates and highways and haven't noticed any issues, again and not an issue (as this is the reason I purchased it), it does hold gear more and doesn't downshift on every little grade like it used to, which is a good thing imo but certainly could be an issue when on a steep grade using CC, seeing how the CC doesn't seem to give full throttle forcing as many downshifts like it did prior to the tune (it will still downshift but not as aggressively as before). I suspect that is the difference. ~CA
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Tow/haul is your friend. it keeps the trans cooler by reducing shifting and call me crazy but i got better gas mileage with it on. I just completed a 2500 mile trip that included a lot of mountain driving with a car in tow and the T/H worked great. I used the cruise control on mild grades, but on the steep grades, go manual. The RPMs get too high otherwise. If you go over 4500+ RPMs the rev limiter kicks out the T/H, and on a steep grade that can be an E ticket ride.(showing my age) I have heard that some folks use the T/H all the time since the coach is so heavy. I'll try this on my next trip to Disney.
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05-28-2021, 07:48 AM
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#50
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: South Texas
Posts: 7,216
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rodpod
Tow/haul is your friend. it keeps the trans cooler by reducing shifting and call me crazy but i got better gas mileage with it on. I just completed a 2500 mile trip that included a lot of mountain driving with a car in tow and the T/H worked great. I used the cruise control on mild grades, but on the steep grades, go manual. The RPMs get too high otherwise. If you go over 4500+ RPMs the rev limiter kicks out the T/H, and on a steep grade that can be an E ticket ride.(showing my age) I have heard that some folks use the T/H all the time since the coach is so heavy. I'll try this on my next trip to Disney.
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I use T/H all the time as well. It's pretty much automatic for me now. When I hop in the driver's seat and pull the lever to D, I automatically hit the button.
The transmission definitely shifts better, and engine braking is more aggressive as well when T/H is engaged.
It seems counter-intuitive that you'd get better fuel economy in T/H because it will typically hold a lower gear longer and thus run at higher RPMs, but it's been true for my MH as well as my truck when I was towing my trailer. Advantage in my truck was that I could manually lock the transmission in whatever gear I wanted. So sometimes if I was going up and down many smaller to moderate grades, I'd "lock" the trans in a lower gear and do the whole run at say 3500 RPM (which wasn't so bad in my truck, kinda loud in the camper), maintain my desired speed, and limit shifting, AND get better fuel economy. That's one function I wish I had in my E-450.
__________________
-2018 Greyhawk 29MV
-2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JLU) (Primary Toad)
-1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ (Secondary Toad)
-2014 Jay Flight 28BHBE & Ram 2500 6.4L CC 4x4 (sold)
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05-28-2021, 09:18 AM
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#51
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Miami
Posts: 355
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camper_bob
I use T/H all the time as well. It's pretty much automatic for me now. When I hop in the driver's seat and pull the lever to D, I automatically hit the button.
The transmission definitely shifts better, and engine braking is more aggressive as well when T/H is engaged.
It seems counter-intuitive that you'd get better fuel economy in T/H because it will typically hold a lower gear longer and thus run at higher RPMs, but it's been true for my MH as well as my truck when I was towing my trailer. Advantage in my truck was that I could manually lock the transmission in whatever gear I wanted. So sometimes if I was going up and down many smaller to moderate grades, I'd "lock" the trans in a lower gear and do the whole run at say 3500 RPM (which wasn't so bad in my truck, kinda loud in the camper), maintain my desired speed, and limit shifting, AND get better fuel economy. That's one function I wish I had in my E-450.
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Yup, worked for me. I'll be using T/H all the time from now on.
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05-30-2021, 06:12 PM
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#52
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Alvin, TX
Posts: 93
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I took off the baby front sway bar that Ford installed and picked up a Helwig 1 3/8” diameter sway bar. I also added dual steering stabilizers. Also adjusted the rear Helwig to two inches. Made a big difference. Going to get an alignment as soon as I get time. Been real busy here at the shop lately.
__________________
2021 Jayco Greyhawk 30z. Purchased new in January of 2021.
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05-30-2021, 06:14 PM
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#53
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Out there somewhere
Posts: 1,616
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travel
I took off the baby front sway bar that Ford installed and picked up a Helwig 1 3/8” diameter sway bar. I also added dual steering stabilizers. Also adjusted the rear Helwig to two inches. Made a big difference. Going to get an alignment as soon as I get time. Been real busy here at the shop lately.
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How did you do the do the dual dampers?
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05-30-2021, 07:09 PM
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#54
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Alvin, TX
Posts: 93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnynorthland
How did you do the do the dual dampers?
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I went to my local O’Reileys parts store and picked up two smaller ones and made two brackets that mount under the sway control mounting pads and made one center bracket to hold the other end of the shocks. The brackets are going to the powder coaters Tuesday so they can do their magic. I’ll try and get some pictures when everything is back together. The system seemed to work good..
__________________
2021 Jayco Greyhawk 30z. Purchased new in January of 2021.
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05-30-2021, 08:41 PM
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#55
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Out there somewhere
Posts: 1,616
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travel
I went to my local O’Reileys parts store and picked up two smaller ones and made two brackets that mount under the sway control mounting pads and made one center bracket to hold the other end of the shocks. The brackets are going to the powder coaters Tuesday so they can do their magic. I’ll try and get some pictures when everything is back together. The system seemed to work good..
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That sounds awesome, I don’t do much fabrication like that anymore, wish I could do that. Wish that was an aftermarket item!
Please post photos, especially once installed.
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06-05-2021, 02:36 PM
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#56
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Alvin, TX
Posts: 93
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Johnynorthland,
The steering dampeners I got were Monroe Gas Magnum Steering Dampners. The part number is SC 2955. They were $41.99 each. Finally got the brackets back from the powder coaters. They always do a good job. I’m going to try and include a couple pictures. Don’t know how that is going to go but we’ll give it a try.
We’ll, that didn’t work. I’ve got several pictures but can’t figure out how to load them
__________________
2021 Jayco Greyhawk 30z. Purchased new in January of 2021.
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06-05-2021, 04:02 PM
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#57
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Sandy
Posts: 277
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uploading pictures
Click "Go Advanced" at the bottom of the Reply window
There is a ribbon "Additional Options"
Below that is a dialog with "Attach Files"
Click "Manage Attachments" and a widow will come up
"Choose file" from your source
Make sure to click "upload".
__________________
Yeti: 2000 Greyhawk 26Y, 2019 Ford E-450
Make it a great day
Don
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06-06-2021, 12:43 AM
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#58
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Cali
Posts: 111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travel
Johnynorthland,
The steering dampeners I got were Monroe Gas Magnum Steering Dampners. The part number is SC 2955. They were $41.99 each. Finally got the brackets back from the powder coaters. They always do a good job. I’m going to try and include a couple pictures. Don’t know how that is going to go but we’ll give it a try.
We’ll, that didn’t work. I’ve got several pictures but can’t figure out how to load them
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id love to see this set up as well!
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06-06-2021, 06:51 AM
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#59
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Waynesboro
Posts: 41
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Camper_Bob,
Excuse my ignorance because I am a newbie, but you don't need to be hauling anything to use the T/H ?
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06-06-2021, 06:56 AM
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#60
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Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Waynesboro
Posts: 41
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Rodpod,
I purchased the Sumo shocks but the mechanic said the Helwieg in place were good and I shouldn't change them but the ride would be "stiffer"
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