Well I went and done it!

[Samsbird]

Today while in Kansas we stopped by the local Ford dealer and they had a 2012 King Ranch F350 SRW Golden Bronze with the fifth wheel hitch package and I just could'nt pass on the deal that they offered. I am anxoius to see how it handles the bird, I just upgraded the 06 and was planning on keeping it for awhile oh well, someone will get a nice truck. Someone told me not to test drive one if I wasn't planning on buying (good advice that I failed to follow). This thing has more features than my 2 classic mustangs put together LOL. Now I have to get use to all of this DEF stuff.

Randall

[Chief409]

It'll handle your Cardinal without breathing hard. I just got home after a 3K mile trip to Washington. Lots of mountains, flat running and heat. Today I went over Tehachapi Pass (elev 4100') with the 'Bird, mostly at 60 mph in 95+ degree temps. A walk in the park. Got stuck a couple of times by big rigs in the hammer lane on 6% uphill grades, when they got out of the way Bubba just ran away up the hill. And my worse MPG of the trip, 11.2.

Jeff

[Samsbird]

Thats great info Jeff, do you monitor your exhaust gas temps on yours? I always monitored the egt on the other 2 diesels that I had but, maybe I don't need to be concerned with it on this one with all of the computer safety features these new trucks have. Now if I can just figure out a way to adapt my bed saver to the Ford hitch.

Randall

[bigbunkhouse]

Now not only do you have two of the coolest Mustangs ever built, but you have one of the coolest trucks ever made! Im enflamed with Jealousy of here!

Seriously, good luck withthe new truck and enjoy! Did you trade the 06 in?

[Chief409]

I haven't been monitoring EGT with the computer watching over that and 1001 other things. Things I worry about are engine and tranny temps, oil pressure. So far, on the hottest day of the year to date, even on the steepest grade with the 'Bird on the hitch, AC on auto, temps have been in the middle of the gauges. There were at least 10 semi's, and a few cars and pickups on the shoulder going over the pass yesterday afternoon who wish they could say that!

Jeff

[bop11]

Enjoy that new truck Randall! Keep us posted.

[Mike Clay]

Yes enjoy your truck

[teallen]

Enjoy your truck, it will do the job

[Samsbird]

I traded the 06, I got my first day of pulling the bird and without a doubt the difference in power is like night and day. Since it was it's first day of a long hard career I thought I would take it easy on her keeping the speed between 50 - 60 MPH. The outside temp got to 99* and the fan clutch didn't engage the first time (my 06 would have cycled possibly 50 - 75 times n the 500 mile run today, the truck felt like it was out for a Sunday drive, the brake controller is worlds of difference also, on the 6.0 I kept the gain set on 9 all the time and still it just didn't feel like the trailer brakes were doing their part of the work, on this one I set it at 6.5 and the trailer brakes are doing their part in stopping the mass (probably could go lower but, it just felt right at 6.5). The noise level in the cab is a thing of the past, the NAV system is very nice, really like the Ford hitch setup it gives plenty of clearance between the bed and camper (will measure whenever I get back home but, my guess is pretty close to 7 inches). The instrument panel is cool and I found the reminder check list for the fifth wheel to be very helpful, things like landing gear up, hitch pin locked, lights, turn signals etc. I will be getting into some pretty hard pulls (at least they were for the 6.0) probably tomorrow , if not certainly Friday through the mountains of Ky, West Va. and Va. on I64 and I'm curious to see how the hill assist works (although most I have spoke to say the Ford hill assist doesn't work very well). Maybe some of you guys can chime in and let me know what your experience has been with it. Also I kept the new edge insight that was on my 6.0 and was wondering what would be the best egt point to monitor on the 6.7, (since they don't have provisions to look at pre-turbo temps) I'll keep you posted.

Randall

[Chief409]

The engine braking is very good, much better then my 6.4. 6% downgrade for 10 miles, just apply the brakes, the tranny shifts down one gear per brake application, and won't gear down too far, protecting the engine and tranny. I was coming downgrade in 4th gear at 60 mph without touching the brakes. That's with the 3:73 gearing the dually comes with. And both of us love the low noise level in the cab, the air conditioning and the seat cooling on 100+ days. No more shirts sticking to your back. It's the best truck I've owned for a long haul.

Jeff

[BMullins46]

Congrat's on the new truck. You got the combination I'd like to get,I've looked but been able to resist so far, they just don't have the room in the cab that I've got with my MegaCab.

[Samsbird]

Jeff, as you said "Just a walk in the park". Today we were on some long grades and it amazed me as to how obvious it is that the truck doesn't have to work hard, this thing is amazing! The torque converter hardly comes out of lockup, forget downshifting to a lower gear. Tomorrow will complete the last leg of the trip, it's been an adventure that's for sure. Life's good

Randall

[WVcampers]

Glad you are liking your new truck. Mine is over a year old now and I am still amazed every time I tow. If they keep getting better they will steer themselves

[Chief409]

Jeff, as you said "Just a walk in the park". Today we were on some long grades and it amazed me as to how obvious it is that the truck doesn't have to work hard, this thing is amazing! The torque converter hardly comes out of lockup, forget downshifting to a lower gear. Tomorrow will complete the last leg of the trip, it's been an adventure that's for sure. Life's good

Randall

Glad you're enjoying the new truck. A REAL "Cowboy Lincoln!"

Jeff

[wild acres]

Hi Randall, I've found that when using the cruise control in Kentucky, the Jake break will automatic come on to try and keep you in the selected area of the cruse control. Came back from lake last week, on a 55 MPH road running about 60 with traffic, with cruse control on, and on the "hills" it automaticlly slowed me down to the cruse control speed. I love it. It was 104 out and fan clutch never kicked in. Enjoy. John