Posted 2007-11-16 10:36 AM (#71341 - in reply to #71335) Subject: RE: Torque And Horsepower, When Is It Enough??
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When you're pulling trailers HP figures aren't what brings the bacon home. It's torque; the amount of twist an engine can provide to the drivetrain that's at issue. Quarter mile times are determined by horse power, how large a load a truck can pull over a hill is determined by torque.
Gas engine values are greatly varied, and the numbers are generated at much higher rpms than the diesels, almost twice as high. This means more shifting to keep the rpm in a high range.
Most of the diesels of a few years ago had torque ratings in the 500-550 lb/ft range. Most of the new ones produce 650 lb/ft or better. Not only are these ratings higher than a gas engine, more importantly they are at much lower rpms; typically 1800-2500 rpms instead of a gas at 4000-5000 rpms. This is what reliabily pulls a heavy load comfortably all day long.
Diesels hp and torque values are easily increased with different computer chip installations. An older diesel can be upgraded to match the newer motor's output at a fraction of the price of a new truck.
Any of the diesels available today will pull any trailer within the truck's stated gvwr, and you can hook up to it with no modifications. The only option you might consider is the available rear axle ratio for towing.
Posted 2007-11-16 10:57 AM (#71343 - in reply to #71335) Subject: RE: Torque And Horsepower, When Is It Enough??
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I used to pull what you stated, with 185hp, 385# of torque, with 35" tall tires, 3 speed automatic, 4.10 gears, at 65 mph. Now days it seems to take 350+ hp, 650# torque, 32" tall tires, 5-6 speed automatics, 6 speed manuals, 3.73-4.30 gears and I get passed all the time by those trucks running 75-80 mph. All the new trucks will handle the GVWR stated for said vehicle, how well it handles it depends on how much money you want to spend on said vehicle when purchacing. Just depends on what make, model and style vehicle you want!! They are all good, none better than the other.
Posted 2007-11-16 11:25 PM (#71379 - in reply to #71335) Subject: RE: Torque And Horsepower, When Is It Enough??
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Here's what you need......well not really, but why not dream...
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GVW: 33000 lbs
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Torque And Horsepower, When Is It Enough??
...well not really, but why not dream...
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