Towing 8600#, diff temp question.

[moore101]

I just got back from a 600 mile trip to Lake Havasu. The Titan ran great averaging 8.5 MPG towing a 8600# load.

I also got to try out my new techno-crap toy a handheld IR temperature reader. http://www.raytek-northamerica.com/c...l?cat_id=2.3.5

After about 100 miles of highway driving at 55-60 MPH I took some temps and the diff registered about 190 F. Made another stop after some hills and got a reading of 200 F. The readings were taken from the center and bottom of the diff cover right after pulling off the highway.

Now for the question: are the above temps ok?

Right now it's running the stock weight oil that was replaced at 3000 miles (5900 miles on the truck now with the 04 steel cover). I will make the switch to synth once I get the new PML large capacity diff cover in a month or so.

The truck did wonderful power wise and only had to downshift to 3rd a few times. On the way back there was a nasty headwind and in fourth gear the temp was rising on the tranny gauge to about 3/4. Dropping it into 3rd made the temp lower in about 30 seconds.

A great trip and yes the water is still cold!
What might an 8600# load look like you ask? Well here you go:

[Gladius]

I guess there'e no backing up for you huh? Scary thought.

[moore101]

Originally Posted by Gladius

I guess there'e no backing up for you huh? Scary thought.

I did a test backup while the rig was straight and got about 20 feet before the boat started to swing out.

[moore101]

This was my first trip ever with a setup like this. It was more stable that I expected and turning was no big deal. I would be fine taking this up to Shasta (a 10 hour drive each way).

[dav8or]

You've got too many toy's. If your single, get married: if your married get divorced. Either way it should fix the problem

[moore101]

Originally Posted by dav8or

You've got too many toy's. If your single, get married: if your married get divorced. Either way it should fix the problem

HAHA funny you should mention that, I just got engaged a week ago........

[QWIKWHIP]

Now that's a setup! Will you be my freind?? lol

[krh2]

Originally Posted by moore101

I just got back from a 600 mile trip to Lake Havasu. The Titan ran great averaging 8.5 MPG towing a 8600# load.

I also got to try out my new techno-crap toy a handheld IR temperature reader. http://www.raytek-northamerica.com/c...l?cat_id=2.3.5

After about 100 miles of highway driving at 55-60 MPH I took some temps and the diff registered about 190 F. Made another stop after some hills and got a reading of 200 F. The readings were taken from the center and bottom of the diff cover right after pulling off the highway.

Now for the question: are the above temps ok?

Right now it's running the stock weight oil that was replaced at 3000 miles (5900 miles on the truck now with the 04 steel cover). I will make the switch to synth once I get the new PML large capacity diff cover in a month or so.

The truck did wonderful power wise and only had to downshift to 3rd a few times. On the way back there was a nasty headwind and in fourth gear the temp was rising on the tranny gauge to about 3/4. Dropping it into 3rd made the temp lower in about 30 seconds.

A great trip and yes the water is still cold!
What might an 8600# load look like you ask? Well here you go:

Dont know if this helps but here it is. I temped mine after a trip to a local lake using the same method. Mine was 165-168. My boat only weighs 4k and I have changed the oil to mobile 1 75-140.

[moore101]

Thanks for the numbers. I will let every one know what happens with the new cover and oil.

Yes it is leagal in CA if you have your Commercial DL with the doubles endorsement, which I just got. Many other states too, some with no special requirements.

[MilesTeg]

Don't give up on backing up with two trailers. My buddy is a farmer and he can back up two trailers all day without any trouble at all.
I watched him in awe and asked him if he could do it with three trailers and he simply said...(add southern accent) "That's impossible."

[loufish]

I shot my rear temps with an IR Thermometer also. First time, stock oil, and just 2 bikes in the bed, after 90 miles I stopped in Mojave, 170 degs, I later changed to Redline synthetic oil, and did the same run withose same 2 bikes AND my off-road pop-up tent trailer(2400 lbs) temp was now about 200 degs.

I still think these temps are a little high for what I was towing, but felt a whole lot better knowing that I had a quality synthetic oil in the diff.

[Herbpov]

PML also makes larger capacity finned tranny covers too I think. Maybe we should look into one of them too for those that tow heavy loads. Hope we get a report from the Titan owner that they are test fitting the new diff cover on. Should be test fitted next week. 25+ orders now.

[Justintoxicated]

I got one of them IR thermometers too
they are sweet
Radio SHack Makes a really good one. I remember someone took it apart and it was a the same as a rebadged one that cost over 2x as much like $150, I got mine on sale for $40 The only difference was the $130 one had an LED that turns on when You push the button.

I think it's the first thing radio shack has ever made that was good

[stlblues]

Originally Posted by moore101

HAHA funny you should mention that, I just got engaged a week ago........

Run man, you got the means, RUN. I've been married 17 years.........RUN.

[stlblues]

I asked the Nissan parts guy about a finned dif cover like the 05s, he said he heard Nissan is going to replace the steel 04s with the finned model. Check with nissan in a few weeks.