7'*18' V-Nose Cargo Trailer Toy Hauler Conversion

[flboy]

Needed new tires on the TV and I wanted a little larger all terrain 10 ply load range E tires for towing so I ended up having to get new wheels to accommodate. Then I decided to put on a 2 inch leveling kit up front. The Flowmaster muffler and K&N cold air intake arrive Monday. Besides looking forward to the new sound, I am hoping to improve gas mileage a bit. It has dropped off and I am thinking the muffler is rusting and getting restricted. Could be the catalytic converter also I suppose.. so I may end up replacing that too. We will see. The truck is a 2011 so things are starting to show the age.










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[hankaye]

flboy, Howdy;

Don, Nice set of wheels and sneakers. Get the same for the spare?
don't forget to re-adjust the hitch for your new (up graded),
set up. But you a smart fella, probably already did...

hank

[flboy]

Hi Hank. Thanks. I have not addressed the spare yet. I have one, but not the same size tire.

I am pulling the trailer around front to the driveway today to load up and get ready for Biketoberfest in Daytona next weekend so I will be adjusting the hitch height before I leave on Thursday.

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[McDave]

Looks Hot! I have always liked the sound of the flow master, kinda throaty but not obnoxious. Not sure how to check the Cat but I hear they do get clogged. Not required here but if you spend a lot of time idling in winter they help save mufflers and pipes from rusting out too soon.
Hey, have fun at Daytona. Don't forget the sunscreen. I'll just clean up the snow around here and wait for some pics. ....

McDave

[flboy]

Thanks McDave.

Finally modified my Kingpin Tire Chock to work with my existing dirt bike chock attach point. Not sure why I didn't do this sooner. It works great and now I can pull in without pushing the chock and I can eliminate the strap to prevent forward motion.

It slips right in. Used small bolts with two nuts. The bolt heads fit into the slots perfectly and the multiple chock crossmembers allowed me to pick the one so bike fits correctly. I may sink an anchor in the back to prevent rear motion since the chock locks the tire in. Then I will just need the two straps to shore up the side to side motion. Will make it easier to load and etc..

Ran out of time for the Solar panel expansion project this weekend. I have hookups at Daytona, so not needed for next weekend. Will try again when I return or at least before my next boondocking trip.











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[flboy]

Ok.. put a single anchor in the rear just to stop any slide to the rear. Very tight mount now and will detach in less than a minute.










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[McDave]

Yeah, I have the Pingle chock and they use similar floor mount system. Mine are installed reverse direction and a pin in the rear but I think six of one, half dozen of the other. Are those flushed in? If not, throw a rug over them so you don't stub a toe. Ask me how I know....

McDave

[flboy]

Yes.. the Flowmaster sounds great. Love that throaty V8 rumble. In any case, will let you know if that and the K&N make any noticeable difference in MPG when towing. I'd be happy with a solid 1mpg improvement.

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[McDave]

I looked into the Cat. issue and if you are not getting a code you are probably OK. They only "clog up" if there is some other issue, oil, water etc. in exhaust. But they can break internally and the matrix can shift into the wrong position and cut the flow suddenly. You would likely hear rattling noises in that case. I am gonna predict a modest 1.5 mpg improvement with the cold air intake and exhaust. Just remember louder exhaust can make us more aggressive as well as the improved throttle response and then you wind up with LOWER mpg. So a little discipline at first till you get some data, then enjoy the upgrade.


McDave

[flboy]

I looked into the Cat. issue and if you are not getting a code you are probably OK. They only "clog up" if there is some other issue, oil, water etc. in exhaust. But they can break internally and the matrix can shift into the wrong position and cut the flow suddenly. You would likely hear rattling noises in that case. I am gonna predict a modest 1.5 mpg improvement with the cold air intake and exhaust. Just remember louder exhaust can make us more aggressive as well as the improved throttle response and then you wind up with LOWER mpg. So a little discipline at first till you get some data, then enjoy the upgrade.


McDave

Thanks McDave. Getting no codes. Gas mileage overall has just gradually dropped by ~ 1.5 to 2MPG towing. I have done all the normal tune up stuff (new plugs, filters, injector cleaners, etc.) and so I am just thinking it is an aspiration issue. The truck runs great otherwise and only has ~79K miles. Around town mileage stinks anyhow as most of the time the truck is running it is going 0 mph at a light or stop and go.

I can see where this Flowmaster will drop my mileage however. Just like you said... I love the deep V8 growl and can't keep my foot out of it now!

In any case, I am towing the trailer up to Daytona this week, so I will have a very good idea if this made any difference other than a nice sound. I'll post up some pics of Biketoberfest. Kinda like a mini-Bike Week.

[hankaye]

flboy, Howdy;

You mentioned " Gas mileage overall has just gradually dropped by ~ 1.5 to 2MPG towing. "

Towing you said, , ok, added any weight since the last time you did an accurate fuel mileage
calibration ??? What about the truck's configuration, altered the height, suspension tires
with different rolling friction coefficient ... Just askin',

hank

[McDave]

If you can't find anything obvious as the cause of the issue, check to see if there is a nut loose behind the wheel. The steering wheel that is!
Seems to be a problem in every rig I own....

McDave

[flboy]

Hi Hank... I said towing because that is typically highway miles and I have a hard time discerning mpg around town as the traffic is always changing and etc.. It may have dropped around town some on average also. In any case, I have not changed anything until now with new tires (size and etc.) , leveling kit, intake, and exhaust. They payload on the CTC varies some, but usually hauling at least one Motorcycle and etc..

I think McDave may have it right. A loose nut behind the wheel! That could be the problem

[Padilen]

I did a Magna flow muffler, Mopar air intake, on my Jeep.
Even on a little 6, it was impressive. Sounding, very little actual improvement. I did Borla headers and dual exhaust on my V10. My Jeep actually sounded better. V10 always sound weak. I even call Mopar and said hey if you can make the Viper sound good fix the Pickup! I got a long technical lecture from an actual engineer.
For me, stock or modded. Doesn't matter, I have my family's affection. Peddle to the metal, gear jammer. I mean I payed for those ci,& cc, and the brakes. I therefore use them. Regularly. Not interested in those MPG #, I like the a heavy foot gets me.


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[flboy]

Haha. I lean that way also and expect I will get similar results. Got out the other load machine tonight to load up tomorrow A.M. Those 2 into 1 Cobra pipes on the 106 Cu. In. Vtwin sound pretty sweet too. Gotta put a shine on it before I leave.

=Fun!











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