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Old 09-26-2010, 09:31 PM   #1
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Is a 5.4 enough?

I'm looking at a RB-30 4x4 with a normal set-up minus the propane that has a 5.4 triton motor. I live in the Sierra foothills will be using it to go up the hill much of the year (skiing, snow mobiling, 4-wheeling, mt. biking etc..). I was thinking the 5.4, while not the most powerful option, would be fine, but someone told me to expect 45 mph over the passes. I know more is better for this, but am I going to want to shoot myself with the 5.4 while towing two sleds up the hill?

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Old 09-27-2010, 04:26 AM   #2
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

Quote:
Originally Posted by POWHNTR
I'm looking at a RB-30 4x4 with a normal set-up minus the propane that has a 5.4 triton motor. I live in the Sierra foothills will be using it to go up the hill much of the year (skiing, snow mobiling, 4-wheeling, mt. biking etc..). I was thinking the 5.4, while not the most powerful option, would be fine, but someone told me to expect 45 mph over the passes. I know more is better for this, but am I going to want to shoot myself with the 5.4 while towing two sleds up the hill?
Seems that 45mph is a universal constant for SMBs going over mountain passes with any motor. I visit the sierras often and 40-45mph is typical when pulling the steeper grades.

The 5.4 has been around for eons and is a very proven/reliable motor with plenty of power to do what you describe. A buddy has a 5.4l in his salem kroger 4x4 conversion and he pulls a 19ft loaded toy hauler all over the country with no trouble. If that is the only question mark in your mind about the van, IMHO I wouldn't hesitate.

R
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Old 09-27-2010, 08:09 AM   #3
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

Quote:
Originally Posted by EMrider
Quote:
Originally Posted by POWHNTR
I'm looking at a RB-30 4x4 with a normal set-up minus the propane that has a 5.4 triton motor. I live in the Sierra foothills will be using it to go up the hill much of the year (skiing, snow mobiling, 4-wheeling, mt. biking etc..). I was thinking the 5.4, while not the most powerful option, would be fine, but someone told me to expect 45 mph over the passes. I know more is better for this, but am I going to want to shoot myself with the 5.4 while towing two sleds up the hill?
Seems that 45mph is a universal constant for SMBs going over mountain passes with any motor. I visit the sierras often and 40-45mph is typical when pulling the steeper grades.

The 5.4 has been around for eons and is a very proven/reliable motor with plenty of power to do what you describe. A buddy has a 5.4l in his salem kroger 4x4 conversion and he pulls a 19ft loaded toy hauler all over the country with no trouble. If that is the only question mark in your mind about the van, IMHO I wouldn't hesitate.

R
Thanks EM. I don't need to do 70, but I don't want to be that westy guy in the slow lane holding up traffic either.
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Old 09-27-2010, 10:55 AM   #4
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Is a 5.4 enough?

I have the v10 and I do only a tad bit better on those grades. Towing my boat around the same as you. Maybe it's the gearing or weight of the
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Old 09-27-2010, 08:13 PM   #5
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

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Originally Posted by jlrray
I have the v10 and I do only a tad bit better on those grades. Towing my boat around the same as you. Maybe it's the gearing or weight of the
Smb
Thanks for the insight. I would guess the weight is the major factor.
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Old 09-27-2010, 10:07 PM   #6
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

See also: viewtopic.php?f=39&t=5288
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Old 09-27-2010, 11:40 PM   #7
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

Or this:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5035
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Old 09-28-2010, 01:37 PM   #8
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

Thanks for posting the other threads... very helpful.
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Old 10-05-2010, 05:37 PM   #9
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

FWIW: Stock E350, 5.4L, 4R75 trans (.71 OD), 3.73 rears, 265/75R16 all terrains.

I just came back from a 600 mile trip, pulling a pop up trailer. Total weight was 10,500#. The 5.4 L did just great over some of the steepest hills in B.C. 8-13% grades for 12+ miles. Just to see what it would do, I left it in cruise up the Coquahalla (Hwy 5) even at the steepest place (13%) it held 60 MPH no problem only getting into 2nd near the top at about 4000 RPM. Peak output is at 4500 RPM so I guess I could have pushed it a bit more.

I'm not saying that driving like that is good or bad, but it certainly was not straining at anything. The ambient temperature was in the 70's (?) T-shirts and shorts weather but not Southwest hot by any means. Fuel economy was 13 MPG, probably 60-70 % mountain driving for the whole trip.
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Old 10-05-2010, 08:11 PM   #10
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Re: Is a 5.4 enough?

Great info guys, thank you. I looks like I shouldn't be worried about it. From what I've been reading, it seems like a bomber motor as well.
Gettin closer....
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