3 gauge set for towing - Diesel Forum

slowflyer · 11-09-2009, 04:09 PM

Hi all,

I have searched the site and found a lot of info but I would like opinions specifically to which gauges to get with parameter ranges.

My truck (2005 F-250 6.0 Lariat, stock) used to be my daily driver but now only tows a GN horse trailer or a 10' dump. I know I need a trans. temp gauge and an EGT but am debating what other gauge to get.

I know that the common setup is TT, EGT, and Boost.

Question 1, The truck has a factory boost gauge. Is an aftermarket gauge more accurate or is there some other reason? 1.a, If I get a boost, what range should I get?

Question 2, If not a boost gauge, what would be the most useful third gauge?

Thanks

Strokin' 6.0 · 11-09-2009, 07:21 PM

To answer Question 2, I would say that, if you have a turbo gauge on your truck already, then fuel pressure would be my next choice.

Can't answer your Question 1, as the '04 models don't have boost, sorry. I'm getting Boost, Trans Temp and Pyrometer for mine and the boost will be 60psi...reason being that most companies give you a choice of 30, 60 or 100psi. I know my truck can never go higher than 30, but I like the aesthetics of 60psi....it's your preference.

lubbockguy1979 · 11-09-2009, 07:51 PM

my pref on a boost gauge is to get one that your not going to peg out. so for a 6.0 you would need a 60psi. on that same not when looking at gauges i would get a full sweep tranny gauge. it will let you know of small temp increases vs a short sweep that is more condensed. the factory trans temp gause is crap. the factory boost gauges is decent and will work mainly because the boost gauges is not as vital as other gauges. ill list the gauges that are specific to the truck and the benifits and let you decide on importance.

egt- this will let you know what temps your running. 1250* is pretty much the most you want to see sustained. most companies have 1500 or 1600* gauges.

fuel pressure- this gauge will let you know what kind of fuel pressure you have. this will be a vital since it is not avalible from the obd port and the computer cannot read it. you want to see at a very minimum 45psi and stay at 50+psi. if you start to drop in pressure it is a key sign that you either have a plugged fuel filter or a failing pump. if you start having pressure problems it is likely to start loosing injectors.

engine oil temp/ engine coolant temp- i put these together because on a stock truck they will be a great way to see how the truck is running. at operating temps they should be with in 15*. if they are off from that it often can signal you to a bad oil/egr cooler.

hpop gauge- these are pricey and not very common but will tell you what psi your hpop is running and the health of the pump. i probably wouldnt get one of these unless you are planning on alot of upgrades.

slowflyer · 11-09-2009, 09:08 PM

Thanks.

I wasn't near my truck earlier and could not remember but the stock boost gauge measures to 40psi. I also have trans. temp gauge but it just has a sweep with caution and overtemp marks at the top of the range (no numbers). Likewise, I have oil pressure and engine coolant gauges.

I am familiar with EGTs; very useful info. I hadn't thought of fuel pressure.

Lubbockguy, does the sender unit (thermocouple?) for the trans temp gauge replace the factory one, leaving a dead instrument in the dash or does it mount somewhere else?

lubbockguy1979 · 11-10-2009, 12:38 AM

there is a plug on the drivers side that is removed and a sender is put in its place. takes longer to wire it up. if you are hesitant go to diesel manor and they have a good install guide to get a idea for trans, boost, and egt. i know your not doing all of those but it gives you an idea