Worrisome noise under load while towing.

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Fasttimes

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I’m currently on a road trip out to the mountains of NC pulling my travel trailer. Going up the increasingly steep roads is always stressful to the truck and to me knowing that your pushing that vehicle to the limit.

My 2010 Expy has 139k miles, but generally is in great shape and I’m on top of maintenance proactively. Prior to this trip had a new starter installed, tranny flushed and new filter, and fresh oil change and rotation.

So yesterday as we start to get into the steeper inclines and the motor is starting to hit the high rpms, 3000k-4000k, a new sound starts to appear. What I would describe as if someone took an electric drill and squeezed off a burst while laying the drill against the motor or tranny. It happened maybe 5-6 times, very short duration.

No clue what this could be. My concern is in a few days we have some more steep stuff and that this could be the warnings of something serious like timing chain, head gasket, or whatever.

Any thoughts or ideas? So far with trailer disconnected I haven’t heard the noise but I’m also not getting the truck under load like when pulling.
 

UTEngineer

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Sometimes at specific RPM’s you can induce a vibration that makes things like a heat shield rattle.

If your fluids are all good, no engine codes, etc. ... I would not worry too much about the noise.

But that is also why I carry the AAA Plus RV plan for $85 per year. Gives me piece of mind that I have 100 miles of towing coverage for both our tow rig and the travel trailer if sh-t happens.
 
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Fasttimes

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Yeah, I do have that same AAA plan as well. Tried to use it once a couple of years ago on a Sunday night burnt up axle bearing and they were less than helpful to say the least. With nothing open the wanted to two it wherever and drop it in front of the business. Wasn't the greatest option. Hopefully next time it'll go better.

Just imagining the nightmare of a total break-down with full trailer and 130lb dog in tow. Not sure of many Uber drivers or tow drivers that are going to want an agitated Rottweiler in their vehicle. Where am I towing the trailer? How am I getting the trailer back to FL if the truck is not easily fixed? Not sure if any rental tow trucks would be up to the task.
 

GlennSullivan

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That is always an issue when towing out of town / long distances. Especially if you break down in the evening or on a weekend when nothing is open. If your vehicle is going to be tied up for repairs, you can always leave both at the repair facillity and rent a car to get home then fly back to get it. Another option is rent a small uhaul with trailer capability and get your trailer, family and dog home, then fly back to get the truck when repaired.
 

mr_dave

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It could be something simple like the IWE solenoid and/or check valve. Mine used to make intermittent grinding noises especially when transitioning to uphill, but an easy $10 check valve fixed it. When it first happened I thought the timing chains were about to fly apart!


 
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Timo2824

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I had a catalytic converter start coming apart that would make some awful noise at above 3,000 rpms. I swore it was the flex plate, but while under the vehicle I kicked the cat and it rattled. Easy to check, but let it cool down first.
 
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